Buying Your First Car After Passing Your Driving Test

Passing your driving test is a huge milestone. For many new drivers, the next exciting step is buying a first car.

It can also be one of the first major purchases you make, so it is worth taking a little time before deciding what to buy.

The cheapest-looking car is not always the cheapest car to own. Insurance, fuel, servicing, repairs, tyres, tax and general maintenance can all make a big difference to the true cost of running a vehicle.

For newly qualified drivers in particular, it is often worth getting an insurance quote before committing to a car. Two vehicles with similar purchase prices can have very different insurance and running costs.

Look beyond the advert

A car advert only tells you part of the story.

Before buying, look at the vehicle’s history as well as how it appears on the day.

Checking previous MOT results can be useful, rather than looking only at the most recent one. Repeated advisories for tyres, brakes, suspension or corrosion can give you an idea of how the vehicle has been maintained and what may need attention in the future.

It is also worth looking at the recorded mileage between MOT tests. Sudden or unusual changes do not automatically mean there is a problem, but they may give you something to ask the seller about.

The number of previous registered keepers can also provide useful context. Several owners over many years is not necessarily unusual, but if a vehicle has changed hands repeatedly over a short period, it may be worth finding out why.

Service history matters

Mileage is only one part of the picture.

A higher-mileage car that has been serviced properly and looked after can sometimes be a much better purchase than a lower-mileage vehicle that has been neglected.

Ask when the car was last serviced, whether any significant repairs have recently been carried out and whether the seller knows of anything likely to need attention soon.

It is also sensible to check whether a vehicle has previously been written off or has outstanding finance before committing to the purchase.

Check the car itself

Don’t feel pressured into making a quick decision.

Take a proper look at the tyres, bodywork and interior. Make sure the dashboard warning lights behave normally when the car is started and listen for any unusual noises.

If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, taking someone more experienced with you can be useful.

Think about how you’ll actually use the car as well. For a first car, something relatively simple, economical and affordable to maintain will often make more sense than spending your whole budget on the newest or most powerful car you can afford.

And don’t rush into buying the first one you like.

Compare several examples of the same or similar models. Looking at different prices, mileages, ages and histories will quickly help you understand what represents good value.

Compare before you buy

One useful tool for this is BumpyGoat, a UK car marketplace and vehicle research website.

When comparing used vehicles, BumpyGoat can help you look beyond the advert itself. Alongside cars for sale, you can view information such as MOT history, previous advisories, estimated running costs, potential issues and similar vehicles.

That extra information can help you build a better picture of the car you are considering before handing over your money.

Online research should complement, rather than replace, your own checks, the seller’s documentation and, where appropriate, an independent mechanical inspection.

Take your time

Your first car does not need to be the newest, fastest or most impressive vehicle you can afford.

It needs to suit you.

It should be affordable to insure and run, reliable enough for the journeys you need to make and comfortable enough for you to continue building experience and confidence on the road.

A little research before buying can save a lot of money and frustration later.

And remember: passing the driving test is not the end of learning.

The first few months of independent driving are where you begin putting everything you have learned into practice without an instructor sitting beside you.

Safe driving starts here… but learning never stops.

— Scott, Driversity

Note: Driversity is listed on BumpyGoat, and this article includes a link to their vehicle research platform. No payment has been received for this inclusion.