First car? Keep this in mind when buying your first car

Time to buy your first car? Great! Here's our best car-buying guide with everything you need to know.

For many, buying a home is the biggest deal we make in life, followed by buying a car. If you're buying a car for the first time, you'll probably feel a little extra nervous. But take it easy. We'll take you through the decision, step by step.

Step 1: Think through your needs

Which car is right for you depends of course on who you are and what you expect from a car. For some, brand, design and color are important, but most prioritize functionality and practical features. For example: If you drive many miles in your daily life but have limited charging options, a small gasoline or diesel car with low fuel consumption might be the best fit for you. However, if you have the opportunity to charge at home, at work or somewhere else, a rechargeable car might be the car you should invest in. Remember that the car should meet the needs that you actually have in your daily life, not in extreme cases. In this way, you will not only keep costs down but also reduce your impact on the climate.

Step 2: Set a budget

Before you start looking at different car models, it is important to make a budget, so that you are sure that the car purchase really fits into your finances. Keep in mind that in addition to the purchase cost, there are ongoing costs for tax, fuel, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Also, don't miss the hidden cost of depreciation. This is especially important if you are buying a brand new car, since a car's value decreases most in the first few years.

Step 3: Buy from a car dealer/car broker or private individual

Once you have decided which car to buy, the next decision is where to buy it from. When you buy a car from a car dealer, the Consumer Purchase Act applies. If the car is not in the condition stated in the contract or in the car's documents, you can complain about the purchase. However, if you buy the car directly from a private individual, the Purchase Act applies instead, which provides less protection. The fact that many car dealers are affiliated with industry organizations that set quality requirements for their member companies is also something that many see as a sense of security. It is also not uncommon for car dealers to provide, or be able to offer, guarantees. Another advantage is that you can get help with financing. A common arrangement with car loans is that you pay 20 percent of the total value as a cash deposit and borrow the remaining 80 percent. An alternative to buying your car and financing with a car loan is private leasing.

Step 4: Check and test drive the car

So you've found a car you want to buy? Great! But before you sign the papers, it's a good idea to check and test drive the car. If you're buying from a dealer, it's possible that they've already done this, so take a look at the documentation from that check. Checking the car is something you should always have in the habit of as a car buyer, regardless of whether you're buying from a private individual or a car dealer. You can find out how Kvdbil 's vehicle technicians test drive and test the cars on over 170 points here .

Step 5: Writing on the papers

Now all that remains is the formalities before you can call yourself a car owner. A purchase contract must be signed and the car must be registered in your name, and then it's done. If you go to a car dealer/car broker, signing the contract and changing ownership is something you will usually get help with (for example, we at Kvdbil take care of all the paperwork for you). But if you buy from a private individual, an agreement needs to be written about what applies to your particular car dealership.

Step 6: Insure the car

Before you get behind the wheel of your new car, you should make sure that the car is insured. You must at least have motor third party insurance, according to the Traffic Injury Act. Motor third party insurance compensates for personal injuries and property damage that you have caused with your car (e.g. if you hit another vehicle or into a fence). Partial insurance provides slightly stronger protection. In addition to motor third party insurance, this also includes theft, fire, glass, all-risk, machinery, rescue and legal expenses insurance. However, if you also want to be protected against damage that occurs to your car where you yourself have been at fault, you need comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance consists of both partial insurance and vehicle damage insurance. When you buy a car from us, 7 days of Kvdbil Försäkring are always included, which we have developed in collaboration with Söderberg & Partners. This way, you are safe from the first trip.

Good luck with your car purchase and drive carefully!