Making the Right Choice: Buying Your First Car

Recent surveys seem to suggest that too many first time drivers are choosing their first car for the wrong reasons. Now that summer has arrived, more and more first time drivers are beginning to think about buying a car, but in an alarming survey of first time drivers, Girl Motor has found that how a car looks is more important that the general soundness of the car.

The survey of newly qualified drivers revealed:

. 78% of drivers chose their first car because friends had the same make or model.
. 81% of young women drivers chose their first car on colour alone.
. 76% of young drivers ignored parental guidance when making the purchase.
. 65% of drivers had no formal mechanical check of the vehicle before purchasing.

David Harlow, Managing Director of Girl Motor.com urges all drivers not only to ensure their vehicle is insured, taxed and MOT'd, but to check its road worthiness.

David Harlow comments:

"I am a great campaigner on the current issue of un-insured motorists. As a result, I felt it prudent to investigate how young drivers choose their first motor vehicle. The survey InsureYourMotor.com carried out was highly revealing. Too many young drivers are ignoring standard safety and road worthy checks when they purchase their first motor vehicle, basing the decision on aesthetics".

Follow the Girl Motor guide to buying a second hand car when buying your first motor vehicle.

. People sell cars for one of a number of reasons. They may have genuinely out grown them or is there something wrong?

. Always try to take either a qualified mechanic with you or someone that has a good sound mechanical knowledge.

. Conduct a brief all over inspection, covering: body work, wheels, tyres, interior trim, boot, engine bay, engine and any suspicious areas such as under carpets and boot linings.

. Does the mileage match the condition? Be sceptical.

. Check the car's paperwork and service history. If there are too many repair or service bills this may not necessarily reveal it's been well looked after. Too much work will indicate the car may merit a more detailed inspection. If it does, contact the AA or RAC who will conduct this for you.

. If you find something suspect, check it out. For instance, if you spot a new rear bumper, the car may have had a rear-end accident, so look for signs of damage buckling underneath the car, filled or badly re-sprayed panels, crumpled panels in the boot and so on. Also ask the owner about it.

. Check all paperwork: Vehicle registration documents, MOT, Road Fund Licence and ensure the car has an HPI test. Your insurance company can do this for you.

. Check the service manual. Has it had all its regular services at the correct intervals? If so, has it been serviced by a main dealer?

. When test-driving the car, get a second party who has mechanical knowledge to drive the car also. Do not go on your own euphoric gut feel alone.

. If you are fixed on a particular model of motor vehicle, view several examples before you make your choice. After viewing a number of examples you will have a feel for what is acceptable condition and price for the year.

. If the car looks too good for the money, the chances are it is. Get a feel for the kind of car your money should buy.

. If you have any doubts at all don't buy.

Date - 15/09/2006