How’s it going? Have you decided to buy your first car? Will it be new or used?
If you are still on a roller coaster or overwhelmed with the car buying process and experience, do not fret – most of us have been in the same boat.
Buying your first car is an exciting experience, and some people consider it a milestone in life. You don't always have to buy a new vehicle either.
In this article, you’ll learn useful car buying advice that you should know, especially for first-time car buyers to help find the car you want.
Let’s get to it!
Define your budget
Ask yourself this: How much can you spend on a used or new car?
Make sure to establish your budget before going off to buy your first car. Car buying is one of the biggest financial decisions in your life. You should be prepared to pay for car insurance costs, maintenance, and other unexpected expenses.
On the other hand, if you are not ready to pay for the car in cash, you can sign up for a car loan through your bank or a lending company. Often dealers have much better finance rates than a bank.
Here are a few pointers that can guide in budgeting for your first car:
- Allocate 20% for the deposit payment.
- The monthly car payment should not be more than 15% of your take-home pay.
- Make sure to pay off the car within 60 months, at most.
Research!
Spend some time to research the car that interests you. Find out the essential details such as insurance, payment schemes, rebates, financing, etc.
It would help if you looked into these things on your research:
- Price: It not only includes allocating budget for buying the car but also other related expenses such as maintenance and car insurance, stamp duty and registration costs.
- Features: Is there a particular feature that you want? What car size would you prefer?
- Fuel Efficiency: The fuel economy is an essential factor when choosing a car. You don’t want to own a vehicle that is too expensive to run.
- Safety: Look for safety features that suit your needs. These include airbags, seatbelts, shatter-resistant glass, mirrors, and more.
Lastly, if you want to sound cool when negotiating for your first car, ask about extended warranty and tiny options.
Look at other options.
Do not bite at the first option – take time to look at other vehicles, as well! It is a common mistake most first-time car buyers commit.
It is an instinct to grab the first thing that you see as it saves you time. However, you could be missing something!
There are several deals for new and used cars in the market. Luckily, you don’t need to go out – the information that you need is available online.
You need to find them – look everywhere and expand your car buying options.
Anyway, you can always turn to your list of makes and models options if negotiation did not go well with the dealer.
Shop around.
Explore your options before buying your first car – it is the golden rule every first-time car buyer should know.
Shop around before you buy. Compare the prices of every dealership store that you visit. Take a family member or friend with you to bounce questions off.
Dealership price varies depending on the location. Start “shopping around” at the dealership store within your area.
In that way, you can easily check with them or set an appointment for queries.
Tip:
Give the dealer a hint about the offers from other dealerships. Letting them know about their competitors can make them offer you a better deal.
Test drive
Now:
Let’s move to the exciting part!
Seeing the car is not enough to justify its condition - another vital point first car buyers should know. You need to test drive it!
Pay attention to comfort. Make sure that you feel safe and comfortable while driving.
Here are a few things that you should look for while taking the test drive:
- Comfort: Is it easy to get into the car? Did you bump your head? Make sure the steering wheel feels light for comfortable driving.
- Visibility: Can you see clearly where you’re heading, particularly look for the blind spots? There are cars with full rim windows, which decreases driving visibility.
- Brakes: Make sure the brakes are working.
- Transmission: Is the clutch heavy? Was it difficult to change gears?
- Manoeuvrability: The car should be easy to manoeuvre through curves and light turns. It should also accelerate well for easy merges onto the highway. It also needs to fit well in most parking places.
- Cabin Noise: Is the car noisy when you’re driving? Do you need to shout while talking inside the car?
- Control System and Electronic Features: Test the control system, including the vents, navigation system, camera, etc.
5 best cars for first time drivers in Australia
Here are the 5 best cars for first-time drivers in Australia, offering a balance of safety, affordability, and ease of driving:
1. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a perennial favourite for first-time drivers due to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. It also comes with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making it a secure choice for new drivers. The Corolla's easy handling and smooth ride make it a comfortable option for both city and highway driving.
- Pros: Reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable to maintain
- Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating, standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning
2. Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 is a compact and stylish hatchback that's easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, making it perfect for city driving. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive, while still offering modern safety features. Its small size and agile handling make it less intimidating for first-time drivers.
- Pros: Compact, stylish, and fun to drive
- Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating, smart brake support, and blind-spot monitoring in some models
3. Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 is another great option for new drivers, with a reputation for reliability and practicality. It offers excellent value for money and is equipped with advanced safety features. The i30 also has a spacious interior, making it a versatile option for drivers who want something affordable but not too compact.
- Pros: Affordable, reliable, and packed with features
- Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating, features like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning
4. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is a solid option for first-time drivers who are looking for a budget-friendly car with great safety features and a class-leading warranty. It's easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and equipped with modern technology, making it a smart choice for younger drivers.
- Pros: Affordable, fuel-efficient, and a 7-year warranty
- Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating, stability control, and autonomous emergency braking available on higher trims
5. Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is known for being a compact and nimble hatchback, perfect for new drivers. It’s fun to drive, easy to park, and comes with a range of standard features at an affordable price. The Swift also offers great fuel economy, making it ideal for city commuting.
- Pros: Fun, compact, and affordable
- Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating, rear view camera, lane departure warning, and dual front airbags
Conclusion:
These five cars are some of the best options for first-time drivers in Australia, offering a great balance between safety, ease of driving, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Each car provides a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making them ideal for new drivers who want peace of mind on the road. Whether you prefer something compact like the Mazda 2 or a bit more spacious like the Hyundai i30, you’ll find a car suited to your driving needs.
If you're looking for a great deal on one of these cars, visit Westside Auto Wholesale. We offer a wide range of used vehicles, all independently inspected and mechanically checked. Contact us today to find the perfect car for your driving journey!
