When you finally get your driver’s license, a whole new world of freedom opens up for you. Above all, having your first automobile allows you to be flexible and autonomous. However, which model should it be?
Opinions on this subject differ greatly. Many folks just want to go from point A to point B while spending as little money as possible on their first automobile. Others, on the other hand, want a bigger vehicle with a strong engine from the outset. However, this is something that relatively few individuals do. On average, inexperienced drivers are more likely to keep traction with their first set of wheels: their first automobile is generally a tiny or compact car that is roughly six years old, costs less than $4,000, and has 70 horsepower. Average values give a starting point, but they won’t assist you as a rookie driver in your unique quest for the perfect automobile.
If you are just starting college, you must be frugal, even if you do not possess a vehicle. Owning your first automobile increases your financial load. As a result, ask yourself how much money you have available to purchase your first automobile and what the maximum monthly maintenance expenditures may be. Also, take in mind that a secondhand dream automobile for a few hundred Dollars may rapidly become an expensive nightmare car if it requires continuous repairs.
When shopping for your first automobile, don’t limit yourself to what you can afford. Consider how much automobile you really need. If you don’t want a lot of room, a tiny or compact automobile is a better option to begin with for numerous reasons: they are simpler to operate, fit into fewer parking places, and are less expensive.
For the last 30 years, airbags, anti-lock brake systems, and electronic stability programs have been standard equipment. Avoid vehicles that lack any of these safety features. When in doubt, go for a vehicle with additional safety features, such as an emergency braking aid, a lane departure warning system, or a blind spot warning system.
Phone conversation in a car is more distracting for a new driver than for an experienced driver. If you still want to make phone calls while driving, you’ll need a hands-free system that’s as simple to use as possible.
If relatives or parents assist you in purchasing a vehicle, purchasing a new automobile may make sense, particularly when popular compact cars are currently available for less than $10,000. Aside from the warranty and guarantee, the benefits of a new automobile include contemporary safety technology, low-emission engines that meet current emissions regulations, and the possibility of many years of driving enjoyment free of maintenance. Because you need comprehensive insurance for every new car, the large loss of value in the first three years and hefty extra expenditures warn against purchasing a new automobile.
Consider used automobiles, aged five to six years that have already lost the most value. They offer strong safety measures while not even costing half the new price on average. It’s also not that horrible if you catch a scratch while moving. Above all, secondhand automobiles older than five years do not always require completely comprehensive insurance. This may easily save you $1,000 or more in insurance premiums each year.
