When buying your first car there are several things to consider. Your finances, driving ability and intended destinations should all factor into your choice of car, and here we'll run through the basics just to get you started!

This is never a fun question to answer, but how much can you actually afford to spend on a car? Having a frank discussion with yourself about money matters is the first step to driving happy. There would be no joy in purchasing a car you can't afford, only to have to return it soon after. Budgeting your insurance, fuel, and car costs beforehand is essential. There is a fantastic range of Vauxhall cars to suit any budget, and you can find more here. The ADAM is the perfect small car for those who want to add a personal touch to their new car and starts from only £99 per month, and the Corsa, the staple for many first time drivers, is even more affordable at only £29.99 per week! If you'd rather budget further, buying a used car may be the way forward. All Peter Vardy used cars are subject to a 114-point inspection, and all of our cars are prepared to an industry-leading standard. This takes the worry out of buying a used car, as you'll know that it's in the best shape possible before it leaves our showroom! Find our full range of used cars here. The next thing you might like to consider is your confidence as a driver. This affects the size of car you'll be happy driving, as a less confident driver may prefer a smaller engine size to start them off. Corsa engine sizes vary from 1-1.7L, and they come in both 3 and 5 door options, so it's entirely up to you to decide what type of car you'd like! The ADAM also has a choice of engine sizes, and its compact size means there'll be no dramas about parking it once you get it home. Fuel economy can also be a big consideration for first-time car buyers. If you're going to be doing long distances then a diesel car may be the perfect option for you, or if you fancy more miles for your money then an ecoFLEX Corsa may be right up your street. The ecoFLEX range is designed to give you the best fuel economy possible, and it's always nice to spend as little time at the petrol station as possible. However, if you aren't too fussed about getting the most mpg and want a bigger engine, the VXR range of Corsas are absolute show-stoppers. If you want a hot hatch, look no further. With bespoke sports styling, Recaro seats and a central exit exhaust, this model will definitely prompt a few jealous looks. Another factor which can affect your choice of car is its insurance banding. New, and especially young, drivers can be hit very hard by high insurance premiums, so it's important to know where you stand beforehand. The insurance bandings for the Vauxhall ADAM range from group 2 to group 8, and the Corsa starts at group 2, which can be a reassuring feature for young drivers. To avoid being in a position where you insurance costs more than your car, do your research and shop around for the best deals available. Keeping all these details in mind, you are officially ready to buy your first car! Driving is an experience like no other, and the freedom it affords is the reason why so many of us take to the roads as soon as possible. We hope you enjoy it!