Arnold Clark

Our guide to buying your first car

Whether you’re at the start of your car buying journey or just about to take the jump, make sure the process is stress-free by following our easy guide below.

1

Should I use cash or finance to buy my car?

We’ve highlighted the differences between buying a car using cash or finance so you can decide what’s best for you.

Benefits of paying cash

  • You own the car outright
  • No monthly payments
  • Reduces your monthly outgoings
  • No restrictions with warranty, servicing or mileage
  • You can take time to save

Benefits of paying finance

  • Manageable monthly payments
  • In most cases a deposit is required
  • You need a good credit rating
  • You need to be over 18
  • Restrictions with your warranty, servicing and mileage
More about Finance

Pay with cash

All you need to know

  • You own the car outright
  • No monthly payments
  • Reduces your monthly outgoings
  • No restrictions with warranty, servicing or mileage
  • You can take time to save

Pay with finance

Facts of paying finance

  • Manageable monthly payments
  • In most cases a deposit is required
  • You need a good credit rating
  • You need to be over 18
  • Some warranty, servicing and mileage restrictions
More about Finance

2

Ready to buy?

So you’ve done your research and you’ve found your first car – but have you thought about everything?

Legal Requirement

Vehicle Excise Duty

Commonly known as road tax, this must be paid for most types of vehicle which are to be used (or parked) on the public roads.

Service Plans

Did you know you could save over £100 by purchasing a Service Plan? We’ve got a range of plans to suit all needs.
Legal Requirement

Insurance

Young drivers can save up to £500 on their annual car insurance premium through telematics? Get a quote today.

Breakdown cover

Though it’s unlikely, if your car does have a breakdown, we can ensure there’s cover in place so you’re never left stranded at the side of the road.
3

Jargon buster

4

Who should I speak to in a branch?

Product Genius

Product genius

Our product geniuses have a wealth of technical knowledge about the cars and are the ideal person to talk you through a car’s features. They are perfect to speak to when you are researching a car and trying to find out whether or not it would suit your needs.

Product Consultant

Product consultant

If you have any questions regarding the financial aspect of buying a car, such as what’s included in the price, what warranty is available or what payment options you have, our product consultants are on hand to help.

Product genius

Product Genius

Our product geniuses have a wealth of technical knowledge about the cars and are the ideal people to talk you through a car’s features. They can help when you are researching a car and trying to find out whether or not it would suit your needs.

If you take the car for a test drive, it will be the product genius who comes along with you.

They will also be on hand when you come to pick up the car, walking you through the handover process and any aftersales questions you may have.

Product consultant

Product Consultant

If you have any questions regarding the financial aspect of buying a car, such as what’s included in the price, what warranty is available or what payment options you have, our product consultants are on hand to help.

If you had been previously dealing with one of our product geniuses in the branch, when you are ready to buy, you will be passed on to a sales executive to further finalise the purchase.

No matter who you speak to, our staff are all highly trained, friendly and there to make your whole experience as easy and stress-free as possible.

Things to remember

Here’s a handy checklist for things to remember once you’re a car owner.

  • Check when your MOT and service are due
  • Renew your insurance every year
  • Keep your licence up to date
  • Maintain your car between services
  • Renew your breakdown cover

Give us feedback!

We’re always looking for new suggestions so if you’re still looking for something, just let us know.