Buying a car in London? What You Should Think About First

If you simply can’t rely on public transport to meet your needs, we understand. Before you rush into buying a car in London, check out our quick guide below to ensure you’re making the right decision.

Expenses

In short, motoring is expensive. From the cost of regularly topping up your car with petrol or diesel to considerably higher ones incurred when it needs an MOT, service, or repairs, opting to drive in London is only a good idea if you’re certain you can afford it. Plus, you can expect to pay a higher insurance premium if you’re an inexperienced driver.

However, buying a used car could be a great option, especially if you’re looking for a car with lower overall running costs. It’s worth doing your own research to find out the best deals available, particularly on reliable models including quality used Volkswagens in London.

Fuel Economy

If you live in central London, especially in zones 1-3, it’s unlikely that you’ll use your car frequently. Along with governmental plans to introduce Low Emission Zones to encourage the use of economical vehicles, the general trend is to steer towards greener vehicles.

Whether you opt for electric, petrol, or hybrid is ultimately your choice, but for any city commuter, it’s unlikely that a diesel would be the most appropriate for your needs. Plus, don’t forget just how much friendlier public transport can be for the planet.

Commuting and Parking

If you’re working in Central London, you should absolutely expect expensive parking. With private companies attempting to sell parking spaces for eye-watering figures, like this tiny parking space in Knightsbridge on the market for £85,000, opting to buy a car might not be necessary if you live and work in the inner city.

However, if you have commitments outside central London on the weekend and you prefer to follow your own, flexible schedule, buying a smaller, economical car could be a sensible investment – especially if you’re able to find free or cheap parking.

Family Business

If you have a family with young children, this could quite heavily determine your need for a car. If relying on public transport or taxis is out of the question, you might prefer to drive your children to school, to their extracurricular activities, or to meet up with your family and friends outside of the city. However, if you’re still enjoying independence, the need might not be so great.

Your Own Mileage

If you often go on road trips or holidays around the country or like to visit a loved one who lives further away from London, a car could be an obviously sensible investment.

Nothing comes close to the personal freedom offered by owning a car, and you’ll be the only one in charge of your own journey times. Whether you choose to buy a car for your London life or not, it’s always crucial to be as economical as possible.