Buying your first car is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There's a lot to think about beyond just the car itself — insurance, tax, MOT, running costs, and a long list of things that can go wrong if you don't do your homework.
This checklist covers everything you need to know before and after buying your first car.
Before you buy
1. Set a realistic budget
Your budget isn't just the purchase price. Factor in:
- Insurance — This is often the biggest cost for new drivers. Expect to pay £1,000–£2,500+ per year depending on the car, your age, and your location.
- Road tax (VED) — Varies by vehicle. Some cars cost nothing; others cost hundreds per year. Check before you buy using our tax checker.
- Fuel — Budget roughly £100–£200 per month depending on how much you drive.
- MOT — Around £55 per year (the maximum fee), plus any repair costs if it fails.
- Servicing — At least one service per year, typically £150–£300.
- Tyres, brakes, and wear items — Budget £300–£500 per year as a contingency.
A car that costs £3,000 to buy might cost £4,000–£5,000 per year to run. Make sure you can afford both.
2. Get insurance quotes first
Before falling in love with a specific car, get insurance quotes for it. Insurance for new drivers is expensive, and the difference between models can be enormous. A car in insurance group 3 might cost £1,200 to insure, while a similar car in group 15 could cost £2,500+.
Generally, the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers are:
- Small engine (1.0–1.2 litre)
- Low insurance group (1–10)
- Not modified
- Common makes with cheap parts (Vauxhall, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota)
Our guide to car insurance groups explains how the grouping system works and which cars are cheapest to insure. Get quotes from comparison sites before you commit to any car.
3. Run a vehicle check
Before you go to see any car, look up the registration number. A free car check will show you:
- MOT history — Has it been well maintained? Any recurring problems?
- Tax status — Is it currently taxed? What will it cost to tax?
- Mileage records — Does the mileage history add up, or are there signs of clocking?
- Vehicle details — Does the advert match the official records?
This takes two minutes and can save you from a wasted trip — or worse, buying a problem car.
The free check covers the essentials, but it won't show whether a car has outstanding finance, has been written off, or was previously stolen — records that sit in private databases rather than the free feeds. On a first car it's worth knowing these are clear before you hand over your savings, and a paid history report such as a carVertical report (from £16.79 with our 20% discount, code freeplatecheck) covers them. It's optional, but a sensible step on any car costing more than a few hundred pounds.
carVertical provides and sells the report; we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
4. Check the MOT history carefully
The MOT history is your best window into how a car has been treated. Look for:
- Regular annual tests — Shows the car has been used and maintained consistently
- Advisories that get addressed — A good sign of responsible ownership
- Frequent failures — A car that fails every year has been neglected
- Mileage progression — Steady and consistent is what you want
A clean MOT history doesn't guarantee a perfect car, but it's a strong indicator of how the previous owner looked after it.
5. Inspect and test drive
When you see the car in person:
- Check the bodywork for rust, dents, and mismatched paint
- Look at the tyres — tread depth, even wear, matching brands
- Start it from cold and listen for unusual noises
- Test drive on different roads — listen for knocks, check the brakes, feel the steering
- Check all the electrics — lights, windows, wipers, heater
If you're not confident assessing a car yourself, take someone who knows cars, or pay for an independent inspection (£100–£200 from the AA or RAC). The test drive section of our buying guide covers exactly what to look and listen for.