How to Choose Your First Car: Advice for the Beginner
Comfortable and safe driving – the basic rule when choosing the first car. For the novice driver, the requirements to the car are special: the technical characteristics and performance of the car should be in an improved condition. Besides personal preferences concerning color, brand, and auto manufacturer, one should take into consideration the condition of roads and routes, on which one is going to drive, and the frequency of using the transport.
What a novice driver should pay attention to before buying his first car
It is necessary to determine the price range within which a beginner can buy a car. It is not recommended to buy a vehicle that is too expensive, since the lack of driving experience will have a detrimental effect on the condition of the car. A beginner driver does not yet feel the dimensions of the car, does not foresee the situation on the road, poorly remembers the bumps and dangerous areas on the highway, maneuvers unsurely in different situations.
Without driving experience a beginner injures the car, uses fuel uneconomically, does not follow the work of the main units of the vehicle. In this regard, it is recommended to buy a sturdy car, the maintenance of which will not require serious financial investments. To choose the optimal model, consult with more experienced drivers. The knowledge of an experienced motorist will help in choosing your first car.
You should take into account how many people the salon of the car is designed for. If you choose a vehicle for riding alone, you can not pay special attention to the seating, it is enough that the driver’s seat was comfortable. And if you plan to regularly transport family members or friends in the car, take care of the comfort and capacity of the cabin. Passenger discomfort can be distracting while driving, which is undesirable for a novice driver.
Choosing in favor of a reliable and widespread brand of car is the best decision. In case of repair, it will be much easier to find spare parts for it than for an exclusive brand. Maintenance and service will also be less expensive.
What a car of a beginning driver should be
Before you choose your first car, it is necessary to determine the size of the vehicle. It is better to postpone the idea of buying a large-sized car until you have driving experience.
Medium and small car is the best solution for a novice driver. It is optimal for movement on city roads, where it will be necessary to maneuver in a stream of cars, pass on narrow streets, park. The advantage of a small car is easy operation, which is extremely important for a beginner.
The safety of the vehicle is the most important criterion you should pay attention to before choosing your first car. Regardless of brand and novelty, any car should include three mandatory elements:
- an airbag;
- an auto locking system for the brakes;
- safety belts.
As for the type of drive, it is recommended to give preference to models with front or all-wheel drive. Such a car moves freely on snow and mud, reduces the risk of skidding in adverse weather conditions and unsuccessful maneuver. To choose a car for a beginner, you should be guided by these simple rules, then driving will be comfortable and safe.
The main mistakes made when buying your first car
Practice shows that almost everyone makes mistakes when buying a first car, especially for beginners. The common blunders, which are waiting for inexperienced drivers:
- Purchase of not economically advantageous car. The car may suit all parameters: color, brand, performance, dimensions, – but big expenses for petrol hardly will pay back the purchase. There is a way out of this situation: consult with an experienced driver beforehand and calculate how often you will use the car.
- At purchase the cost of maintenance of a car is not considered. It seems to a beginner that the car will please with performance and good technical indicators for a long term. Whether the vehicle is new or used, periodic maintenance is necessary for any auto. Choose a car model that does not require a major financial investment in repairs or replacement parts.
- When buying a used car, a novice driver does not check the car’s history. Being involved in an accident, problems with the tax authorities and other troubles will be troublesome for a beginner.
- Buying too expensive or cheap car. Being extreme when choosing a car is the wrong criterion. An exclusive vehicle is purchased, as a rule, in euphoria, when a novice driver has no idea about the quality of roads. Preference is given to the aesthetic appeal and novelty of the car. The inexperienced driver overlooks the fact that some brands of cars are not designed for urban driving. As a result, a prestigious car breaks down too quickly and loses its performance indicators. It is not necessary to become the owner of a car, which has seen absolutely everything. Such vehicle will not bring pleasure neither from driving, nor from financial expenses, which will be necessary for constant car repair. If you do not have enough money to buy a car, you can take out a car loan. Also read about best tuner for silverado 5.3.
- Before signing the contract of sale, the novice driver does not check the seller. Perhaps the person selling the car is listed as wanted or has debts, because of which the traffic police may impose restrictions on the car. You can search the seller through the service to verify the owner of the car. This service shows whether the owner of the car has problems with the law, whether his passport is valid, and whether there are any debts and enforcement proceedings.
If you are just starting to drive a car, and are confused about which car to buy, try to show restraint and prudence. Clearly calculate your budget, gasoline costs and fuel consumption for the day. Consider several offers on the market and in a car dealership, consult with an experienced driver.