How to buy your first car

Buying your first car is an exciting and important milestone — whether you’re a new driver or stepping into the world of vehicle ownership for the first time. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you buy your first car confidently and wisely.

🚗 Step 1: Determine Your Budget

Before you start browsing listings, figure out how much you can realistically afford. Keep in mind:

Purchase price
Insurance costs
Road tax (motorrijwijkbelasting)
Fuel expenses
Maintenance and repairs
Parking and tolls (if applicable)

A good rule of thumb: your total monthly car-related expenses should not exceed 15–20% of your income .

If you’re financing the purchase, get pre-approved for a loan to understand your spending limit.

🔍 Step 2: Decide What Type of Car You Need

Ask yourself:

Will this be your daily driver?
Do you need space for passengers or cargo?
Will you mostly drive in the city or on highways?
Are you looking for fuel efficiency or performance?

Also consider:

New vs. used: New cars are reliable but depreciate quickly. Used cars offer better value.
Manual vs. automatic: Manual is often cheaper and more common in Europe, but automatic may be easier to drive in heavy traffic.
Electric vs. petrol/diesel: EVs are eco-friendly and have lower taxes, but require charging access.

Use platforms like AutoVerkoop.eu to explore different models and filter by budget, type, and location.

📊 Step 3: Research and Compare Models

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences, research reliability ratings, maintenance costs, and owner reviews for each model. Some great resources include:

Wegenwiki.nl
Gids van Eigen Haard
Autoscout24.nl
RDW.nl (for official data)

Look for cars with:

Good service history
Low mileage
No accident reports
Valid APK (MOT)

📍 Step 4: Find the Right Seller

You can buy your first car from either a private seller or a dealership :

👤 Private Seller:

Often offers a lower price
Less paperwork
May not offer warranty or test drives

🏢 Dealership:

Offers certified used vehicles
More transparency and support
Often includes warranty and inspection

Always meet private sellers in person and inspect the car thoroughly before buying.

🔧 Step 5: Inspect and Test Drive the Car

Never skip the test drive , even if the car looks perfect online.

During the inspection:

Check for body damage, rust, or mismatched paint
Examine the tires for uneven wear
Look under the hood for leaks or corrosion
Test all lights, signals, air conditioning, and electronics
Listen for unusual noises while driving

If you’re unsure about mechanical condition, bring someone knowledgeable or hire an independent mechanic.

💬 Step 6: Negotiate the Price

Don’t be afraid to negotiate — especially when buying from a private seller.

Tips for negotiating:

Start slightly below your maximum budget
Use comparable listings as leverage
Ask for extras (like winter tires or recent service receipts)
Be polite and respectful

If buying from a dealership, compare prices at multiple dealerships to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

📄 Step 7: Complete the Paperwork

Make sure you receive and review the following documents:

Proof of ownership (e.g., logbook or previous bill of sale)
Valid APK certificate
Service history
CarPass (if applicable)
Certificate of registration (kentekenbewijs)

For used cars, check the RDW website to verify that the car has no outstanding debts or theft reports.

When buying from a private seller:

Fill out and sign the transfer form (Formulier voor overdracht voertuig)
The buyer and seller must both keep a signed copy
Register the car in your name within five days through RDW

💳 Step 8: Get Insurance and Register the Car

Once you’ve bought the car:

Get insurance – At minimum, third-party coverage (WA-verzekering) is required in the Netherlands.
Register the car – If buying from a private seller, register the vehicle with the RDW.
Pay road tax – This is automatically handled once the car is registered in your name.