OK, so you're tired of borrowing your mother's old VW Polo and she doesn't want to let you borrow it any more. Maybe it's time to get your first car

Many new drivers opt to buy a used car, mainly because they're cheaper. But whether you buy a new or used vehicle, we recommend spending a good amount of time checking for the best deal. The resources available online are useful research tools.

Local papers or regionalised car sales magazines are the popular choice for leads to suitable machines and your choice will doubtless be influenced by budget, insurance premium and fuel economy, plus your personal needs and preferences.

Buy a second-hand car privately and you may get the best deal, but it's not without risks relating to the car's condition, ownership or history. Buy from a dealer and you will get some form of basic guarantee that the car is sound and legal in all respects.

Whatever kind of car you end up with, you'll need to look after it. Clean it with some proper car wash (not Fairy Liquid) as often as you can find the time or run it through the local car wash. This isn't just vanity, since proper cleaning (and even better, waxing too) helps prevent paint deterioration and corrosion.

If you car is more than a few years old, you may be best advised to find a traditional independent local garage for servicing and repairs rather than simply going to your local main dealer where the hourly rates will be high and the methods may not be best suited to an older vehicle being operated on a budget.

While a local garage can provide most of the care, there are basic maintenance jobs you can most economically perform yourself. Having even the most basic mechanical and operational understanding of your car will help you drive it better and get the most value from your investment.

Check the oil level routinely and replenish, as necessary and make checks, as outlined in the handbook on coolant level, brake fluid level and longer interval items such as power steering fluid (if applicable) and battery condition.

Check the tyre pressures from time to time and monitor tread depth because if you don't a policeman or MOT tester certainly will...

If this all sounds tedious and dirty, equip yourself with a few pairs of cheap latex gloves which stop your hands getting dirty when you lift the bonnet. If you don't have a handbook for your car, furnish yourself with the correct Haynes manual which includes service information as well as really detailed repair stuff which you'll hopefully never have to face!

Good luck...

Where to next in learning to drive

• Learning to drive - home
• Theory FAQ
• On the road
• The big day
• Beyond the test
• Links/resources