Your Life

Buying a Vehicle

When you’re thinking about buying your own vehicle you need to remember that there are extra costs involved, not just for the car/motorcycle itself but for running it as well.

The main things you need to think about for budgeting are:

  • Petrol or Diesel
  • Maintenance costs (servicing costs, oil, new tyres, spark plugs, batteries etc)
  • Road tax (this is much cheaper for a motorcycle than it is for a car)
  • Insurance (costs vary so it's well worth shopping around)
  • MOT (the yearly test that a car/motorcycle has to pass to prove it's still roadworthy)

This is not to mention the cost of your bangin' car stereo system or leathers and lid for your motorcycle.

Buying a vehicle can be a very costly experience so make sure your budget will cover all the costs above as well as buying the vehicle in the first place.

If you don't really need a vehicle and can use public transport to get around it will be a lot easier on your pocket and much kinder on the environment (and if all else fails there is also walking and cycling to get you around which keeps you fit at the same time!).

Top 10 tips for buying a car

  • 1. Budget Carefully – Make sure that your budget includes insurance and road tax.
  • 2. Get Quotes from insurance companies for several models – You may find that different models or engine sizes will reduce your insurance bill.
  • 3. Shop around – Look at several different cars from more than one seller so that you have a choice.
  • 4. Look for a dealer whose cars have been part inspected by a motoring association – Or choose a dealer with a quality checking scheme.
  • 5. Watch out for hidden extras – Make sure any special features, delivery charges etc are all included in the price.
  • 6. If you’re part exchanging, price your car realistically – Get an idea of your car’s value according to its age and mileage.
  • 7. Haggle! – But don’t forget your budget!
  • 8. Read the warranty conditions before you sign – You may need to fork out for routine checks to ensure that the warranty is valid.
  • 9. Don’t be pressured into buying! – Walk away if you are not completely happy.
  • 10. How can you tell if the car is dodgy? - Some organisations, for a fee, will give you detailed information about a car. Most of them will be able to tell you whether a car has been reported as stolen, written off by an insurance company or is the subject of an outstanding finance agreement.

The organisations mentioned in point (10) above can often tell you what is registered on the national mileage database, whether the MOT is genuine, what the registration date was, who the previous owners have been and whether it has had any registration (number) plate changes. If you belong to a motoring organisation ask them whether they offer this service or look in car magazines for suitable organisations.

Alternatively get in touch with one of the following:

  • AA/Experian (Car Data Check) - Tel 0800 234 999 or 0870 600 0838
  • Carwatch UK Limited (Vehicle History Check) - Tel 0870 010 7899
  • HPI Limited - Tel 01722 422422

The DVLA operates a vehicle check service. It is a premium rate telephone service and calls are charged at 49p per minute. Tel 0906 185 85 85 (confirms date of first registration, colour and engine capacity).

The DVLA helpline – 0870 241 1878 – can tell you whether a vehicle registration document is genuine. There is no charge for this service.


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