Buying your first car

Buying your first car is a really exciting time – and so is the independence that comes with it. You can hit the road when you feel like it, rally a spur-of-the-moment road trip with your mates, and best of all you'll never have to wait for a bus, train or tram ever again!

But, before you drive off into the sunset, there are a few things you should know about before buying your first car. It pays to know what to look out for and to understand all the associated costs involved.

Choosing The Car That's Right For You

Being realistic is really important when considering the type of car to buy. Perhaps your dream car would make James Bond himself jealous, so you may have to tone down the fantasy...

1.  What is your budget?

You will most likely be looking to buy a used car for your first set of wheels, however if you have the budget for it, new cars can offer certain advantages such as a full new-car warranty, reduced maintenance costs and you get to pick the colour of your car as well as any added extras. As you are likely to be constrained by a budget, try not to get sidetracked by cars outside of this limitation. Your budget must also take into account some of the easily forgotten costs such as transfer fee on purchase, insurance, annual registration, and maintenance costs including servicing, tyres, cleaning and, of course, petrol!

2. What will your car be mainly used for?

You'll also need to consider how you will be using the car. For example, if you are mainly zipping around the city, a large SUV probably isn't going to be the best option for you. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the engine the more it will cost up front and in running costs.  In fact, for young drivers, V8 or turbocharged engines are not permitted in some states. Smaller cars are generally much more economical.

3. Do your research

By now you probably have a particular make and model in mind, so make sure you research all aspects of owning this car. Some cars might seem cheap to buy, but can cost a bomb to maintain, or may even have specific reliability issues. Also consider whether you are looking for a manual or automatic (manuals tend to be cheaper), safety features, how many kilometres the car has done, and does it have a full service history. All of these things can affect the buying price.

When searching for your first car, online is generally the best place to start. At carsales.com.au you can research and compare cars in the comfort of your own home. carsales has over 200,000 new and used cars online, as well as the latest automotive news and reviews. The carsales.com.au editorial team test-drive and review everything from compact cars to large off-roaders, providing unbiased reviews on each car. carsales reviews cover all the key details including safety, technology and, not least of all, fuel economy.

4. Shopping around

It goes without saying that being well researched is vital to making the correct choice. It's important that you don't make any decisions if you are feeling pressured. Unlike a new pair of jeans, you can't just take back a car if you change your mind. Most importantly don't be afraid to ask questions. If somebody is asking a much cheaper price than everyone else, ask why. And remember, if it seems too good to be true it generally is.

Here are some things that you should take note of when checking out a car:

Ride Quality - Drive the car on a number of different road surfaces. Test it on the kind of roads you expect to drive every day.

Transmission - If driving a manual look for a smooth gearshift and clutch action. If testing an automatic, how are the upshifts and downshifts? There should be no abrupt jolts or lurches during these automated shifts.

Handling - How well does the car react to changes in direction? Does it feel stable and controllable? Do you feel you could avoid an accident if you had to? Does the steering feel precise with no excessive motion?

Braking - Really use the brakes. Make sure they slow you in a straight, controlled manner. Brake softly and then aggressively to test the car's reaction to sudden braking input. Remember to warn passengers before doing so and be sure to check for other cars around you.

Noise - Listen for excessive engine, interior, tyre and wind noise with the windows up and down. If the car is equipped with a sunroof, open it and listen. Do this under normal driving conditions to ensure noise levels are suitable.

Parking - Parallel park the car to check for blind spots or any difficulty identifying the corners of the car.

5. Buying the car

Once you've found a car you're interested in it's likely that it will be through one of the following three options.

Buying from a licensed dealer has many advantages.  A dealer car is also more likely to be prepared for sale in a roadworthy condition and you will have ample opportunity to inspect and drive the car prior to making your decision. Dealers are also subject to much tougher laws than private sellers, including statutory requirements to provide a warranty, depending on age and mileage of the car.  In most states, a 'cooling off' period is allowed for and the dealer also guarantees title, which takes the risk out of buying a stolen car or one where finance monies are still owed. The downside is you can pay a little more for this peace of mind.

Some things to consider when buying from a dealer:

• Check the fine detail of a statutory warranty and confirm what is, and isn't, covered.
• Once you've taken the car for a test drive and checked the car's documentation, you can request a full mechanical inspection.

Cars sold privately can be a bit cheaper, but you need to do the running around to ensure the car is legitimate. You also don't get the benefit of a statutory warranty or a cooling-off period. You'll have to check things like registration, whether the person selling you the car has the right to do so, and if the car has been written off by the authorities. It's a good idea to go with somebody who knows their stuff.

Some things to consider when buying from a private seller:

With over 200,000 cars to choose from, you can find Australia's largest selection of new and used cars for sale at carsales.com.au, from both dealers and private sellers.

An auction is another cheaper alternative however there are greater risks, so it's not a place for the inexperienced. In some states, vehicles bought at auctions will have barely any paperwork. Also keep in mind that it is highly unlikely you will be able to test drive an auction car before the bidding process begins.

Some things to consider when buying at an auction:

For more detailed advice on buying a car and what your rights are as a buyer, check out the carsales.com.au Help Centre.

Good luck with buying your very first car and enjoy all the memories that will come with it!