BUYING YOUR FIRST CAR - A GUIDE FOR FIRST TIME CAR BUYERS

First of all decide how much you can afford to pay for your first car. Not just the sum for the car itself but also the running costs - insurance, MOT, road tax, petrol, repairs and servicing.

With a figure in mind consider what category of car you want your first car to be in. As new drivers this is likely to be a small car or maybe small family car.

Now with a model and price in mind you're ready to shop. So what are the option when it comes to buying a first car?

Franchised dealer - usually better quality used cars but at higher prices. Good after sales services and assistance. Buying from a franchised dealer gives you maximum legal protection. Of course dodgy franchised dealers exist so look for an established company with a good reputation. Ask family and friends for recommendations. A Good option when buying a first car.

Independent dealer - often a wide variety of potential first cars at lower prices. However variable used car quality and after sales service.

Auction - potential to pick up a first car bargain. However inconsistent quality and some dodgy cars. Often no chance of a test drive and little chance of financial comeback if the used car develops any serious faults. To get the best out of a car auction it is best to go with someone who knows about cars. Your usual legal rights may not apply if the seller issues a disclaimer, i.e. 'sold as seen', which excludes all or some of those rights. Read the auctioneer's conditions of business carefully to check whether this is the case.

Test Driving A Used Car is Essential
When you do, make sure you're insured to drive the car you're about to test drive! Always start the engine from cold. If the engine has already been warmed up you won't get to see if there are any cold-start or cold-running problems. The printable checklist has a test drive section of things to look out for when test drive a used car.

Once you have completed the road test park the car, let the engine tick over, open the bonnet up and check for the following

Water or oil leaks
Engine rattle or other odd noise
Black or blue smoke coming from the exhaust which will indicate a badly worn engine
Grey smoke coming from the exhaust which will indicate water leaking into the engine

To check the car's identity hasn't been changed check-
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number - found under bonnet, under the driver's seat, on the chassis or etched onto a window or sunroof) for signs of tampering. All examples of the VIN must match exactly. If you see areas of glass scratched off windows, head lights, tail lights or a sun roof, or if you see stickers concealing altered etching then be suspicious and walk away from the deal.

To make sure the car isn't stolen or a ringer make sure
There's a valid V5 registration document with watermark, number plate, VIN and engine numbers matching those of the car, name and address of the seller, no spelling mistakes or alterations.

Alternatively TWOK.co.uk lets you do a free check to see if a vehicle has been reported stolen

First Car Safety
As new and young drivers you road experience is limited. You are far more likely to be involved in an accident then an experienced driver. So when buying your first car it is wise to buy a car that has as many safety features as possible. Look out for

Air bags - designed to cushion your body during a crash. Driver and front passenger airbags are common. Side and rear passenger airbags are less common.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) - under heavy braking ABS prevents the wheels locking up. This allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time giving better control and decreases the chance of skidding.

Traction control - this automatically monitors the amount of traction (grip on the road) that your car tyres have. If it detects any loss of traction then it automatically acts to counteract it.

Active head restraints - provide better protection from whiplash than standard head restraints.

Crumble zones - protect the occupants of a car by absorbing the energy created by a collision.

Euro NCAP star rating. This is an overall measure of how the car performs in a crash. You should aim to buy a car that has been given for or five stars.