In this post, we’ll discuss some of the factors to consider when purchasing your first car, as well as some characteristics to look for in a good first car.
The standard passenger car is meant to transport you from one place to another, but many variations are on the market. When comparing one model, significant changes in dashboard layouts, control placement, engine design, and component availability can be apparent. Based on their own experience or personal choice, some experienced drivers may advocate a specific brand and model as the “best automobile to buy as a first car.” However, with so many good options currently accessible, many new drivers aren’t concerned with the badge, shape, or technical aspects, preferring to buy something economical and dependable.
It depends on your personal choice. The longer you need your automobile to last, the more money you’ll need to invest in a suitable vehicle. You might strike it rich and locate a bargain automobile in great shape for a low price, but you’ll usually find that cheaper cars are older, have more “miles,” and require more regular servicing and upkeep. If you’re looking for something long-term, keep in mind that the typical life expectancy of a new car is around 12 years before many of the interior components will need to be replaced. If you can rent a family car for a short period of time for short excursions, it’s worth spending a little more and receiving the added assurance of a more expensive vehicle in better condition. If you’re in a circumstance where obtaining a car is a necessity for the time being, though, getting the cheapest car you can afford is the way to go. Just be careful not to get caught in buying inexpensive automobiles with limited road life, or your low-cost alternative may become a more costly and long-term investment.
Secondhand vehicles will not be in the same condition as new vehicles, but there are lots of used cars that have been well-maintained and still have plenty of miles on them. A good first car to buy will be in excellent shape and will only require minor maintenance soon. While you might be able to find something cheap for around $1,000 that works well for a while, it’s unlikely that it’ll be the most significant automobile for you to buy as a first car. We’re not going to give you an exact price range to strive for because there are excellent and terrible outliers in any price range. Still, as we’ve previously discussed, inexpensiveness doesn’t always imply good value. A “budget deal” car may wind up costing you more in the long run if you don’t thoroughly research and inspect it before buying it.
The best car to get as a first car is a safe one. Since 1993, modern vehicles have been rated out of five stars by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which shows their observed safety performance for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians. We recommend choosing a vehicle with a five-star safety certification because it is the safest for you.