Looking to buy your first car is among the most exciting experiences that you’ll encounter in life. It represents newfound freedom, financial independence and the start of your journey to your dream car later down the line. But it can be difficult to manage your expectations and know exactly what you are after if you haven’t bought a car before. Therefore, in this article we will take you through some of the more important factors to consider when searching for and choosing your first car.

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Cheap to insure

One of the most significant elements you should plan for is your insurance cost on your first car. Premiums for first-time drivers are ridiculous and they can equal or even exceed the annual cost of your car. With other prices such as fuel at an all-time high too, it’s more important than ever to choose a first car that will be on the cheaper side to insure. Typically, smaller, less powerful and cheaper cars will cost less to insure because they represent a smaller risk on the road.

Trusted dealer or seller

Where you buy your car from is also an important factor to consider, particularly as private marketplaces continue to grow in popularity. You’ll want to ensure that you are buying a car with all the necessary checks, certificates and servicing history because the last thing you’ll want is your first investment to end up costing more in repairs or even breaking down completely. Trusted and established dealers are usually best if you’re looking to buy a used Citroen, for example. You may be able to get a better deal with a private seller, but you’ll have to weigh up the risks especially since it’s your first big purchase.

Low running costs

Another consideration should be running expenses. With the cost of living rising, you won’t want to be stuck with a car that you can’t afford to fill up or run every month. Running costs encompass anything that you need for the car to drive on UK roads – including road tax, fuel, servicing, MOTs and others. A car with good fuel economy, usually those with smaller engines, can save you hundreds per year or more on fuel costs alone. Consider reliability too, as you don’t want to be taking your car in for regular repairs.

The right size

Finally, your first car should be appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you do a lot of city driving, a smaller car will be easier to drive and park in more confined spaces. You may feel uncomfortable or less than confident driving a big car on the roads whilst you are still quite a new driver, so find a car that you’re sure you can control comfortably.