Buying your first car
Thursday 31 March 2005
Once you have passed your test, or even before, buying your first car is a very exciting prospect.
If you have not yet passed your test, make sure that before you get behind the wheel of any car you have a provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional licence online at Directgov or visit your local post office to obtain the D1 form.
GirlMotor.com, one of the UK's leading online car insurance companies, specialising in young, female drivers, give us their top tips to make sure your purchase is the right one for you.
Think about it
Don't buy something that is too big, too small or too impractical and expensive to run. Think about the kind of car you would like and is best for you before you start to look. Try not to buy on impulse and don't let anyone pressure you into deciding before you're ready.
Money money money
How much you want to pay is different from how much you can afford, because you need to take into account things like insurance and other running costs. Even if you're lucky enough to be purchasing a new car, you need to take other factors into account as well as the purchase price, such as number plates and tax.
Cold light of day
Always view a car in daylight; you can miss faults in artificial light. Things to look out for externally include: signs of crash damage, signs of a respray, uneven tyre wear, original number plates and rust. Run a magnet over the body panels to check for body filler and be ruthless. If viewing a car privately, arrive early to catch them out and check that the seller actually lives at the given address.
Check the papers
The vehicle must have a V5 registration document and all the details should be right, like the colour, engine and number of doors. The name and address of the registered keeper should match those of the seller and things like the handbook, security paperwork and spare key should be present. You should also check that the VIN plate (usually stamped on the driver's door sill or under the bonnet) matches the details on the logbook and MOT certificate.
Mile high
The UK average private mileage is 10,000 miles per year and if a vehicle varies a lot from this either way, it should be reflected in the price. It's hard to know if the mileage is genuine but checking for the condition of the driver's seat and pedal rubbers as well as smoke when revving the engine can help.
Take the test
Always take a test drive that is at least ten miles long including town driving, a dual carriageway and a faster 'A road'. The drive should be straightforward and comfortable. If it isn't, don't just assume it's 'one of those things'; it means there is something wrong. If something bothers you after ten miles, how might you feel after 10,000?
History lesson
Don't expect a full service history on an older car but a car two to five years old should have one. Also check when the MOT runs out; a genuine seller should not mind putting a car through a new test as a condition of the sale and the final price can be negotiated around the faults. You can also bargain for the cost of a new tax disc if it's about to expire.
Place your bid
Haggling is quite difficult but is essential in this industry, whether you're buying new or used. Add up all the faults on a used car and knock them off the price, as well as a bit more. Start off bidding ?500 less than they are asking, more if you feel confident. You might want to ask your parents or an older friend to do this bit, or at least be present while you reach a price you want to pay.
Still not happy?
Even by following our guide you might find that you're unhappy with your purchase. Your next course of action depends where you bought the vehicle and the length of warranty if there is one. It's a lot easier to replace or repair a car bought from a used dealer or a new car than from a private seller, because you have to prove that the seller knew there was a problem at the time of purchase and a trip to court may prove inevitable.
For more information and advice visit www.girlmotor.com
