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Until recently, I never really considered the possibility or need of buying a car given how many times I have failed my driving license. So naturally, even though I have passed, I am now clueless. Firstly, I need to ask myself, do I need a car?

Do I need a car?

Can I justify buying a car? Cars are a huge expense and the minute you buy one you are throwing money at a fan. That being said, a car also provides an added convenience, a sense of freedom and the opportunity to extend your identity (like an extra piece of fashion). Currently, I don’t need a car for work and, I don’t need a car for commuting and, I don’t need a car for convenience. According to these basic questions, I don’t need a car.

However, every year I undertake fruit picking. My brother has always driven with me as we both work on the farm but this year, he won’t be working the picking season, so the driving is all up to me. In the future, my travel plans, and work commitments will most likely require a car.

How do I buy a car?

I am one of the lucky ones, my family are very supportive, and my dad knows a lot about buying a decent car on a budget and how to avoid buying a lemon (that’s car lingo for a bad car). Firstly, I need to narrow down what I need to get out of the vehicle? Will I need a powerful sturdy car capable of ‘off-road’ driving? What is my budget? How many miles will I get out of it?  

One component that is very important for me is the sustainability and fuel efficiency of the car? Unfortunately, electric and hybrid cars are probably well out of my budget for a first car. So, the next best thing I can do is buy a fuel-efficient car, only drive it when necessary, make sure to try to carpool and reduce miles, use more environmentally friendly fuel and offset every time I fill up the car.

What car is my dream car?

Having red hair and being named Cooper, I always envisioned that my very first car would be a red mini-Cooper. Unfortunately, I am starting to realise that my needs for a car and my budget will not make this possible and, I will have to settle for a more unpoetic car. However, I can still have choice of colour and the style of my first car as well as cover it in stickers and get some speakers. However, instead of blasting the volume of my rap or heavy metal with my window down as I drive past, I will probably be listening to my Disney soundtrack at an appropriate volume.

It is still early days and I have a lot to consider but these are a few things I am asking myself as I consider buying my first car.