Buying your first car: a checklist

Start with the whole budget, not just the price tag

The purchase price is only one part of the cost of your first car. Before you look at a single listing, work out a realistic total budget that includes insurance, vehicle tax, fuel or charging, servicing, an MOT if due soon, and a reasonable buffer for unexpected repairs. New drivers often spend most of their budget on the car itself and are then caught out by an insurance quote that is far higher than expected.

A cheap car that costs a fortune to insure or repair is not actually cheap. It is worth getting rough insurance quotes for a shortlist of cars before you commit to viewing or buying any of them, so the numbers guide your decision rather than surprise you afterwards.

Decide what you actually need from the car

Think honestly about how you will use the car. A short daily commute on quiet roads has different needs from long motorway journeys or regular motorway driving for work. Consider running costs, boot space if you will carry equipment, reliability if you cannot afford frequent repairs, and insurance group if your budget is tight.

It is easy to be swayed by appearance or a good story from a seller. Write down your genuine requirements first, then judge each car against that list rather than against how it looks in a photo.

• Realistic daily and weekly mileage.
• Type of roads you will mostly drive on.
• How much space or carrying capacity you actually need.
• Your appetite for maintenance and repair costs.
• Insurance group and running costs that fit your budget.

Checks to make before you view a car

Before travelling to see a car, do some checks from home. Ask for the registration number and use it to check the MOT history on GOV.UK, which shows past test results, mileage and any advisories. This can reveal recurring problems or a mileage discrepancy that is worth asking about directly.

It is also sensible to check whether the car has outstanding finance or has been recorded as stolen or written off, since buying a car with hidden finance or history can leave you badly out of pocket even if you bought it in good faith. Several commercial services provide this kind of vehicle history check for a small fee.

• MOT history and advisories on GOV.UK.
• Outstanding finance on the vehicle.
• Whether it has been recorded as stolen.
• Whether it has an insurance write-off history and its category.
• Number of previous keepers and service history if available.

What to check when you view the car

View the car in daylight, ideally in dry weather, so you can see the bodywork clearly and check the tyres properly. Walk around the car looking for mismatched paint, panel gaps or rust, which can suggest previous accident damage. Check the tyres for even wear, adequate tread and no visible damage, and check all lights, indicators and the horn work.

Inside the car, check that the mileage on the dashboard is consistent with the service history and MOT record, test that seatbelts, mirrors and controls all work properly, and look for any warning lights that stay on after starting the engine. Ask to see the V5C logbook and check the seller's name and address match, or ask clear questions if they do not.

• Bodywork: paint match, panel gaps, signs of rust or repair.
• Tyres: tread depth, even wear, no cuts or bulges.
• Lights and indicators: all working correctly.
• Dashboard warning lights: none should stay on after starting.
• V5C logbook: seller's details match, watermark present, no obvious tampering.

Test driving safely and sensibly

If you are a new driver, only test drive a car if you are properly insured to do so, and take someone experienced with you if possible. Some sellers or dealers will insure the test drive themselves; always confirm this before starting the engine, rather than assuming it is covered.

During the drive, listen for unusual noises, check the brakes feel firm and even, check the steering does not pull to one side, and try the car at a range of speeds if it is safe and legal to do so. Do not feel rushed by a seller standing nearby; a genuine seller will understand you want to check the car properly.

1. 1Confirm insurance cover for the test drive before starting the engine.
2. 2Check the brakes feel firm and the car does not pull to one side.
3. 3Listen for unusual engine, exhaust or suspension noises.
4. 4Test the clutch bite point if it is a manual car.
5. 5Check visibility, mirrors and comfort of the driving position.

Paperwork and payment

Only pay once you are satisfied with the checks above, and use a payment method that gives you some protection where possible, such as a bank transfer with a clear paper trail rather than large amounts of cash with no receipt. Get a written receipt showing the date, price, registration number, mileage and both parties' details.

You should receive the V5C logbook, or the new keeper section if buying from a private seller, so you can register yourself as the new keeper. Keep any service history, previous MOT certificates and receipts, since they help with future maintenance decisions and can support a claim if a problem arises.

1. 1Agree a final price and get a written receipt with full details.
2. 2Take the V5C logbook or new keeper slip to register yourself as keeper.
3. 3Arrange insurance to start before you plan to drive the car away.
4. 4Tax the vehicle in your name via GOV.UK before driving on public roads.
5. 5Keep all paperwork together in case of a future dispute or sale.

Timing it around your driving test

Some learners buy a car before passing their test so it is ready to drive as soon as they qualify. That is sensible in principle, but be careful about spending money on a car before your test date is confirmed and your instructor is happy with your progress, since plans can change and you do not want financial pressure affecting your test preparation.

At Fast Track Driving Lessons, intensive courses run from 10 to 40 hours at £61.23 per hour, and free theory test practice is available at /theory. Sorting your car, insurance and tax in good time, alongside solid lesson progress, means that once you pass, you can focus on driving confidently rather than scrambling with paperwork.