We all know that buying a car is a long and tiresome process. It starts out as a fun thing; you get excited thinking about the cool cars you might buy. But, it slowly becomes a chore as you can’t find the perfect car for you. And, it’s even harder when you’re buying your first car ever. So, I thought I’d help you out and provide some car buying advice to any newbies:
Don’t Focus On Speed
When I cast my mind back to buying my first car, there’s one thing I always remember. All of my friends were buying cars too, and they were all talking about horsepower and top speeds. They’d brag about engine size and how fast their car could go. I never understood why this was a talking point at all. None of them were racing drivers, so what’s the point in a fast car? I advise you to forget about things like BHP and 0-60 speed when checking out cars. There are plenty of things you should look for in a first car, and speed is not one of them. However, checking the engine size is definitely something you should do. The larger the engine, the higher your insurance costs tend to be, so it’s worth looking out for.
Think About Your Learner Car
I think it’s a good idea to choose a first car that’s similar to the one you learnt to drive in. Driving instructors will use cars that are ideal for driving and easy to handle. This is exactly what you’re looking for in a vehicle. Think back to your driving lessons and the car that you drove in. Then, go about making a list of similar cars. Also, it’s a good idea to look at other driving instructors and the cars they have. Or, ask your friends what car they learnt to drive in. This helps you gather some research as to what the best learner cars are. Then, with your list jotted down, you have some cars to go and check out. By doing this, you ensure that you’re getting a safe car that’s easy to drive.
Check The Safety Rating
All cars are tested and given a safety rating when they’re produced. It’s in your best interest to research the safety rating of any car you’re considering. As a driver, safety should be your number one priority. You want a car that’s safe to drive and won’t put you at risk. It’s very easy to check a car’s rating online via Google. The institution that gives these ratings will publish them on their website for you to see. Generally speaking, I suggest you look for a car with at least a three-star NCAP safety rating. Anything less than that is not worth your time. Obviously, the higher the rating, the better it will be for you. Safety is key, especially for new drivers. It can calm any nerves you have if you know you’re driving around in a safe car.
Keep these three things in mind when you’re buying your first car. If you do this, you’ll have a safe car that’s easy to drive and very comfortable.