You\u2019ve passed your driving test! If you managed it first time, well done. If it took you a few attempts, that\u2019s a bit embarrassing, but it doesn\u2019t matter. The important thing is, you passed, and you can start looking for your first car. The chances are, you haven\u2019t got a huge amount to spend, so you need to shop around and make sure that you get the best car for your money. Remember that you are going to have to insure it as well, so don\u2019t blow all of your cash on the car, otherwise it\u2019ll be sitting in the garage for months while you save up to insure it. If you\u2019re a bit unsure about choosing your first car and getting it insured<\/u><\/span><\/a>, here are a few tips to help you along the way.<\/p>\n

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Funding Your Car<\/b><\/p>\n

You might be in a position to buy a car outright, but after spending months paying for driving lessons and tests, it is doubtful. It isn\u2019t likely that you\u2019ll get a decent car with the cash you\u2019ve got, but there are plenty of funding options out there. If you lease a car,<\/u><\/span><\/a> you can get a brand new one straightaway, and pay monthly payments on it. You won\u2019t actually own the car, but it will be replaced every few years, so you\u2019ll always have a good runner. A personal contract purchase (PCP) is another option. It is the same as leasing a car, but when it comes time to replace it, you have the option of buying your current car at a reduced price. If you want to own your car outright, without having to lease it, then you could consider a bank loan, but beware of high interest rates.<\/p>\n

Insurance <\/b><\/p>\n

When you are organizing your funds, you\u2019ll need to factor in the cost of insurance. Don\u2019t be too hasty if you\u2019ve found a car that you like. Get some insurance quotes before you agree to buy, otherwise you might end up buying a car, only to find out that you can\u2019t afford to drive it. There are a few good ways to reduce the level of insurance that you pay. One way is to make sure that the car you buy has a good alarm system, and a fairly small engine. You can also complete a defensive driving traffic school online<\/u><\/span><\/a>, this will prove that you are a safe driver, making insurance companies more willing to give you a lower rate.<\/p>\n

What To Buy<\/b><\/p>\n

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For your first car, you should try to get something with a smaller engine. It will be cheaper to run and your insurance bill will be a lot more manageable. At this stage, it might be better to look at used cars, which are much more affordable. An old Honda Civic <\/u><\/span><\/a>is a good choice. You can pick one up for around $5000 and it should last you a good few years, as it is one of the most robust cars on the market. It is also one of the most popular cars in the world, so having it repaired is fairly cheap and easy. The Volvo S40<\/u><\/span><\/a> is another good choice. It kicks out a respectable 168 horsepower, and it is one of the safest cars available, which is always a plus for first time drivers, as it will keep insurance costs down.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve passed your driving test! If you managed it first time, well done. If it took you a few attempts, that\u2019s a bit embarrassing, but it doesn\u2019t matter. The important thing is, you passed, and you can start looking for… Continue Reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":843,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n