How to choose your first car: what a novice driver should pay attention to

Every new driver has their own criteria for choosing their first car. The most important thing is to pay attention to the comfort, safety, and purpose of the vehicle. For a big city, compact small cars are better suited, for rural areas - pickups and crossovers, and for family trips - minivans or large sedans.

It is better not to focus on one model and choose the vehicle relying on functional characteristics. To know what you should look for when buying your first car, read the OBOZREVATEL article.

New or used

After you have decided on the purpose and class of the car, evaluate your financial capabilities and prospects for buying a used or new model.

When you buy a new car, you will spend money on fuel, scheduled maintenance, insurance, car wash, and seasonal tire changes.

Used models can be an unpleasant surprise. If you don't check the car properly and efficiently before buying it from the previous owner, you may spend a lot of money on repairs.

Secondary market cars are cheaper and don't lose value as quickly, but you won't get any guarantees. Therefore, experts do not advise buying a used car with your last dime or taking out a loan to buy one. The cost of maintaining such models can suddenly increase due to unexpected breakdowns.

Novice drivers are advised to buy a so-called "training car" - cheap models that are not a pity to damage. Such cars are bought to learn how to drive. In the first few years after getting a driver's license, there is a high probability of minor accidents. If you are a more or less skilled driver, you should buy a used car in good condition.

When to buy a car

Experts say that between April and May, cars (including used ones) skyrocket in price.

Summer and spring are the worst seasons to buy a car. It is more profitable to choose a car in winter, especially during the Christmas and New Year period. This is when buyers' interest in cars decreases, demand falls, and car dealerships and owners significantly reduce prices.

What to check

When buying a car from a new or used car, you should definitely check:

• equipment
• operation of locks, power windows, seat belts, etc.
• engine
• fluid level
• oil level
• integrity of the coating
• low and high beam
• turn signals
• parking lights

When buying a car on the secondary market, check the thresholds, look under the floor mats - moisture accumulation can lead to corrosion - and check the technical specifications. The engine should run without extraneous noise. And ask the former owner for all the documents.

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