Buying your first car is such an exciting time. And with so many options available to you it can be easy to lose sight of what is important when making a car choice.

So what should you keep in mind when choosing your inaugural vehicle?

1. Define your budget

Set your budget before going too far into your car research. Work out how much you can comfortably afford including additional costs like insurance, mainenance and running costs. Shop around to see what will work for your budget.

2. Thoroughly research makes, models and styles

Take the time to look at what is available within your price range. Do you want a cheap to run hatchback or do you want to adventure on the weekend with a 4×4? Don’t just look at prices and specifications, also seek out independent reviews of vehicles to see how they are for reliability, on-road experience and any number of other unforeseeable factors.

3. Finding the right one

So now you’ve narrowed down your search to a couple of models that you think will be a great first car. How do you know which one to pick? There’s no exact science to choosing the right used car. Take into consideration the age and condition of a car, how many kilometres it’s done, any dodgy aftermarket modifications, if it has a roadworthy certificate, do a VIN check to see if it’s currently under finance or has been written-off. Also consider an independent mechanic inspection to check things that only a trained professional could pick up on. Best of all, get the opinion of someone who is knowledgeable about cars.

4. Negotiation and Paperwork

Negotiation is one of the hardest parts about buying a car. Often bringing along an older family member or friend can stop a seller from taking advantage of you. Make sure that you fill out the correct paperwork from the Department of Transport to ensure that the vehicle ownership is transferred correctly.

Congratulations! That’s all there is to it! Enjoy the new found freedom of your first car!