Buying your first vehicle or buying a car for your child is a momentous occasion in anyone's life. However, there are a lot of concerns both from young drivers as well as from their parents. There is the cost of the car to consider, ongoing maintenance as well as car insurance quotes to sort through before any purchase is made. While many young drivers may want the fastest, most expensive cars, they will usually be under a tight budget.

This means that many young drivers are also buying second hand vehicles which come with their own inherited problems. If they are lucky enough to be able to purchase a new car (or have a parent do it) then they will have a lot more coverage from any faults in the car due to new car warranties. However, if second hand cars are the only option then careful research will make it less likely that you are buying a lemon.

Licence First!

So when do you get a new driver their first car? It is difficult to say and it depends on the driver's and parent's budget. It is common for learner drivers to drive around in the family car first before buying their own car. If you will have a learner driver in the family car make sure your car insurance is up to date to avoid any additional excesses if the learner driver is involved in an incident..

Going Car Shopping

It is easy to get carried away when looking for a first car for yourself or for a family member. It is important to have a set budget before you head into the car lots or start speaking with private sellers. This will assist with short listing vehicles that fit your budget.

If you are unsure about a car you can get an independent mechanic to look the car over before purchase. This won't be necessary for new vehicles (as they are under warranty) but older vehicles can have a lot of hidden problems. If you have to buy a used car it is important to look at the mileage and if the vehicle has any log books as this will give you an indication of how often it was serviced.

Maintaining a Vehicle

Once you have purchased a car there are the joys of maintaining the vehicle. This will mean regular minor and major servicing as well as any repairs that pop up. It also requires that you look after your tyres by checking how worn they are and making sure they are always inflated to the correct PSI.

While major maintenance on your first vehicle should be carried out by a professional, there are instances where you can keep your car in good health on your own. This means checking fluid levels such as water, oil, power steering as well as transmission fluid. It also pays to listen to your car as any pings and rattles can be indicators for future problems and should be referred to a mechanic.

Good luck with purchasing your first vehicle!