If you have recently passed your driving test and are thinking of acquiring your very first car, the huge choice of makes and models available today may make your task appear a little daunting. However, by following some simple guidelines, you can narrow the selection down to just a few suitable vehicles and make the process a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Your First Car
Among the factors to consider when evaluating the various models that are within your budget, those listed below are generally believed to be the most important for new drivers:
- Insurance Group – Insurers place commonly available vehicles into insurance groups that give drivers an indication of how expensive their premiums might be. For example, a 5-
door Ford Focus 1.4L Sport manufactured in 2007 is in insurance group 6 (out of 50), making it relatively inexpensive to insure. New drivers pay higher premiums so cars in lower groups are more practical for them to own. - Fuel Economy – It is a good idea to calculate a car’s true mpg before buying it, so that you know roughly how much it will cost to run.
- Handling – As a new driver with relatively little experience, you should be looking at cars that have a reputation for handling well. Cars that grip the road well round corners and that can be easily maneuvered in small spaces are a good choice.
Other important factors to consider include reliability, purchase price and local availability.
Leave a Comment