Passing your driving test is a huge milestone, but buying your first car can be just as daunting.
Many new drivers have never bought a vehicle before. They often don’t know what questions to ask, what warning signs to look for or how to judge whether a car is genuinely a good buy.
That’s why I created the poster below.
A simple guide for first-time buyers
The aim wasn’t to replace a vehicle history check or tell people which car to buy.
It was to create a simple reminder that buying a used car is about looking at the whole picture.
What the poster is trying to teach
Every box on the poster represents part of the buying process.
Looking at just one thing can lead to expensive mistakes. Looking at everything together gives you the best chance of buying a safe, reliable used car.
Check the vehicle’s history
A history check can reveal important information such as outstanding finance, whether the vehicle has been written off, reported stolen or has mileage discrepancies.
It’s an excellent place to start, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you rely on.
Understand what the results actually mean.
Understanding whether it matters is another.
Some findings are serious warning signs, while others simply need a little more investigation before making a decision.
Inspect the vehicle carefully
Always take time to look over the vehicle properly.
Check its condition, look for signs of poor repairs or neglect and, if you’re unsure, consider taking someone experienced with you.
Ask the seller the right questions
A good seller should be happy to answer sensible questions.
Ask about servicing, ownership, repairs, MOT history and anything you’ve found during your checks.
Make an informed decision
Riskey was created to help people understand used cars rather than simply provide information.
My hope is that this poster helps new drivers slow down, ask better questions and make more informed decisions before spending their money.
Sharing it with driving instructors and schools
This poster is being shared with driving instructors, schools, colleges and organisations that help new drivers.
My hope is that it can eventually be displayed wherever new drivers are preparing for life after passing their test, helping more people buy their first car with confidence.
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