Should I Buy a New or Used Car After Getting My Driver's License?
2 Answers
It is recommended to purchase a new car after obtaining your driver's license. Here are some important considerations after buying a new car: No driving without a license: You can buy a car without a driver's license, but you cannot drive it on the road without one, as unlicensed driving is illegal. License plate registration is required: After purchasing a new car, you need to register it. The required documents include your ID card, vehicle certification, purchase invoice, tax payment certificate, and insurance policy. Carry your vehicle license: When driving, always carry both your driver's license and vehicle license. During the probationary period, drivers are not allowed to drive on highways.
When I first got my driver's license, I also struggled with whether to buy a new or used car. If the budget is tight, a used car is indeed more cost-effective—you can get much higher configurations for the same price compared to a new car. As a beginner driver, minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, and with a used car, you won't feel too heartbroken if it gets scratched, plus repair costs are cheaper. However, the used car market can be tricky, so it's essential to have a car-savvy friend help check for accident traces on the chassis, ensure the engine sounds normal, and avoid getting scammed. My neighbor once bought a flood-damaged car just to save money, and the repair costs ended up being enough for a down payment. Nowadays, used car platforms provide inspection reports, so focusing on the condition of the three major components (engine, transmission, and chassis) and maintenance records is more reliable.
