BUYING a first car is an exciting rite of passage for young adults.

If done wrong though, the burden on the hip pocket can be more than what was forked out for the vehicle.

Data taken from the RACQ's Young Drivers' Survey revealed the average cost for a first car was $4000, with the average age over 10 years old.

Atkinson Motors mechanic Bradley Atkinson said it was important to do due diligence on a first car purchase.

"Most sellers don't mind if you let a mechanic have a look at the car before purchasing," Mr Atkinson said.

"If you are buying, always make sure it has a roadworthy certificate.

"If something does go wrong and it has the certificate, at least there is some sort of comeback on it.

"If it doesn't, you have to work out the cost to get it back on the road."

Mr Atkinson said the improving safety feature of newer cars made them a viable choice.

"Newer cars are going to be safer, and a lot come with a five-star safety rating,," he said.

"It happens regularly where a first car purchase can be more expensive than you generally think.

"Spending that extra little bit can help you get something newer."

RACQ head of technical and safety policy Steve Spalding said the temptation to jump into a car without researching should be avoided.

"We've heard so many horror stories where people have bought a car based on love at first sifgr, then the reality hits home very soon that it is a car with problems," Mr Spalding said.

"Generally buyers get higher levels of protection from reputable used car dealers, such as a statutory warranty and clear title, however buying private is really buyer beware."