What to check before you buy, so you don’t get caught out.
Buying your first car is exciting, but it’s easy to get caught out. A few simple checks before you hand over any money can save you a lot of trouble.
The price of the car is only part of the cost. Insurance, tax, fuel, servicing and repairs all add up. For new drivers, insurance can cost more than you expect, so get quotes for the exact car before you buy. Read your first car insurance as a new driver.
Use the MOT history check on GOV.UK with the car’s registration number. It shows past MOT results, the recorded mileage at each test, and any problems found. A mileage that goes down, or a long list of repeated problems, is a warning sign.
Vehicle tax doesn’t transfer when a car is sold, so you need to tax it before you drive it. You can do this online using the reference number on the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the logbook.
Want some help with confidence after your test? Our refresher lessons cover the roads and situations you’re unsure about. Give us a call on 0800 048 7098.
Sources: GOV.UK: Check MOT history, GOV.UK: Vehicle tax changes, Tax your vehicle.
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