Buying a car is exciting and a big life moment. Whether you’re looking to buy outright, save up for it or use the bank of mum and dad, there are many things to consider. To help you make the right choice we’ve put together some key tips to follow when buying a car.
The best way to work out your budget for your new car is to look at your outgoings vs your incoming payments. From there work out how much you could realistically save each month.
Once you know where your money goes, it will be a lot easier to take control of your finances and plan for your big purchase. It's important to factor in all the added costs along with buying your car.
Once you know what you're able to afford you can start looking for a cars within your ideal price range.
Online car traders and websites help you browse different models. And you can set specific filters - like price - to help you find your dream car.
It's important to be well informed and prepped when going to view a car. Here are some tips on what to ask or look out for:
Different types of finance can work in quite different ways, so it is important to understand exactly what you are committing to. Here's a run through of some of the car financing options available.
According to the Money Advice Service research, 64% of those who tried to negotiate when buying a car were successful. So don't shy away from a little haggle when buying a car.
Read some tips from the Money Advice Service on how to haggle the price of a car here.
Once you’ve found your dream car and agreed a good deal, the next step is paying for it. Use a traceable method when paying for your car and get a receipt then you’re ready to go.
In all the excitement, don't forgot to ensure that all requirements are in place, such as car insurance, MOT and road tax. It's against the law to drive without these.
It can also be quite daunting driving a car you've just bought and if that's the case you could consider using ‘P’ plates on your car so you enjoy your drive with little fuss and worry.
You could reduce your carbon footprint and save money by switching to an electric vehicle (EV). The UK Government is also bringing forward the ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars from 2040 to 2030. So could this be the time to make the switch to an EV?
With the government bringing the ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars forward to 2030, it could be time to make the switch to an electric vehicle. We've teamed up with Octopus Energy to make the switch easier, and cheaper, for you.
NatWest receives a fee from Octopus Energy for customers it introduces to them that subsequently purchase products or services from Octopus Energy, although this fee will be passed onto you as a discount.
Get a discounted rate and further £50 off on us when you purchase an electric vehicle home charge point from Octopus Energy.
To participate, you will need to sign up as a CoGo customer (including agreeing to CoGo’s Terms and Conditions) and connecting your NatWest bank accounts. You’ll need to be 18+, have a NatWest debit or credit card and use the NatWest Mobile App.
If you find you've been spending way too much on certain things, you can set yourself budgets in different categories using 'Budgets' within Spending in the mobile app.
You must be aged 16+ to view Spending. Only available for Personal and Premier accounts.
From flexible instant access to longer term fixed rate savings, explore our savings page to help you find an account that suits your needs.
Individual account eligibility criteria and conditions may apply.
People who actively use our savings goal tool, save twice as much as those who don't. Try our demo, then log into Online Banking to add a new goal to your savings account.
Available to existing customers with an eligible savings account.
Our App can be used on compatible iOS and Android devices. You'll need a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. Spending Tracker is available to customers aged 16+ who have a Personal or Premier account with us.
If you already own a car or looking to buy another one, visit our 'Tips for car owners' page which will have you covered from MOT reminders to car financing options and more.
