Choosing Your First Car as a New Driver
Learning to drive is something that takes a lot of time and practice. In addition to learning to drive, you also need to learn the meanings of things like road signs and signals, what different markings mean such as chapter 8 chevrons like this https://www.pvluk.com/chapter-8-chevrons/ and how to drive on different roads.
Once you have passed your theory and your practical test, you then have to choose your first car of your own. A first car is something that you will never forget, and most people have fond memories of their first car. Choosing the right one for you is important, so what should you consider when the time comes to choose it?
Insurance – As a new driver, your insurance is going to be more than many other drivers, regardless of your age. Shop around for insurance and remember to factor in the various things that your insurance covers. Certain cars will cost less to insure too, which is why most new drivers opt for a smaller car.
Type of Car – The majority of people opt for a smaller car when they first start to drive. This helps you get used to the road and also costs less to run and to insure. Small hatchbacks are a popular choice for new drivers, however if you have a family that you need to transport it may be that you opt for a roomier estate car.
Cost to Buy – You should also consider how much it will cost you to buy the car. Decide whether you want to go for a new car or a second hand one. There are pros and cons to both. Second hand cars cost less to buy, but you may encounter issues so choose carefully. New cars will come with a warranty, and you also don’t need to worry about an MOT for the first three years.
Running Costs – The type of fuel that you choose as well as the engine size will determine what the costs of running the car are. Most first-time car buyers opt for a petrol car, as they are easy to find, and less expensive to run than a diesel car of a similar type.
However, if you need to use the car regularly for longer trips then diesel might be more suitable for your needs.
Nowadays there are also electric cars to consider. These need to be charged up, so do think about where you can charge it and also be aware that it takes much longer to charge an electric car than it does to put fuel in a combustion engine.