The joy of the open road. And being properly independent at long last…
Owning your own car is a very attractive prospect, isn’t it?
Buying one for the first time is a rite of passage many people feel really excited about – that’s understandable. Have you pictured yourself cruising along in some type of open topped sports model – be honest? Hair flying in the wind and not a care in the world. Or perhaps in a customised vintage car that’s easy on the eye – but could cost a fortune in repairs. .Watch out!
It’s easy to spend hours daydreaming about your first solo travels out on the road. And this important purchase. But you need to get practical before you start searching seriously.
So what factors should you be thinking about – as a young first time driver? How can you make the best decision?
Fuel and insurance
It might not sound the most glamorous of things – but the cost of fuel and insurance for your first car is critical. And if you’re a young driver this is particularly important. So make sure you know how many mpg your ideal car can achieve – is it economical? If not – forget it.
And research specialist insurance brokers who can help you, as a first time driver. It will save you a lot of headaches, and money, in the long run.
New or used – which is best?
We think new is a good option for a first time buyer – and there are lots of cars out there that are cheap. That doesn;t mean they’re dull – far from it. They offer scope for customisation, and impressive driver enjoyment – as well as being stylish..
For the most part, you’ll also enjoy features like air-conditioning, alloy wheels and smartphone integration. The days of small cars offering little in the way of features are long gone – we’re glad to say.
Another advantage of buying a new car is that it will come with the latest safety equipment, should the worst happen. And that’s something that will be a huge comfort to the families of young and inexperienced drivers.
What are our suggestions?
Maybe consider something like a Skoda Citigo, Ford Fiesta or the Peugeot 208, perhaps. This offers all the practical aspects of the first two – but looks more sophisticated.
The Hyundai i10 is affordable and very well equipped – while the Volkswagen Polo is recognised for its classy design.
There’s no denying the desirability of the MINI – it’s definitely top of a lot of people’s lists. And rightly so, because as well as looking beautiful, it handles brilliantly. As long as you can afford it – it’s not the cheapest of options. An interesting alternative is the Vauxhall Adam – which has a lot of its appeal for a fraction of the price.
But whatever car you decide on, as your first choice – just bear the factors we’ve mentioned in mind. Get the fuel capacity, reliability and insurance sorted – and any added extra flair is just a big bonus!
Happy traveling…
