A PRACTICAL STARTING POINT
A calmer way to buy your first car
Start with your total budget, shortlist recorded facts and inspect before you commit.
VeloCars product team · Prepared 26 October 2026 · General buying notes, not an inspection or assessment of any listing.
1 / Start with the whole picture
Start with the total you can comfortably spend, including insurance, registration or transfer, maintenance and running costs. The asking price is only one part of ownership.
2 / Look for recorded facts
Compare mileage, age, engine and features as recorded by the dealer. Missing information means it has not been provided; ask rather than assume.
3 / Ask, inspect and agree
Inspect the vehicle and its documents, arrange an independent inspection if you need one, and ask the dealer to record any promises, repairs or warranty terms in writing.
4 / Keep the next steps clear
Before paying, confirm the seller, vehicle identity, payment instructions and agreed cancellation terms. Keep your quotation, agreement and receipts. A test-drive request is not a booking until the dealer confirms it.
For a specific vehicle, confirm current information and written terms with the listing dealer.