Tips to help you choose your first car

Buying your first car is an exciting milestone. It’s also a big expense, so it’s important to choose wisely. With so many options, the choice can feel overwhelming. The key is to focus on your budget and needs.

• Set a realistic budget: Be sensible about what you can afford. As this is your first car, it’s okay to start small. Remember that other than the purchase price you need to consider the cost of fuel, insurance, licensing, maintenance, routine servicing and potential repairs.

• Consult a financial expert: If you need to, chat with somebody who can take you through the various repayment options, finance terminology and implications of depreciation and interest rates.

• Research: Take some time to research suitable car options within your budget. Weigh up the pros and cons of buying a new or a used car. A new car offers peace of mind with a warranty and the latest features, but a used car often provides better value for money. Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member who knows something about cars to offer their opinion and act as a ‘voice of reason’.

• Used car considerations: You’ll want to know whether the car you’re considering buying has been looked after or has any damage. So, try to obtain information on the car’s history and service record. Get a trusted mechanic or professional vehicle assessment service to assist you with an inspection of the car. Also, using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), check whether the vehicle has been listed as stolen or written off, either by asking the South African Police Service (SAPS) or using online databases.

• Consider your lifestyle: Think about your driving habits. A small, fuel-efficient car may be ideal for city commuting, while an SUV might be better suited for road trips or outdoor activities. You also need to think ahead and visualise what your future driving patterns are likely to be, whether the distances you might drive require added fuel efficiency, and whether you plan on keeping the car long-term, when future family requirements may necessitate a larger vehicle.

• Prioritise reliability and safety: Research models known for reliability. Also, features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and driver-assist technology can make a big difference. Make sure the car offers sufficient safety features for your requirements, particularly if you will be using it to transport your loved ones.

• Compare and test drive: View stock on dealership websites, visit various car dealerships, and compare features and prices before making your final decision. For a used car, check the book value of the make and model you are interested in buying and compare it to the offer. Be a little wary of an offer that appears too good to be true. Never skip the test drive. It’s the best way to see if the car feels comfortable, handles well and meets your requirements.

• Tracking unit: Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll want to make sure that you enjoy many happy journeys together. Consider installing a vehicle tracker, to care for and protect not only your car, but you and those closest to you.