What models are worth considering?
The first machine should be chosen according to the following criteria: ease of operation, availability of authorized or specialized workshops, mass production. No frills - they are more likely to distract from driving.
The best option is the nth generation of time-tested cars. These include such giants as:
- Ford Focus.
- Mitsubishi Lancer.
- Toyota Camry.
They are recognizable and studied in detail. The Internet is replete with articles on the topic of these cars. The same cars occupy podium positions in ratings for reliability and operating costs.
These cars are unique symbols of the era. Focus gained popularity after the Fast and the Furious series of films, and the same Camry became a symbol of a measured life.
Many manufacturers have models similar to those listed. And this is where I want to stop.
The Best Used Cars for a Newbie
Renault Logan The repeated representative of the portal's ratings became the best in another category. There are no unnecessary controls, two options for a simple gearbox. A spacious interior and a capacious trunk will be a bonus to another advantage of the vehicle - affordability.
Renault Logan
Another Frenchman – Renault Duster – will suit residents of the regions. The body type – crossover – allows the public sector vehicle to overcome obstacles and off-road conditions. A good way to practice cross-country driving skills for a reasonable price.
Renault Duster
Another popular car among beginners is the Kia Picanto. A first-generation car in good condition and with history can be purchased for only 150 thousand rubles. After 3 years of test driving, you can save up for a more worthwhile model. And most likely, it will be the same piquant maneuverable equipment that does not care about the dense traffic of the metropolis.
Kia Picanto
It is worth noting domestic models. They are called buckets on wheels, but they are quite easy to operate. Many instructors and the older generation of people teach young people on such machines. Ladas, UAZs and in some cases GAZs are required for driving schools. Plus there is also a large collection of articles about domestic cars in libraries and on the Internet.
And finally – Volkswagen Polo. Also a budget model. The Germans are skilled craftsmen in creating durable units. On them you can find engines familiar from childhood adapted to new standards. The vehicle is easy to maintain and easy to develop driving skills.
Volkswagen Polo
The best new cars for a beginner
Now let's explore the new car market. This is not an easy task, so we turned to experts from the USA for help. They conducted a thorough analysis of the characteristics of available cars and compiled a rating of the best examples of the automotive industry for beginners.
One of the places of honor is occupied by the Honda Fit. Cars are selling like hotcakes. Its advantages are a price of less than 25 thousand dollars, low fuel consumption (about 5 liters per 100 kilometers) and reliable internals.
Honda Fit
The same can be said about the Kia Niro. It will please fans of the fight for a cleaner environment due to the lack of a traditional internal combustion engine. Placing the battery under the passenger compartment takes the strain off the trunk. With the rear sofa folded down, its volume is 1405 liters! The cruising range on the 204-horsepower electric motor will be 485 kilometers, which is approximately half the distance between the Russian and Belarusian capitals.
Kia Niro
The 2020 Kia Soul will go on sale soon. The soulful car offers a palette of possibilities for young people. The only excess is an audio system with 10 speakers and rhythmic interior lighting. But most of the equipment is quite useful, although you shouldn't rely on it entirely.
Kia Soul
What to pay attention to
Novice drivers may always need timely and correct advice. We have collected, in our opinion, relevant:
- Buy a new front-wheel drive car as standard, with parking sensors, good ground clearance, automatic transmission, 1-1.6 liter engine and low consumption.
- Buy a used car, no older than 5 years old, with low mileage and number of owners (preferably from the first one) and only from a trusted seller.
- Do not consider sports and expensive models.
- Car safety should at a minimum include airbags, seat belts and ABS.
The opinion of car enthusiasts should always be taken into account. It’s better to give up the thought of buying a jeep or limousine from an elite brand right away. They are too big for our streets and parking lots. But medium and small sized vehicles are quite suitable for a novice driver. The automatic can be anything, but for a beginner it is still easier to use a CVT.
Look at the reviews on forums and social networks - someone will definitely share their own first experience. For example, many people choose small models from the Volkswagen, Skoda or Ford family as their first car.
And here's something else you need to know when buying. Economic feasibility plays a far from secondary role. Acceptable fuel efficiency indicators are demonstrated only by newly developed models. But their service is more expensive. So you have to look for a middle ground.
We recommend: Comparison of KIA Rio and Chevrolet Cruze
If you are not buying a new car, it makes sense to choose a design that has been proven over the years. Perhaps we should stick to the domestic one. The best car for a beginner is one that you like and doesn’t break down. The domestic one may break down more often, but repairs will be much cheaper. In any case, stick to your budget and be sure to check the car thoroughly before purchasing.
Hyundai Solaris
A novice driver can safely choose a Korean brand and buy this budget model. It is compact, but there are no problems when driving on Russian roads. The finishing materials are cheap, in the budget segment, but quite high quality. The design of the Hyundai Solaris is modern, and the interior is more than comfortable.
@peterolthof
The main disadvantage of the car is rapid wear. Often, Solaris “ends of life” after just five years, because drivers don’t want to suffer with a rapidly aging car, so they sell it and buy a more expensive model. However, for a novice driver this is not so important.
Top cars for beginner motorists
Hyundai i30
This Korean hatchback is abundantly presented on the secondary market, where it can be purchased from 430 thousand rubles.
With a simple, even boring interior and exterior design, the model is in demand for stable stability, sufficient reliability and ergonomics.
At the heart of the car is a 1.6-liter 126-horsepower engine, which is robust and durable, and with proper maintenance does not cause any trouble to its owner. In general, the model is repairable, many auto stores have spare parts, and minor repairs are also possible in unofficial services.
Ford Focus II
With a price starting from 430 thousand rubles, this model is one of the most interesting options for a novice driver.
The version with a 1.6-liter 100-horsepower engine is generally recognized as a “workhorse” - reliable, durable, controllable, economical and ergonomic, which, even with mileage, will not cause problems for the motorist.
If funds allow, the driver can choose a package with heated mirrors, 2-zone climate control, headlight washers and standard safety systems.
The only weaknesses can be considered insufficient sound insulation and low ground clearance, which will not allow the driver to explore wild nature and easily jump onto curbs.
Citroen C4
This model is slightly more expensive than the previous one and is valued at 500 thousand rubles on the secondary market.
Popular models for women driving and demonstration photos of cars
To date, sales statistics and reviews from owners have formed the following list of inexpensive women's foreign cars that are most suitable for the role of a “trial balloon”:
- Chevrolet Spark;
- Daewoo Matiz;
- Chery Sweet;
- KIA Picanto;
- Peugeot 107;
- KIA Rio;
- Skoda Fabia
- Citroen C1;
- Renault Sandero.
This list is constantly being edited due to technological progress and preferences, so the models shown cannot be taken as a prerequisite for purchase.
Some examples are worth taking a closer look at.
Chevrolet Spark
A compact urban hatch with a bright design and youthful interior. The instrument panel is made in a motorcycle style; there is enough free space for a couple of rear passengers and one front passenger, as we see in the photographs.
Technical data:
- engine volume – 1.0 l;
- power – 68 hp;
- transmission – 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic;
- fuel consumption – 6.3 l/100 km;
- speed – 150 km/h.
As can be seen from the indicators, the car is economical and quite affordable - 450,000 rubles . depending on the configuration.
Daewoo Matiz
Technical data:
- ICE volume – 0.8 l;
- power – 52 hp;
- transmission – 4-speed automatic;
- Fuel consumption - 6.4 l/100 km.
The average cost of Daewoo Matiz is 250,000 rubles .
Peugeot 107
The model is available in both three- and five-door versions, the difference in price is about 8,000 rubles. The basic copy has only two airbags and ABS, but the cost of this configuration is quite attractive - 442,000 rubles . Even in photographs, the design of the car looks very attractive.
technical data :
- engine volume – 1.0 l;
- power – 68 hp;
- transmission – 5 automatic transmission or 5 manual transmission;
- fuel consumption – 5.4 l.
Power steering, air conditioning and an audio system will “heavien” the price to 442,000 rubles, and a robotic gearbox will add another 23,000 rubles.
Tips for experienced beginners
After the first 2-3 thousand kilometers, a recent beginner develops real stable riding skills. And after 5-6 thousand, confidence appears. Sometimes it develops into self-confidence, a desire to be on par with experienced drivers. The question is not how to learn to drive, but how to be on an equal footing with everyone else. It’s fun to change lanes, cut off and drive at exorbitant speeds. This euphoria is dangerous; this state often leads to traffic accidents.
What tips should a recent newcomer remember, who graduated from driving school 3-4 months ago and is already confident in his own professionalism? Let's look at them.
- The main criterion of professionalism is the ability to stop a car on any road, at different speeds, within a limited braking distance. Usually there are no problems with acceleration while driving. Problems and incidents arise when braking, when the driver is unable to cope with the speed of the car. Therefore, despite the experience gained and the example of other drivers, obey the speed limit. Remember that 86% of accidents involve speeding. At the permitted speed limit, the accident might not have happened.
- Distance is another indicator of driving professionalism. Only an inexperienced or newbie will stay close to the car in front. An experienced driver will always suspect the incompetence of others. And therefore, be prepared for nonsense on their part.
- Remember to look in the mirrors every 10-15 seconds. Even if you don’t change lanes or drive through an intersection, you move on a flat road.
- Brake as soon as you see danger, an unexpected obstacle or brake lights on the car ahead. Reduce speed as soon as there are reasons to do so. Even a second of delay can cost someone their life.
- Make it a rule to inspect your tires every month, assess the condition of the treads, and show your car to a service technician to evaluate the brakes and chassis. The cost of your car malfunction may be human life. Don't buy used tires. Place only new tires with good tread on your wheels.
- Listen to the sounds of your engine and chassis. If unconventional sounds appear, new ones that you have not heard before, show the car to a technician. Some mechanism in it began to break down. Likewise, always look at the ground or asphalt under the car after parking. If oil stains or other leaks appear, contact a service station. The health of your car means your safety and the lives of those around you.
And one more thing: the most dangerous thought for an experienced beginner is the thought “how well I can drive a car.” It is after this that unpleasant incidents often occur. If you hear something similar inside yourself, be very careful, slow down, look around, correlate the movement of your car and neighboring cars.
New car or used car: what to choose?
New car
So you've decided to buy a new car. What to expect upon purchase.
The advantage is that the machine is in truly excellent condition and a beginner will not have to bother with fixing it, which would be quite a serious problem. As a result of this, a novice driver will only need to operate the car correctly and regularly undergo branded maintenance.
If everything is done correctly, the machine will serve for a really long time.
The downside is the cost of transport . Often, novice drivers notice the price in advertising leaflets, which attracts with its affordability. But when they arrive at the dealership, what awaits them is that they will be offered a lot of additional options that will increase the cost of the car quite significantly.
In case of refusal, many buyers have to wait for a certain time. Another disadvantage is that the branded service is quite expensive.
Speaking of cost, after 3-4 years a car enthusiast may want to sell his car. An unpleasant surprise will be that the car, depending on its condition, loses 30% of its original value.
Used car
In terms of cost , a used car benefits much more. Its price will also not change much in a few years.
An important advantage is that maintenance can be carried out in any workshop, which is also quite profitable.
But the disadvantages are a little more serious:
- It is difficult to determine the real technical condition of the car. Its appearance may promise excellent prospects, but in fact, inside it may have serious defects, the cost of eliminating which is quite high;
- a person who ponders the question “what first car to buy?” often forgets about the criminal aspects of the purchase: the car may simply be stolen or in a corral. Therefore, in order to avoid getting into this situation, you need to be extremely careful.
As a result, many new drivers seek advice and help from more experienced motorists who know what to look for when buying a used car. This is the right and wise decision.
What do experts advise?
Auto experts answering a specific question: what should you buy your first car? They name different brands, depending on preferences, but most often they name the following cars:
- Ford Focus.
- Suzuki Swift.
- Toyota Yaris.
Toyota Yaris
The cost of these cars is on average 16 thousand dollars. However, there are many other models, for example, hatchbacks, which are cheaper. Among them you can find an excellent unit that costs no more than 14 thousand dollars.
Machine size
For a beginner, large cars are not required; a small car would be an excellent purchase. After all, it will be much more convenient to maneuver in dense traffic.
Also, one of the main difficulties of inexperienced drivers is parking, because... Often it is during parking that accidents occur.
The decision to buy a new or used car completely depends on the car enthusiast himself (his skills and desires, as well as, of course, financial capabilities), because each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Watch a useful video about buying a used car, which brand and model is better to choose:
We recommend: Which is better to choose: Daewoo Nexia or VAZ-2114
Which gearbox should a beginner choose?
If you are trying to find the ideal option to answer the question: what car should a novice driver buy for a girl? Then a car with an automatic transmission will definitely suit you, because... it has a number of important advantages for a beginner:
- Convenience. In a city where there is a traffic light at every corner, it will be an indispensable assistant: you will not have to constantly squeeze the clutch and change gears, and you will also not be able to “burn out” the clutch.
- High reliability of these models. Smooth acceleration dynamics, as well as the absence of the possibility of rollback, as a result, reducing the likelihood of an accident.
If you are excellent at driving a car with a manual transmission, then a manual transmission is also suitable for you, because... it also has a number of important advantages that should be considered when choosing:
- lower fuel consumption (from 5 to 15%!) in comparison with automatic transmissions.
- cheaper maintenance, oil changes much less often than in an automatic transmission. The cost of repairs is also significantly lower.
Thus, the choice of gearbox depends on the driver’s skills and preferences.
Video on the topic of which first car is better to buy:
Security systems
An important aspect when choosing a car that should be taken into account is the car’s safety systems.
I would like to immediately note that you should not buy the latest innovations and developments of active and passive systems (which are often purchased by inexperienced drivers due to ignorance).
However, the following must be present:
- ABS;
- airbags;
- seat belts.
As for parking sensors, the situation is somewhat controversial . On the one hand, if you are afraid that you will “hurt” the car while parking, then you will have to fork out for front and rear parking sensors with a full set of sensors (8 pieces).
With fewer sensors, inexperienced drivers have problems with blind spots. So you make the decision to purchase them yourself, based on your desires and needs.
The first car for a motorist is like the first love for a yesterday’s graduate or even a schoolboy. It is important to find a balance between love for the environment, your own preferences and the opinions of others. But the main thing is to follow the traffic rules and hold on to the steering wheel tighter. Otherwise, the first trip in a new car may be the last in your life.
Opening a VIP taxi
Yandex.Taxi has such a tariff - Business. So I just want to make it better. They drive people there in German Mercedes. As a true patriot, I am ready to create a vehicle fleet that will consist only of spacious UAZ-452. After all, they are much more comfortable than those cramped Eshki and Five BMWs. The 452 is comfortable, spacious, and there is ventilation on all sides.
Engine and transmission
According to the recommendations of experts, the first car should be equipped with an engine with a power of up to 150 horsepower and a displacement of no more than 2 liters. This is the most suitable option, since the engine can be turned off by negligence by a novice motorist at the most inopportune moment. Diesel or petrol engine? There is no difference here: modern diesel vehicles are just as easy to drive as gasoline ones.
The question of the transmission of the first car remains open. What to choose: automatic or manual transmission? If in the future the driver plans to travel only in cars with automatic transmission, then he should purchase an “automatic”. There is no clutch pedal here, no shifting is required, and starting off on a hill is quite easy. Which is very important at first for an inexperienced motorist.
However, if future cars will only have a manual transmission, the choice is definitely made in favor of a manual transmission. You can get used to the presence of a third pedal quite quickly. Under certain circumstances, a gearbox of this type will be simply irreplaceable. For example, if a driver needs to get out of a deep snowdrift in winter using the “swinging” method. The desired effect is achieved by quickly switching between reverse and first gear. A similar method cannot be used with automatic transmissions: there is a high risk of transmission failure.
Criterias of choice
The modern car market is diverse and offers a wide range of models.
Beginners are divided into two categories: some first buy a car that they won’t mind breaking during the first months of driving, while others immediately buy a luxurious, expensive car, for which, in fact, they acquired their driving skills.
Experienced motorists recommend that beginners really first try their hand at simpler and budget models purchased on the secondary market. At first, scratches, bad parking, driving onto curbs or into bushes cannot be avoided. In addition, accident statistics among novice drivers are consistently high.
The key argument when buying a good car is caution, a heightened sense of responsibility and comfort. The owner will value the substantial amount invested in a new car much more, and therefore will behave much more carefully on the road.
At the same time, modern models, even economy class ones, are distinguished by reliable safety systems, are equipped with electronic assistants and, in general, provide such comfortable movement that the driver is given a secondary role.
Thus, if the domestic auto industry, especially a used one, can turn you away from driving forever, then a good model will help a beginner relax, feel better about the car and the road, and not get nervous and avoid making mistakes.
Emergency maneuverability training
In addition to regular driving courses, there are so-called “advanced training” courses or “extreme emergency driving courses”. They teach experienced drivers how to learn to drive safely in all weather conditions.
How to behave in a difficult traffic situation when a child, an animal runs out into the traffic lane, or a car is rushing towards you? Some of the activities in these courses can be completed on your own machine. To do this, you need an empty area or a wide deserted road. What to do?
- Drive out onto an empty area (road), accelerate to 40 km per hour and brake quite sharply. See how the car behaves during emergency braking and how long the braking distance is. Then do the same at speeds of 50, 60, 70, 80 km per hour. Measure the distance required for emergency braking from various speeds. Do the same after the rain, on a wet empty road. These exercises will teach you how to quickly stop a car and visually remember the distance required to come to a complete stop on a wet road.
- Obstacle avoidance training - place a crumpled plastic bottle, start moving towards it, accelerate and quickly go around it. Do this at low speed first. Gradually - increase your speed and learn to avoid an unexpected obstacle at 60, 70 and 80 km per hour.
- A similar exercise can be done if you have an assistant. It should roll old tires under your wheels as you move along the road. In this case, the wheel imitates an unexpected obstacle or a person appearing on the road in the wrong place.
- Classes on slippery surfaces - they will require a snow-covered or ice-covered area. It is necessary to accelerate and brake in order to work out the reaction when skidding until it becomes automatic. Automatic reactions are the basis for your driving safety. In difficult driving situations, seconds matter. There is no time to think and weigh. Note: in cases of skidding, the driver’s actions are determined by the vehicle’s drive. If the driving wheels are front, then you need to turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and smoothly accelerate. If the driving wheels are rear, then you need to turn the steering wheel in the direction opposite to the skid and do not press on the gas.
Practicing vehicle maneuverability can reduce the likelihood of an accident by more than 50%.