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What is the best first car for new drivers? In this post, we’ll help you find the answer.
When you Google ‘best first car for new drivers’, the results are typically made up of posts recommending very specific cars.
But what if you don’t like any of them? Then what?
The truth is, when it comes to cars, there’s not a one-size-fits-all.
In reality, every person has different needs and expectations.
So the answer to the question is this – it depends.
The best first car for you as a new driver depends on what car brands you like, your reason for buying a car, what you can afford and so much more.
Related: Should Your First Car Be New Or Used? Here’s How To Know.
But even with those things in mind, the search can seem endless. There are hundreds of car brands, thousands of models, and all sorts of features to choose from.
However, there’s no need to get overwhelmed.
Below are 5 key things you should be looking for in a car, as a new driver.
These will help you narrow down your search, so you’ll be one step closer to finding the car that’s best for you.
Related: 13 Fun Things To Do When You Get Your First Car
The Best Car For New Drivers:
1. Should be small…
Does size really matter?
When it comes to choosing the best first car for new drivers it just might.
Picture this: you’re fresh out of driving school, still getting used to the whole driving thing.
The last thing you need is a beast of a vehicle that feels like you’re trying to tame a dragon.
Big cars are definitely cool, but they can be hard to maneuver – particularly for the less experienced.
As a newbie, your spatial awareness might not be as finely tuned as a seasoned driver’s. That’s where the small car advantage shines.
Small cars are like your trusty sidekick, always there to make parking a breeze and maneuvering through tight spaces a piece of cake.
You can easily gauge the dimensions of your compact ride, making it less likely that you’ll accidentally graze those pesky curbs or park a tad too close to that shiny SUV next to you.
Small cars also often come with a nimble and responsive feel, which can boost your confidence as you zip around town.
So, embrace the smallness – because in this case, less really is more.
2. Should have lots of safety features…
Safety isn’t just a feature; it’s the feature.
Lucky for you, car manufacturers these days seem to have collectively agreed that safety should be a top priority. When searching for your perfect first car, keep your eyes peeled for vehicles with an impressive array of safety features.
From anti-lock brakes to electronic stability control, modern cars are practically rolling fortresses of protection.
Backup camera? Check. Automatic emergency braking? Check. Blind spot monitoring? Check, check, and check.
These safety features not only provide peace of mind, but they can also help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions which, unfortunately, new drivers are more prone to.
So don’t be afraid to look for the best safety features you can find. You want a car that’s got your back – literally.
3. Should be the same transmission you learned…
The most basic definition of transmission is a special “box” in the car that controls how the power from the engine gets transferred to the wheels.
Don’t worry, you actually do know what this is.
There are two main types of transmission – manual (a.k.a shift) and automatic – and you would’ve learned one before getting your license.
When it comes to transmission, here’s our simple tip – stick with what you know.
You don’t want to buy a car and then have to learn a new transmission from scratch.
If you’ve spent your driving lessons learning automatic transmission only, it’s probably not the best idea it is a bad idea to jump into a manual vehicle and feel like you’re trying to drive a spaceship with no instructions.
If you’ve mastered the art of manual transmission, you actually can drive an automatic vehicle, but sticking to manual will give you the opportunity to put into practice what you’ve already spent so much time learning.
4. Should be used…
We get it – the allure of that new car smell and the satisfaction of being the first one to christen those pristine seats is strong.
But here’s the reality check: new drivers often have a more, let’s say, adventurous relationship with their cars.
Parking scrapes, curb nudges, and the occasional “oopsie” moment are all part of the learning curve that unfortunately can’t be fixed with a cute little bandaid.
So, why not save yourself the heartache of seeing your shiny new car taking the full force of your early driving adventures?
Going for a used car can save you a chunk of money and spare you the heart palpitations that come with the first inevitable scratch.
5. Should be comfortable…
Driving can be a pain in the back – literally – if your car’s seating situation isn’t what it should be.
For new drivers, the road ahead already has enough to get used to – there’s no need to add discomfort to the mix.
When shopping for your first ride, look for a car that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
However, it’s important to know that comfort isn’t just about having plush seats and a cozy interior; it’s about an environment where you feel at ease.
Think roomy leg space, seats that match your height preferences, and no annoying obstructions in your sight.
These factors may seem small but can make a big difference.
Remember, comfort isn’t a luxury; it’s a crucial part of creating a driving experience that you actually look forward to.
Conclusion
Cars aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal.
Every driver’s needs and expectations vary, just like with most things in life. Some like one car brand while some like another. Others love the way a car looks in blue, while some go nuts for a fiery red.
However, when it comes to new drivers and their very first cars, there are a few things that should be on everyone’s checklist.
Your first car as a new driver should be small, have lots of safety features, be comfortable, be used, and should have the same transmission as what you learned in driving lessons.
So whether you choose red or blue, these five crucial characteristics are the roadmap to crafting a fantastic first driving experience.”