Gaining your driving licence opens up exciting opportunities for you. And if you’re buying your first car, it also raises lots of questions.
Questions like what kind of car would suit you best? Like what kind of money you’re looking to spend? Not forgetting expenses such as insurance and running costs. We’re here to help you ask the right questions and find the right answer.
Obviously, budget will play a big part in your decision-making – and we talk about that below – but you also need to consider how you’ll be using your car. Will you be driving your car every day or just at weekends? Do you live in the town or country? What sort of mileage will you do?
Plus of course you’ll have lifestyle considerations. For example, if you have three children and a large dog you may need a bigger car. Especially if you’re also a keen cyclist! From compact city cars to Estates and SUVs, Škoda offer a wide range of vehicles, both new and used.
• Used cars are cheaper than new cars of the same model.
• A used car can generally be found to suit any budget.
• You won’t have to wait for your car to be delivered.
• If you buy from a Škoda Plus Approved Used retailer your car will have been given a 100+ point workshop inspection and a road test. It will also come with 12 months’ warranty, a free MOT test and one year’s roadside assistance.
• You can choose the colour, trim and extras that you want.
• Your car with have that model’s latest technology.
• You’ll have no worries about how the car has been looked after by previous owners.
There are various ways to buy your first car including cash purchase, car finance and personal loans, but however you do it, you need to do your sums properly.
How much can you afford to pay up front? And how much can you budget for each month – including car insurance, road tax and running costs like fuel, maintenance and MOTs? It’s essential that you plan ahead and don’t stretch yourself financially.
When it comes to insurance there are so many variables. These include factors like the car you’re insuring, where you live and your age. Unfortunately, as a new driver, you won’t have a track record of not claiming, and this is likely to affect your premium. It’s worth shopping around but please make absolutely sure you have sufficient cover.
Whether you passed your test recently or a while ago, the most important part of driving is driving safely. Here are a few tips to help you.
• Avoid distractions. Whether you’re in city traffic or winding country lanes, it’s essential you stay focused. No fiddling with the radio or sweet wrappers. And never forget, it’s both illegal and highly dangerous to use a hand-held mobile while driving.
• Stay calm. An angry driver is a dangerous driver. Always avoid confrontation and if you are upset by an incident pull over somewhere safe and take time out.
• Remember the 2-second rule. Always leave enough space between you and the car in front to stop safely if they brake suddenly.
• Take extra care driving in the dark. While learning, you may not have driven at night. It takes a little getting used to, so always drive cautiously.
• Prepare for motorway driving. As a learner, you won’t have driven on a motorway. Different skills are required, so it may make sense to book a motorway driving lesson.
• Understand and use your car’s safety features. Modern cars often feature a range of safety features. Skoda’s, for example, provide a number of Driver-Assistance Systems to help you drive as safely as possible.