How to choose your first car? Key factors for novice drivers

Statistics show that a significant proportion of serious road accidents are caused by inexperienced drivers. It's not just a matter of taking more risks; they also often choose cars that are not suitable for novice drivers. Choosing a car for a beginner is not easy. Do you have a new driving license and are you choosing your first car? The used car market offers a wide range of choices, so what is the best choice for you as a beginner? Of course, it depends on what you need the car for, but in general, it should be as simple and user-friendly as possible. What kind of first car should I choose?

Before we look at specific car models, we will focus on the basic parameters that a first car should have. We also recommend following our advice from the article "How to avoid getting ripped off when buying a used car?".

What to buy as your first car? Every new driver should be able to fully concentrate on driving and the surrounding traffic without being distracted. That is why it is important to look for cars with a clear and simple interior that minimizes distractions. Good visibility is key, making parking easier, for example. For this reason, it is advisable to start with a smaller car. "The passive and active safety of modern small cars is at a very high level. Models such as the Škoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio or Ford Fiesta are ideal for novice drivers. There is a wide selection on the used car market, whether you are looking for a petrol engine, diesel or LPG.

“Compact SUVs or small crossovers, such as the Opel Mokka or Citroën Cactus, are also in high demand,” he says. These cars often offer attractive looks, good equipment and the option of all-wheel drive. When choosing your first car, also look at the results of Euro NCAP crash tests, which will provide you with information about the vehicle’s safety. Thanks to the increased emphasis on safety, cars manufactured in the last ten years are very safe.

How to choose your first car? Safety first!

Safety is key, especially for inexperienced drivers. The first few thousand kilometres are a learning period and minor collisions cannot always be avoided. So pay attention to safety features when choosing a car. The results of Euro NCAP crash tests can be a useful guide. Although the test methodology has changed over the years, older results can still provide you with valuable information.

Reliability

After safety, reliability is the second most important factor. A car that spends most of its time in the service station is not practical. However, reliability is individual and even with used cars there is no guarantee that all parts of the car are in good condition. Reviews by the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) or specialist articles on used cars can provide useful information. Japanese cars are generally more reliable, although they have more expensive spare parts. On the other hand, we would avoid older German premium models due to high maintenance costs. You can also influence the reliability of your new car by carefully inspecting the car before buying it. The ideal way to do this is to use experienced technicianwho will do a complete inspection of the car for you, so you can be sure that you are buying a car in good technical condition.

Performance

With increasing traffic density, quick reaction is important. Therefore, it is not advisable to choose a car that is too weak. The ideal is a compromise between performance and safety. The power-to-weight ratio of the vehicle is also important. For beginners, a front-wheel drive car is suitable, as it is easier to control than a rear-wheel drive car.

Manual or automatic

For beginners, it is better to start with a manual transmission. Driving with a manual transmission is more challenging and helps to better prepare the driver for various situations. After mastering the manual transmission, switching to an automatic transmission will be easy. However, if you are afraid of driving in real traffic, an automatic transmission can certainly make your job much easier. Manual transmissions are not expected to be very popular in the future, and there are already many cars with automatic transmissions on the market. So if you feel that an automatic would help you with your first solo kilometers, definitely go for it. However, you have to take into account that returning to a manual transmission will be quite difficult.

Car inspection before purchase

Before buying a used car, it's important to do a thorough inspection to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Exterior: Check the bodywork for signs of rust, dents and scuffs. Look for unevenness in the joints between the panels, which may indicate previous accidents.
2. Interior: Check the condition of the seats, dashboard and other interior elements. Look for signs of wear that are not consistent with the age and mileage.
3. Engine: Open the hood and check the engine compartment for signs of oil or other fluid leaks. Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels and condition.
4. Test drive: Take a test drive to make sure the car runs smoothly. Listen for unusual noises and observe acceleration, braking, and cornering behavior.
5. Documentation check: Check the service book and history of the car. Ask about regular maintenance and repairs to get an idea of the care the car has received.

If you have a limited budget for buying a car and do not want to invest large amounts of money in repairs immediately after purchase, we recommend that you leave the inspection to experienced technicianThere is nothing worse than having to pay for expensive repairs at a repair shop right after buying a car, and this experience makes your entry into driving life unpleasant.

7 tips for the best used cars for novice drivers

Skoda Fabia

What to choose as a first car? The Škoda Fabia is one of the most popular models among novice drivers due to its reliability and low running costs. The car is affordable, easy to maintain, and spare parts are widely available and cheap. The Fabia is compact, which makes it easy to park and maneuver in the city, which is a big advantage for new drivers. Thanks to the simple and clear interior, the driver can easily find his way around and not have to worry about unnecessary distractions.

Volkswagen Polo

What is the first car to choose for a novice driver? It could be, for example, the Volkswagen Polo, which is known for its high level of safety, which is crucial for new drivers. The car has a well-made interior and offers a comfortable ride. The Polo is equipped with modern safety technologies such as ABS, ESP and various driving assistants that help drivers cope with crisis situations. Its compact size and good driving characteristics make the Polo an ideal choice for both city traffic and longer trips.

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio attracts novice drivers with its stylish design and comfortable interior. It is equipped with modern technologies that enhance the driving experience and increase safety. The Clio has good fuel economy, which is beneficial for young drivers on a budget. The car also offers great handling and is easy to handle, which helps new drivers gain confidence behind the wheel.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is popular for its sporty handling, which makes it a fun car to drive. The Fiesta has a comfortable and well-equipped interior with modern technology. It is known for its reliability and low maintenance costs. The car offers advanced safety features such as driver assistance systems and airbags, which contribute to the feeling of security for new drivers.

Opel Corsa

The Opel Corsa is appreciated for its simplicity and reliability. The car is compact and easy to drive, which is ideal for city driving. The Corsa offers good fuel economy and low maintenance costs. With a robust design and good safety rating, the Corsa is suitable for novice drivers looking for a reliable and economical car.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is highly regarded for its long-term reliability and low maintenance costs. The Yaris has compact dimensions, which makes it easy to park and drive in the city. The car is equipped with modern safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems, which increase safety on the road. The Toyota Yaris is also known for its efficient fuel consumption, which is beneficial for new drivers.

Hyundai i20

The Hyundai i20 offers a modern design, a quality interior and advanced safety technologies. The car has low running costs and good fuel economy, which is ideal for young drivers. The i20 is easy to handle and offers a comfortable ride thanks to a well-designed chassis and comfortable seats. The car is also equipped with a number of useful features that make everyday driving easier.

Conclusion

So what kind of first car should you choose? Choosing your first car is a key decision that will affect your safety and comfort on the road. Focus on the car's safety, reliability and performance. Don't forget to also thoroughly check the condition of the car before buying and choose the appropriate transmission that will help you better handle the steering.

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