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 to get used to driving on the roads.
Manual or 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 while someone that passed in a manual has the option of both and there are benefits and drawbacks of both to consider.
Manual
Manual transmission vehicles are viewed as more traditional and can provide greater control over the vehicle while also being cheaper than automatic transmission. Of course, it is a lot more work than an automatic and it can take some people a while to get the hang of changing gears.
Automatic
Automatic vehicles are a lot 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.
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 new. This is because it is a lot cheaper and you can get a lot more for your money, plus you will find used cars to be 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.
Taking it for a Test Drive
Finally, you will want to take the car out for a spin. You should try to complete as many different maneuvers 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.
