If you’re new to the motoring world, then your choice of vehicle might be hugely consequential. You’ll want something that fits a number of criteria, and that provides you with the experience you’re looking for.
But exactly what are those criteria?
Cost
Driving can be an expensive thing. Not only do we need to worry about the upfront costs of the vehicle, but the ongoing ones, too. The price you pay for the car itself might, in the long term, be dwarfed by the amount you put into fuel, insurance, maintenance and road tax.
One simple way of reducing your costs, of course, is to look for something that’s already been driven. You can often find premium-quality models from reputable manufacturers on the used market. Look for VW used cars, for example, and you might find yourself considering models that completely eclipse the appeal of the equivalently-priced new model.
Mileage
If you’ve made the decision to buy used, then there’s one metric that might stand out over all of the others. Mileage isn’t always a reliable indicator of how much use a given car has. After all, not every mile is the same. If a car has been driven very hard and fast around a tightly-spaced urban environment, then it will naturally wear much faster than the same car driven at a consistent pace along a motorway.
When you’re buying, however, it might be impossible to see how a car has been driven. Thus, mileage is the metric that’s easiest to consider.
Style
For most new motorists, the look and feel of a car matters just as much as many of the more tangible concerns. If you don’t feel comfortable in a given vehicle, then you might struggle to enjoy your time on the road – which is a missed opportunity.
There are lots of stylish models available that don’t compromise on things like fuel economy and safety. On the other hand, you might prefer to shop for something that’s powerful, eye-catching, and that does compromise on these other things. There’s no shame in wanting a flash car!
Storage
One feature that’s often underappreciated is storage capacity. This isn’t something that tends to become a major concern for those starting families – but at the outset of your motoring career, it might not be something that you’re too worried about. Think about what you’ll be transporting, and how often. Are you going to need to fold the seats forward to accommodate a drum kit? Or could you get by with barely enough room for a suitcase?
Your priorities should inform the model you opt for. Consider them before you make the decision!