Everything you wanted to know to help you choose the right car.
1. Your First Car
Before rushing out to buy your First Car as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence or passed your driving test, ask yourself do you really need a car? If you decide that you actually do need a car, assess what you need it for and if there are any practical restrictions on you – space, parking, etc.
Here are some points you should consider.
- What do you need a car for – work of leisure?
- Will you be mainly making short trips around a town / city or long haul trips across the county? Think about an automatic or manual model if you’ll be doing a lot of driving in traffic, or diesel versus petrol if you’ll be making long journeys regularly.
- Engine size is a factor in running a car; this also affects the cost of insurance and road tax, so think about what you can afford. How much can you spend on petrol a month?
- Are there parking restrictions where you live?
- How much space will you need? Will you need space for extra passengers or sports equipment?
- When will you be using the car – day time, night time or at weekends?
2. Money Money Money
Cost is the most important factors when purchasing your First Car. Before you begin your First Car journey take into account the cost of buying, insuring, taxing, servicing and running a car, decide what you can spend and stick to your budget!
Remember bigger engines mean bigger insurance premiums, higher motor tax and guzzle fuel!
3. Running your First Car
Insurance is probably going to be the most expensive outlay after the initial purchase of your First Car, so make sure you factor this in to your budget. Run your details through FirstCar.ie for a competitive quote.
New Motor Tax rates were introduced in January 2008 based on the C02 emissions produced by the car. Small engine, electric and hybrid cars produce the least pollution so have the lowest motor tax rates. FirstCar.ie have provided a Motor Tax to Engine Size Calculator – check it out!
Consider servicing costs, if your First Car needed some new parts would they be easily found and inexpensive to replace?
4. First Car TLC
If your First Car is to run properly and problem free it will require some TLC from you. This means regularly oil, water, brake fluid checks and having your First Car serviced every 10,000 miles (this is usually once a year).
Spending a few minutes every week will ensure that you First Car runs smoothly and you avoid running into expensive problems! Check out FirstCar.ie’s Top TLC Tips!
5. Buyer Beware!
Remember caveat emptor when embarking on your First Car journey!
To ensure you are buying a quality used car with a warranty buy your First Car from a reputable car dealer, if any problems arise there will be someone available to help you.
Here are some sites you may find useful:
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