Six tips for picking the perfect first car

Buying your first car is an exciting time. From picking up your new vehicle to making it uniquely yours with seat covers and stickers, the whole experience is one you’ll never forget.

However, in the midst of all that emotion and excitement, anyone can get carried away. While your heart might be drawn to that one fancy Mercedes-Benz, your wallet and the law might pull you back. Here are some key things to keep in mind when starting the search for your very first car to own.

There’s a plethora of vehicles out there, and when buying your first car, you’re spoilt for choice! Start by asking family or friends what they bought or considered for their first car and look at what you’re naturally drawn to.

Take a moment to establish your likes and dislikes – this will help narrow your search and ensure you’re getting the most out of your first car. Create a list.

If you like certain cars or brands for a particular reason, trust your instinct and figure out why you like them. Do you love something like a Suzuki Swift because it’s small and easy to drive? Do you want a hybrid with low fuel consumption? Do like Skoda wagons to put your surfboard on?

Read up on the law. I cannot stress this enough. As much as I would have loved to drive a Golf R, as an eager provisional driver the law says no.

The law is different in each state and territory, so research the correct information before beginning your car search. Try and build your (current) dream car around what the law allows you to drive.

The car-buying world is massive. From dealerships to second-hand selling platforms, there’s a car for sale anywhere and everywhere. Before jumping in headfirst, decide what you want from your vehicle.

Take a moment to establish your own criteria – it will help you find the perfect match. Are you a tech lover and want CarPlay or sat-nav, or need a little hand with your parking and want sensors and a camera? Do you want a seven-seater because you’re adopting the morning school drop-offs?

Establish a strict budget for both the initial costs (buying the vehicle) and maintenance and insurance costs. Paired with your trusty criteria, you can narrow down the long list of available vehicles to find the right car for you.

And remember, it’s always good to have extra money left over – you will need it for your insurance and yearly car expenses.

Buying your first car doesn’t need to be a solo journey. While it’s an exciting experience, it can be overwhelming and stressful at times especially when you head out for inspections and test drives.

If you have a family member or a few friends who have bought a car before, bring them along for the ride. Not only will they help ask the right questions, but act as a sounding board for your concerns, likes and dislikes of each car you come across.

You might find the car of your (current) dreams, but it may cost a fortune to insure! Consider vehicles that firstly, have a selling price that doesn’t max out your entire budget, and secondly, are easy and affordable to maintain and insure.

Insurance increases every year and jumps up in price when you move from your Red Ps to Green Ps, so keep an eye out for affordable insurance quotes. Most insurance policies also include higher excess for drivers under 25 years old.

Whether you’re purchasing a brand-new car, or a second-hand vehicle, insurance is non-negotiable, especially as third-party insurance is mandatory.

When writing your pros and cons list for comprehensive car insurance, source different insurance quotes for different vehicles and compare the prices. Ask family and friends about their experience with finding insurance claims and see what’s affordable and manageable for you.

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