Car buying tips for digital nomads

Motoring

Owning and driving your own car while travelling comes with some challenges, but it’s certainly possible if you’re prepared. It involves a little bit more organisation and a whole lot of confidence when it comes to navigating new roads, routes, and rules!

Whether you’re travelling around the UK or driving in Europe, here’s how to choose, purchase and maintain a car to match your mobile lifestyle. 

1) Understand your travel and work needs

It’s important to choose a vehicle that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you have to commute every day, finding something fuel-efficient and compact will make your life easier. Or, for more infrequent but much longer trips, a campervan-style car might suit you.

Here are just a few aspects to consider:

  • Size: if you’re going to be whizzing around inner-city roads, a smaller vehicle will help you to park and manoeuvre with ease.
  • Fuel economy: you don’t want to spend a fortune on fuel, so try to choose wisely. Diesel engines suit long motorway miles.
  • Practicality: do you need extra luggage space, or perhaps room for passengers? Try to choose wisely and account for your social life.

2) Prioritise reliability and running costs

Digital nomads rely heavily on their vehicle. You can check reviews and reliability ratings online. It’s also worth doing some calculations to figure out whether the upfront price, insurance costs, and tax commitments will still be affordable for you. Don’t forget that a ULEZ-compliant vehicle will save you money in London. 

Before you commit to buying a car, you should also make sure that it has been maintained throughout its lifetime – and hasn’t fallen foul of any recurring mechanical faults. You can easily carry out an MOT history check online to learn more about the vehicle’s previous maintenance.

3) Consider buying outright

The affordable monthly payments of leasing can be a lure for some digital nomads, but buying outright makes sense for long-term flexibility.

However, if you’d prefer to drive around in a newer and potentially lower-maintenance vehicle with lower commitment, leasing could be right for you. Just remember that the implications of damage caused by an accident or vandalism could be more complex to deal with. 

Owning a car outright means everything will be in your name and sorted out in your terms, including insurance documents. 

4) Plan for insurance on the move

Finally, UK-based digital nomads must arrange insurance, breakdown cover, and manage essential paperwork on the move.

We recommend choosing an insurance company that includes the option to view your policy documents online or via app. This could potentially save you time and help you to avoid lengthy delays for call centres. It also streamlines the process if you need to make a quick change.

Proof of vehicle ownership is worth carrying with you if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period. Keep your V5C registration with you, storing it safely in a waterproof folder or pouch. 

Ready to hit the road? Don’t forget to stay safe and choose a vehicle that suits your budget, work, and expectations!