Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Joys and Woes of That First Car

The first time that you do anything is a great milestone. The first word, the first day at school, the first date, the first car -- these are the memories that truly shape our lives. Once we have crossed these milestones, there is no looking back. You just move on towards the future with a new mindset and a new attitude to view life from a whole new perspective.

Perhaps the biggest transformation happens once you finally purchase your first car. A first car is like having a baby. You want everything to go right with it. Even the tiniest scratch heralds a lot of distress. So it is important to unearth the vehicle that best suits your personality; one that is the most appropriate of speed, looks, and service.

When you have decided on the features that you would like your car to have, pick out the winning model. However, this is only the beginning. Maintenance is an extremely important aspect of making the best use of your vehicle. Washing it, servicing it, making sure that it is in running condition -- all these are things that you will have to take care of after you buy your first car.

And then, you will be wondering what kind of an insurance to get. I know of a few people who are willing to go without insurance for their cars. They just remain oblivious to the possibility of an accident. Okay, so maybe the chances of a bad accident are not that high, but even a simple dent on the fender might be a very expensive job. A tiny scratch made by a passing motorbike may appear inconsequential, but go for repairs and you will end up paying a lot more than you may have calculated on paying.

It really would be so much less puzzling to use your insurance to pay for expenses such as these. You are paying the premiums on the insurance with the hope of being less overcome by stress. So you will be relaxed when the time comes to spend larger amounts on things which should be attributed to other people and factors. Moreover, if this is your first car that we are talking about, paying huge amounts on repair may be an entirely new experience. It is a good idea to allow the insurance company to see to those if it can be helped.

If you have just got your first car, treat yourself by going on a joyride. Remember, however, that a car is a major responsibility. Servicing, repairs, and insurance issues are things that you will have to learn to deal with. Get ready for it.