It is the opinion of many that the two most important material possessions an adult can ever have are, first, their passport and, secondly, their driving license.
Both documents afford the owner, within the confines of legality, unlimited freedom, the most coveted and crucial thing to anyone. If you have either just passed your driving test or else are steadily preparing for the big day, then continue reading for a beginner’s guide to owning and affording your first car.
Have Realistic Expectations
You may well have been waiting for this moment for years and dream about owning a car to suit your personality that will make your friends proverbially green with envy.
Owning and running a car, however fancy or basic, is unfortunately incredibly expensive and so you must stick to your budget and lower your expectations. Things to look out for in an affordable car include:
- A smaller engine
- A newer model
- Low emissions
- Diesel rather than Gasoline
- A hybrid or indeed electric engine
Insurance is Absolutely Vital
It is an absolute legal requirement to have insurance from an established insurance broker Montreal as soon as you purchase the car. Literally, the only exception to this rule would be if you were to immediately going to declare your car off the road, but presumably, there would be no need to do this if you intend of driving it.
The type of car insurance you commit to will be more expensive depending on how comprehensive the cover is. The main elements of an insurance policy include the area you live in, your driving history, the age and type of your vehicle, and your age.
Consider a Used Car
If you are in the incredibly fortunate position of having enough cash saved to buy your car outright or else a family member is helping you, then a new car is certainly a viable option.
If not, or else you are looking to stick to a sensible budget, then you should definitely consider buying a used car, especially for your first motor vehicle. When shopping around for a used car, there are so many potential pitfalls that most, unfortunately, more people up and down the country are scammed and oversold than the reverse.
One of the most crucial things to always remember when buying a used car is that you should book a viewing appointment prior to making a commitment.
Always check the quality, make and model of the tires, and the thickness and durability; ideally, give each tire a thorough once-over for snags, rips, and slow punctures. Other key components of a quality, regularly serviced, and generally thoroughly looked after used car include minimal patches of rust, matching materials and finishes on the wing mirrors, and the cleanliness and overall condition of the interior.
Additionally, you must always ask to take a test drive in any used car, as indeed a brand new one, before you sign on the proverbial dotted line and be sure to ask the owner any questions you may have.