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Buying a car for the first time is an exciting experience as it opens up a new world of freedom and opportunities.
Instead of relying on other people for transport, having your own car allows you to go where you want and when - but it all starts with buying the right car.
You’re spoilt for choice nowadays, as there’s so many different makes and models available, not to mention choosing between EV, hybrid, or a traditional petrol or diesel engine. Adding to this is the decision between a new or used car, which can be largely dependent on your budget.
Combining all of these factors and buying a car for the first time is a big decision. That’s why we’ve compiled your complete guide, ensuring you buy not only the car that you want, but also a car that meets your budget, expectations, and driving needs.
As a family-run retailer selling both new and used cars, we meet first time car buyers all of the time. We understand how important this decision is and we’re guiding you through the process end-to-end.
Before diving into buying a car that piques your interest, consider these factors to make sure you're buying something that really meets your needs.
Having a stylish car is one thing, but making sure it’s fit for purpose and is reliable, is another story.
Everyone’s budget is different when buying their first car, and that’s absolutely fine.
Whether you're working with a monthly spend or have a bit more wiggle room, Pulman has a range of options to suit you.
Across our network of dealerships, we stock both new and quality used cars, including various different brands and trims. Even small differences in a car’s age, spec or mileage can have a big impact on the cost, and our experienced sales team is on hand to guide you through it. They help customers find the right model for their needs and budget, advising on the options available and what they mean in terms of monthly payments.
Of course, it's worth having an idea of your ideal spend before you start looking.
You could try breaking down your monthly income against your regular outgoings to get a rough idea of what you could comfortably put towards a car.
However, we can also talk you through different finance options to help you make a confident, informed choice.
Once you know your budget, you can start researching different cars. Maybe you’ve already got a particular make or model in mind, or you might want to explore a few options.
A great place to start is by browsing car review sites, comparison tools, and trusted dealer websites like Pulman to get a good feel for what’s out there.
But the best way to really understand your options, is to pop into one of our dealerships. Our team can talk you through the different models, explain any finance options, and arrange a test drive so you can experience the car for yourself.
It’s important to note that as you do your research, you’ll probably notice deals for leasing a car. This option is generally cheaper than buying a car as there's less upfront costs, however you’ll still need a downpayment amount. Plus you won't own the car when the lease is up which is another perk of buying your own car.
The decision between a new or used car is largely based on personal preference and budget. If you have a dream car in mind but you can’t afford it new, buying a used version can be a great option.
At Pulman, we offer a range of both new and approved used cars, including ex-demo. These nearly-new models often come with low mileage and are packed with spec, but with a much lower price tag. It's another way to get more for your money without compromising on quality.
‘Used’ doesn’t mean unreliable, as many used cars are nearly new and have plenty of life left in them. Furthermore, you have so much choice when it comes to preowned cars, giving you a greater chance of finding something you love by broadening your search.
Approved used car schemes offered by manufacturers and reputable dealers give you peace of mind. These vehicles are usually under three years old, have low mileage, and go through rigorous checks before being sold. Any faults are put right before the car is sold, so you're getting a vehicle that's in great condition.
What’s more, when you buy from a dealer rather than a private seller, you benefit from greater protection under the Consumer Rights Act, meaning you have legal recourse if something goes wrong after your purchase.
At Pulman, we have a range of new and used cars allowing you to browse hundreds of different brands to find something that suits you best.
When buying a used car, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy from a dealer or a private seller.
While private sales can be tempting as they might offer lower prices, buying from a reputable dealership is often the safer choice.
The key difference lies in the legal protection as mentioned above, as when you buy from a dealer, you're covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This ensures the vehicle must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. In contrast, private sales offer far fewer consumer rights if something goes wrong.
Dealerships add value in other ways too from vehicle inspections and repairs, to warranties and finance options including Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), helping you spread the cost. You may also have the option to part-exchange your current car, taking the hassle out of selling it separately.
At Pulman, we take this trust one step further with the Pulman Promise, founded on four key principles: family-owned values, a commitment to outstanding customer experience, a price promise, and an express experience.
When buying a car for the first time, you’ll often find that your insurance quotes will be higher than someone who's been driving for several years.
This is down to several factors including your age (particularly if you’re under 25, due to statistically higher accident rates), the fact you haven’t built up any no claims discounts, lack of driving experience, and lack of credit history.
Fortunately there are a few things you can do lower your car insurance quote such as:
Also the longer you drive without having an accident, the more no claims discounts you’ll build which will lower your car insurance each year.
To compare car insurance quotes and to make sure you’re getting the best deal, there are various website including:
Your credit score is a measurement of financial trust in the eyes of lenders. It is calculated based on your history of borrowing and repaying money to show lenders that you can manage your finances.
It takes numerous factors into account such as your payment history, the amount of debt you still owe, new credit inquiries, and the types of credit you currently use. All of this is designed to show lenders how likely you are to make your repayments on time.
When buying a car for the first time, your credit score is important as it helps lenders decide if they’ll approve your financing application and also what interest rate you’ll receive. For insurance, a higher credit score means better loan terms and lower interest rates.
To improve your credit score there are a few things you can do such as using a credit card and paying it on time, keeping your credit utilisation low by not maxing out your cards, and avoiding applying for multiple new credit accounts in a short amount of time.
There are a few steps to tick off when getting your first car road-ready, from sorting the paperwork to checking the car’s condition.
When you buy from Pulman, we handle most of this for you, so you can focus on enjoying your new car.
Knowing what to look out for when buying a car for the first time helps you choose more wisely.
From deciding between new and used, to doing your research on different makes and models, to securing the best loan agreement, we hope we’ve helped you feel more confident about your choice.
Something we’ve covered in detail is where to buy your first car i.e. from a dealer or a private seller. At Pulman, we’re proud to be a family-run, local dealership with over 25 years of experience. Our friendly team can advise you on the best car that not only meets your budget but also makes you feel good about driving.
