So you’ve passed your Driving Test? You’re super excited, you know it can be expensive, but the right car and a good deal is out there… you just need to look for it! 

Buying your first car, is an exciting time, you know what you want, you have the financial backing of the bank of Mum and Dad (or finance options) you now need to do some research and you’re on way to your first car.

Ok so let’s start with a dose of  realism. What car you want, may be out of your reach, so you need to consider budget and research how to stick to it!

Above all, you will need to be driving a safe and reliable car that will help you get more experience on the road before you chuck that realism out of the window when you buy your next car! But let’s focus on your first car…

Buying Your First Car – Step 1

We mentioned it before… budget. budget, budget.

Below are the other essentials (on top of the price of the car) which need to be paid for… and try not to get distracted by those nice little extra options, as these will soon make the car expensive!

  • Road tax. Unless you’re buying an electric car, one older than 1973, or one that sits in band A in the Vehicle Excise Duty, then you’ll have to pay!
  • MOT test. Any car older than three years has to have an annual MOT test to check and maintain its roadworthiness. Some dealers often have deals to start you off
  • Car insurance. This can be expensive, especially if you’re under 25 years old, so consider your options carefully.
  • Fuel. Depending on how much driving you do… this soon adds up!
  • General maintenance. Don’t forget there’s things like a legal tyre tread limit that you must adhere to (again your car dealer may be able to help you with this).
  • Finance. There are many options to help you – check this out.

Buying Your First Car – Step 2

Now you know what sort of budget you have, the next question…where do you buy from? 

Many people choose to use recommendations from friends or family as to where to buy a car. You can go to car dealers who will always have a wide range of used cars. You could even check your local area for private sales or even attend an auction. Research is the key here and of course…what’s right for you.

At Triple SSS Cars, we recommend that you have someone ( be that a good friend or parent) to help advise you if the car is right for you, a second pair of eyes and good value for money is always a good idea.

Buying Your First Car – Step 3

Now, what car do you buy? 

Remember, you’re sticking to that budget, right? Smaller engine sizes can work out much cheaper, and at the moment petrol cars tend to be cheaper than diesel. You’ll also pay extra if you want an automatic car, these are all valid things to consider.

Auto Express regularly review the top ten best first cars for new drivers, and this is what they suggest for 2019:
1. Volkswagen/Skoda Citigo/SEAT
2. Ford Fiesta (link to Triple SSS listings)
3. Kia Picanto
4. SEAT Ibiza
5. Volkswagen Polo
6. Hyundai i10
7. Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108/Citroen C1
8. Dacia Sandero
9. Suzuki Baleno
10. Vauxhall Viva

Buying Your First Car – Step 4

Check it over before buying! At Triple SSS we encourage you to come down to Southampton and take a look…its great to get a feel for the car, meet us at Triple SSS and have a chat about what you want from your first car…It’s also a great opportunity to check tyres, oil, the engine, the mileage, gadgets, and the overall condition to make sure that whatever car you’re considering to buy, that you take it for a test drive first! That way you can see how well it drives and gain some piece of mind

Buying Your First Car – Step 5

Seal the deal! At Triple SSS we offer the competitive prices, but there is at times room to negotiate, but remember to be friendlyJ. We can also help with finance, warranties and even part exchange.

And our final bit of advice…Before driving away your first car, you’ll have to make sure your car insurance is in place!