Guide: First Cars

Once you've passed your driving test and you have some money in your pocket, you'll be ready to buy your first car. Of course, unless you have a heavy income from being famous its not likley you're going to get a super car. This guide highlights the best things to look for in your first car, and what to avoid.

1​). BUDGET...

T​he budget you have can mean the difference between owning a classy head turner and a bathtub on wheels. There is likely a limit to how much you can spend, because remember you will need to pay for fuel, road tax (If you live in the UK) and insurance . One thing to bear in mind is that you are going to have this car for many years, and even after that you may want to sell it on to another new driver. What this means, is you should get the most car you can for the price, even if you're only going to use the car once a week. Focus on the long game, at the same time its important you like the car, and want to be seen in it. Although, first cars have to be slightly embarrassing, thats just the way of the world.

You're probably not going to be buying a brand new car from a dealership or hiring from a leasing company, so the best way to find your first car is probably at an auction or online. With private sellers you have more of a chance to find a better condition car for less money but be careful. Check out my other article, Guide: Auctions & Buying, for more on how to find a good deal and handle auction events with style. How ever much money is in the bank, don't be excessive with what you spend, you're only going to boost your own ego if you get a sports car as your first ride, plus there's nowhere to aim if youre already at the top.

2​). QUALITY...

T​he quality is going to be important with you're first car. If the car is too new and pristine it is only going to get scratched and possibly dented. I know what you're thinking, 'But Will, I am a good driver, I am not going to dent a car.' Even good drivers forget how close the curb is and end up curbing a wheel. If you're new to driving you're probably going to meet up with a load of your mates, some of which will have cars too, although you may be sensible. Nothing stops them crashing into you. A new car with a dented panel really isn't good for your image or on your pocket.

A​t the same time don't get a bad quality car. If it sounds wheezy or has loose breaks you could end up spending more time in the repair shop than driving. Look for cars with power steering, although it may seem excessive, it increases the drivers ability to react to hazards regardless of speed. It also means the car is easier to use on the already overcrowded driveways and parking lots it will visit in. Another feature to highlight is the MPG, roughly speaking you will want a car that sits between 35-50mpgs. This will really lower the cost of road tax if you have to pay it and it means you'll spend less on fuel allowing more to be spent on maintenance.

3​). SAFTEY...

While you want to look like something out of the 'fast and furious' film franchise, you will also want to be safe. Not just how you drive, but the car itself needs to be safe. A car that doesn't accelerate too quickly, because in the first years of driving, we haven't truly got our driving foot tamed. find a car that has a trusty engine, again the last place you want to spent time is the repair shop, unless you're upgrading a component. If you do go for something slightly older or less oiled then get breakdown cover, it will really help.

Internally you will obviously want lots of airbags, most cars in europe and the US adhere to a high standard for airbag placement, but where ever the airbag is placed, try to stay at least 10inches away from it, there is a danger zone where the airbag can cause more harm than what it could prevent and this is anywhere up to 4inches away from the place it sits. Not something to worry about, but if you ever find your self seconds form a crash, sit back into the seat, rather than leaning forward. Externally, plastic bumpers are great, they usually stand a way from the car and really protect it if the handbrake slips or if a pillar comes out of nowhere. These can be easily replaced and some times pushed out of position rather than breaking, which means they can be clipped back into place after. On some cars there are small plastic bumper strips running down the side of the car doors. These stop other peoples car doors swinging into the car and denting it or messing up the paint job, if they have it, its a bonus.

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4​). STORAGE...

The car is going to take some battering, heavy loads and long journeys, so you'll want something that can handle life. Most small hatchbacks are very spacious and can fit all the kit a new driver needs inside. If you're buying the car for someone else remember if you get a car with a big boot (Trunk if you're not this side of the pond.), they have no reason not to take you to the airport when you go away! It also means the car is going to be fully utilised. 5 doors are safer for new car drivers than 3 doors due to the front doors being slightly shorter and thus the doors are less likely to hit something in the car park. Of course they also have properly formatted seats, meaning the front seats don't have a flexible skeleton so they can bend forward to let passengers in and out. Having ridged or fixed seats, gives greater resistance and structure if a accident did occur.

5​). STYLE...

Yes one of the key factors that will be on everyones mind, is the style. The car shouldn't be too big or too small. The more mediocre the car is, the better it will be for the driver. SUV's are designed to be easily driven, but are hard to park, small cars are the opposite in nature. hatchbacks and now 'hot hatches' are designed to play in this middle ground. Most of them have all of the features mentioned in this guide, a few to watch out for are the Renult Clio's with post-2005 design, it is a great car and ranked one of the safest on the market. Volkswagen Polos, Suzuki Swifts and Ford Fiestas alike sit in this perfect zone between long lasting car, comfortable rides and safety oriented journeys.

I​t can be a complicated choice with so many cars on the market, but get the balance right and you'll find you enjoy driving, and will not have nearly as many problems as someone who goes for a Jeep wrangler or any car attached to the name Peugeot. If you are yet to pass your driving test then good luck, If you have already passed then congratulations, but lets keep you on the road for as long as possible and let you enjoy the journey ahead, don't get sidetracked into all of the new car crap, at least not for now.

Whatever you buy or have, and whatever level of driver you are, DriveTribe is full of helpful people and useful tips, as well as potential sellers. Just reach out to us, because we're not going anywhere.

A​s always, stay savvy.

W.H.EELS