Passing your driving test is an incredible feeling and the start of a new chapter in your life. To get this chapter off to a smooth start, you will want to make sure that you have the right first car. This post will help you to make a few of the key decisions to find the perfect first car to help you get used to driving on the roads.
Manual vs. Automatic
First, you should decide whether to buy an automatic or manual transmission car. It is important to note that if you passed your test in an automatic, then this will be the only type of car that you are licensed to drive. On the other hand, someone who passed in a manual has the option of both. With both choices, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider when looking at getting your first car.
Manual
Let’s start with manual cars. Manual transmission vehicles are viewed as more traditional, providing greater control over the vehicle while also being cheaper than automatic transmission. Of course, they are a lot more work than an automatic, and it can take some people a while to get the hang of changing gears, especially when driving a different car to the one you learned in.
Automatic
Automatic vehicles are much easier to drive and give a new driver one less thing to worry about. They are also becoming more common with electric vehicles, with almost all-electric cars using an automatic transmission. The main drawbacks are that automatic cars are more expensive and provide less control over the vehicle – two factors that could be influential in your final decision-making.
Opting For A Second-Hand Car
For a first car, it makes a lot more sense to buy in the used car market instead of buying a new one. This is because it is a lot cheaper, and you can get a lot more for your money, plus you will find used cars cheaper to insure. Other benefits include lower tax, cheaper parts, and repairs, and depreciation being less of an issue.
When checking over a used car, you want to do much more than kick the tyres. You should inspect every inch of the tyres to look out for signs of damage as well as check the tyre tread depth. You will also want to check the interior and exterior and make sure that everything is working as it should be.
There is also a range of features that you want from your first car. These might include leather seats, a DAB radio, and reversing cameras. Air con is also helpful, and you can use an air con service to replace the system if needed.
Leasing A Car
It’s no secret that a car is going to be costly. And, whether you choose to pay monthly or outright, it is a costly commitment to make. However, another option worth looking into is leasing a car. Leasing a car can be an attractive option for new drivers, especially if you are not ready to commit to a purchase. Leasing allows you to drive a newer model with lower monthly payments compared to buying, and it often includes maintenance and warranty coverage. This means fewer upfront costs and less hassle in terms of repairs.
For those exploring leasing options, Pink Car Leasing offers a range of affordable deals tailored to various budgets and preferences. This could be an ideal solution if you want the flexibility to switch vehicles every few years without the depreciation concerns associated with ownership.
Go For A Test Drive
Finally, you will want to take the car out for a spin. You should try to complete as many different manoeuvres as possible in the vehicle to see how it performs, paying close attention to the clutch and gear changes.
Hopefully, this post will be useful and help you to find the perfect first car to get your driving career started.
