How to choose your first used car wisely?

The essential criterion for choosing your first car is your budget. This will determine whether you’re looking at a new or used car. However, it's not just about the purchase price. You also need to consider taxes and insurance costs, which vary based on the vehicle’s value, power, engine size, and CO2 emissions. To minimize these costs, the vehicle’s value should not be too high, its power should be reasonable, and ideally, it should be low in emissions.

Depending on your budget, you may need to consider different financing options. Not everyone has the luxury of paying for a vehicle outright. Various types of loans are available, as well as new leasing options, even for used cars. This leasing often includes the cost of maintenance, insurance, taxes, and sometimes even winter tires. However, be aware that with leasing, the vehicle does not belong to you.

Secondly, consider what you'll be using the car for. Will you need to transport equipment or a stroller? Will you often be driving alone or with passengers? Will you primarily drive in the city or elsewhere? The answers to these questions will help you choose the right category for your car: city car, sedan, station wagon, SUV, utility vehicle, coupe, convertible, 4x4, etc.

Once you’ve identified the type of vehicle, you can focus on the engine type. The right choice of engine also depends on how you’ll use the vehicle, your estimated annual mileage, and the type of journeys you’ll make. A diesel engine is suitable for frequent highway driving with an annual mileage over 40,000 km. Gasoline engines are better for shorter trips. Additionally, if your budget allows, hybrid or electric engines are less polluting and thus less taxed.

If you live in a low emission zone (LEZ), make sure your engine is recent enough to be allowed access. Whether or not you can enter an LEZ depends on the vehicle’s Euro emissions standard.

Once you’ve answered all the previous questions, your search can begin. Remember to compare, take your time, and consider: will I buy from a private seller or a professional? Buying from a private seller is cheaper, but purchasing from a professional provides legal guarantees. Additionally, it is through professionals that you can explore options such as private leasing, for example.

In any case, if it’s a used car, it’s very important to test drive it. Why? To check its condition, to ensure there are no unusual noises, and to verify that the driving behavior is correct. Additionally, to make sure you feel comfortable inside. During the test drive, also pay attention to the overall exterior condition and request the maintenance history (as well as the Car-Pass, which guarantees the actual mileage). A well-maintained car is less likely to cause you problems.

You will gain experience driving your first car, and minor dents or light accidents are not uncommon. Therefore, don’t invest in a car that is too expensive or too powerful.

To ensure the engine stays clean, pollutes less, and lasts longer, consider using "Bardahl 5-in-1 Cleaner." This additive, to be added to the tank when you refuel, should be used once or twice a year or every 5,000 to 10,000 km, depending on your driving habits.