Which car should a novice driver buy? Choosing your first car

Features of choosing a car for a beginner

Many car enthusiasts prefer used foreign cars or even domestic used cars.
They justify their choice by low price and high risk of car damage due to insufficient driving experience. According to statistics, every third newcomer to the road gets into an accident during the first year. However, there is a downside to this solution - old things tend to break down faster. Perhaps the money invested in repairs will bring the total cost closer to the cost of a new car. Domestic models are inferior in many respects to even the cheapest foreign cars, but the cost of repairing the latter is much more expensive than the former. Which car to buy—ours or a foreign one—everyone decides for himself. We recommend paying attention to compact crossovers and hatchbacks. Cars that are too large are dangerous for novice drivers. It will take a lot of time to get used to their size. As for the transmission, the automatic one is stubbornly replacing the manual one. Although some men choose only manual transmission.

A car for a novice driver

In any business, it is always more difficult for a beginner. And, perhaps, you need to start with the question of which first car to choose for a novice driver. It is clear that we want a better, more prestigious and more beautiful car. But while there is no experience, this is not what you should pay attention to. For a novice driver, it is much more important that the car has:

• reliable;
• easy to manage and unpretentious in operation.

In addition, you need to take into account the cost - not only of the machine, but also of its operation and repair. As a rule, the first car is often hit. That is why a beginner does not need one that is too expensive.

An inexperienced driver, like everyone else, has only two choices - a new vehicle or a used one.

It is very important to correctly determine the power of the power unit, transmission, gearbox, equipment and even the dimensions of the car.

New or used car

We do not buy used cars because we have a good life. But there are so many risks here that the purchase impression can be spoiled for a long time. A “killed” car is not suitable for training, especially since it is beyond the power of a beginner to identify incorrect mileage and technical shortcomings. It makes sense to take an inexpensive one with mileage if your budget is limited and you have no driving experience at all. At the same time, you should not rely on your own strength when choosing.

The new car will be under warranty, and this will make it easier to resolve operational issues. In addition, he is practically flawless technically, and this is important at the initial stage of training.

Foreign car or domestic car

The latest innovations in the domestic automobile industry have smoothed out the difference with foreign cars as much as possible in terms of technical equipment, safety and quality. Russian-developed cars are gradually approaching imported ones in terms of prices. So the choice here is more determined by personal preferences and financial capabilities. You just need to take into account the criteria discussed above.

On the other hand, the shortcomings of our manufacturer are well known. Foreign-made cars, even those of the lowest price segment, are still more reliable, and their safety is always guaranteed to be at their best. Perhaps these are the best inexpensive cars for a beginner.

Car for women

A female driver does not always need a special car. Many of them drive vehicles no worse than men, and if they learn some rules, they adhere to them strictly throughout their lives. True, not everyone copes well with tasks. Especially many problems arise in megacities, where it is not easy even for men with their more stress-resistant psyche. Therefore, there is no difference in the choice of model and configuration.

A girl needs a small, bright car that is easy to drive. The fair sex is distinguished by its peculiar practicality in its approach to choosing a car. For women, it is important to have a large number of drawers, shelves, etc., which can be reached while driving without interfering with driving. Thus, the ergonomics of the driver's seat should play a significant role.

It is difficult to advise anything specific. But, of course, it shouldn’t be a fashionable MINI, the operation of which requires concentration. You can choose simpler models - for example, Skoda Fabia, Peugeot 308, Fiat 500 or KIA Picanto.

Chevrolet Lanos second generation

A popular, inexpensive and relatively safe car that is worth buying for a beginner. Its main competitor is Daewoo Nexia. A used model can be purchased for 150 thousand rubles. The production years for Russia are from 2005 to 2013, so it is quite possible to purchase a car that is up to 10 years old. It is suitable for both family use and work. Modest design, good equipment and inexpensive service captivate even the most demanding new car enthusiasts.

The Chevrolet Lanos was equipped with only one gasoline engine, 1.5 liters. It produces up to 86 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. When driving around the city, the average fuel consumption is 10.4 liters, on the highway - 5.2 liters. Control here is easy - the car accelerates to speeds above 150 km/h, brakes sharply, and takes sharp turns without any problems.

Renault Logan first generation

A novice driver should also look at the affordable subcompact Renault Logan. Despite the simple design, both inside and outside, it looks quite presentable. Main advantages:

• high seating;
• indestructible suspension;
• reliable engines;
• comfortable seats;
• high quality cladding.

The spacious 510-liter trunk, which can easily accommodate several bags and suitcases, deserves special attention. The latest configuration includes: climate control, on-board computer, power windows, heated seats, central locking with remote control. The car is equipped with one of three engines: 1.4 liters by 75 liters. s., 1.6 l per 84 l. s., 1.6 l per 102 l. With.

Either version comes with a five-speed manual transmission. Although in tandem with the 102-horsepower engine there is a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is no more than 10 liters, and the maximum speed is 180 km/h. The price for Renault Logan varies from 400 to 500 thousand rubles.

Mechanical or automatic?

Another question that worries novice drivers concerns the choice of gearbox. Here, again, everything depends on the capabilities of a particular person . In this situation, events can develop according to the following scenarios.

• I studied mechanics, but I want to drive an automatic;
• I learned with an automatic, I can only drive with an automatic;
• I studied mechanics, I can and will drive a manual;
• I studied mechanics, I'm afraid to drive a manual, but I want to learn.

In the first three cases, there is no need to torment yourself with this question: take what you want or what your driver’s license allows you to take. If you are afraid, but want to drive a manual, you can go one of two ways:

• overcome your fear and immediately take a car with a manual;
• take a car with an automatic transmission, and then switch to a manual one.

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The second option seems to us more preferable. Judge for yourself. Having bought a car with an automatic transmission , you will be able to devote all your attention to driving the car and monitoring the road, and not to changing gears, getting nervous due to a stalled engine at an intersection, etc. As soon as you get comfortable behind the wheel and feel more confident on the road, It will become easier for you to pay attention to such a “secondary” thing as the gear lever. That's when it's worth taking a closer look at a car with a manual transmission .

Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet Aveo is the best car for a beginner who prioritizes compactness, efficiency and comfort. Fuel consumption usually does not exceed 9 liters per 100 km, and service is relatively cheap. At the same time, the manufacturer installs high-quality parts, which reduces the risk of frequent repairs. Many owners also note the high strength of the body and resistance to damage to the paintwork.

In the latest generations, the car is equipped with fog lights, ABS, power accessories and alloy wheels. There are also two glove compartments with USB output and a number of compact compartments. Among the disadvantages for beginners it is worth highlighting:

• low-quality aerodynamics;
• poor sound insulation;
• presence of blind spots in mirrors;
• not the highest security.

The minimum price for the basic Chevrolet Aveo is 400 thousand. The cost of better versions reaches 850 thousand rubles.

Volkswagen Golf 4th generation

The Volkswagen Golf is definitely suitable for those who are thinking about what car to buy, gravitating towards the German classics. Everything here is thought out, restrained and of high quality. Mechanics claim that the Golf's body is eternal - it can be perfectly preserved even after many years of intensive use. There were a lot of engine options:

• base engine 1.4 16V (AHW,AXP, AKQ);
• eight valve 1.6 (AEH / AKL);
• two-liter with factory indexes APK / AQY AZH / AZJ;
• 1.8 liter turbo engine AGU, ARZ, AUM.

All versions were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. There are also cars with a four-speed automatic transmission, but rarely. The car handles the road perfectly and there are practically no weak points in it. On the secondary market it can be purchased for 250 - 350 thousand rubles.

How much to spend?

First of all, you need to decide on the cost of the vehicle. You can talk for a long time about suitable cars, first for 100, then for 200, 300 thousand rubles, and so on, but instead we suggest you remember one single rule: no matter how much money you have, it cannot be completely spent on a car .

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The cheaper and older the car, the more of the money it is advisable to leave for anticipated and unforeseen expenses - maintenance, repairs, spare parts, restoration after a possible accident, etc. For example, if you have 200 thousand rubles, it is advisable to look for a vehicle for 100-130 thousand ( share 50-65%), setting aside the remaining amount for a “rainy day” - and in the case of a used car, sooner or later it will definitely come.

If you already have 400 thousand rubles, then take a closer look at models for 250-300 thousand (60-75% share). At the same time, it is important to understand that without proper inspection of the selected car, there is a chance of running into junk cars , and then even this amount will not be enough to restore the car. Conclusion: do not skimp on diagnostics with the assistance of professionals.

No car should be bought with your last money.

At the same time, it is a mistake to believe that a new car will completely save you from problems and unnecessary costs. The same principle applies here, but it works in the opposite direction: the more expensive and technologically advanced the chosen model, the more you will have to pay for insurance, maintenance and repairs .

So, if you have managed to save 1 million rubles, do not rush to spend all your hard earned money on a new car. It’s better to take a closer look at models costing 800-900 thousand (80-90% share) and then don’t run around looking for several tens of thousands of rubles to buy winter tires or pay for suddenly expensive maintenance.

The more expensive the car, the higher the price of its maintenance and spare parts.

However, this formula does not mean at all that if it is possible to spend 2-3 million rubles on the first car, a beginner should do so. Even if a novice driver is very careful, there is a high probability of damaging the vehicle , it is commonplace to rub the bumper in the parking lot. Obviously, you will feel more sorry for an expensive (and especially new!) car than for an affordable and used one.

In addition, driving an expensive car with scratches is undignified, so you will have to spend a lot of money on restoring the body. Another thing is a conditionally new “Grant” or a ten-year-old Ford Focus, which already, with a high degree of probability, already has scratches. These cars don’t even need to be repaired - and if you really want to, it will be relatively expensive.

Ford Focus

Ford Focus 2 is one of the safest cars. Today it is no longer produced, so a novice driver will only have to buy a used version. It was produced in several body styles: a four-door sedan, a three-door and a five-door hatchback. Each version has many advantages over other machines:

• ergonomic interior;
• spacious trunk;
• low fuel consumption;
• reliable steering;
• high controllability rates;
• low cost of service.

You can install non-original parts in the Ford Focus, which simplifies and reduces the cost of repairing it in the event of a breakdown. Owners complain that the electronics in the car often fail, so when buying it, you need to check it first. Otherwise, the model has more advantages than disadvantages, and you can purchase it for an average of 250 thousand rubles.

Which drive should you choose?

• Front-wheel drive - only the front wheels are active. Front-wheel drive cars are characterized by higher cross-country ability than rear-wheel drive cars, but at the same time they are inferior to all-wheel drive ones. Front-wheel drive cars cannot boast of high performance on the road.
• Rear-wheel drive - only the rear wheels are driven. It is rear-wheel drive that is installed on sports cars - it guarantees high speed and dynamism. Beginners should refrain from buying rear-wheel drive units - they easily skid on slippery or wet roads.
• All-wheel drive - engine energy is distributed to all 4 wheels. These cars are stable on the road in any weather conditions; it’s not for nothing that all-wheel drive is installed on SUVs. However, such cars are considered far from the most economical in terms of fuel consumption.

Important

For beginners, it is best to pay attention to front-wheel drive cars - they are easier to drive and easier to overcome small obstacles on the road.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The 10th generation Mitsubishi Lancer - 2007-2010 - deserves special attention. It reflects excellent driving performance and striking design. The original headlights and streamlined shapes attract many drivers. The model is available with all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. There is no lateral support on the driver's seat, but it is comfortable enough for people of different sizes. There is one important nuance for a beginner: the mirrors provide a full view of the entire road, which makes difficult maneuvers easier. For example, there are no difficulties when parking.

The car has a sloping roof, so very tall people will find it uncomfortable. However, its interior is very roomy; 3 people can fit in the back at the same time. But the trunk in it is small. The rear seat can be folded down to increase cargo capacity.

On sale there are models Intense+, Invite+, Intense, Invite. To decide which car is better to buy, you need to study the equipment of each. The basic version already has airbags, heated seats, air conditioning and a CD/MP3 player. The average cost of a car on the secondary market is 320 thousand rubles.

"Buckets" and domestic cars

There's nothing more classic than buying a cheap bucket car as your first car. As a rule, such a choice is made by young guys - beginners, purchasing rubbish for 50-70 thousand rubles. Rarely do wrecked Russian cars drive for more than a year with one owner: three hundred accidents occur in 365 days, because “it’s not a pity” and “you have to learn from something.” Most likely, new owners of such cars rarely visit certified auto centers and have them repaired either in the yard or in the “bros’” garage. If you have ever personally witnessed typical advice on what kind of first car a guy should buy, then most likely the newcomer purchased:

No joke, these are the most purchased used Russian cars on our market.

Argumentation in the spirit of “what difference does it make, I’ll break it anyway” has its place, but every day I see guys who don’t jump off a roof or jump into the Neva from a bridge, although “they’ll still die someday.” At the end of their life, breathing cars are bad not because of the noise, rust and lack of comfort, they are dangerous because they can break down at the most inopportune moment, they are unreliable and doubtful.

Skoda Octavia 2nd generation

When choosing a car based on the optimal price-quality ratio, you can safely take the Skoda Octavia. Advantages of the model:

• reasonable cost;
• high level of security;
• economical fuel consumption;
• wear resistance of interior elements;
• good ground clearance;
• a large set of additional options (autopilot, tire pressure monitoring, etc.);
• traction control system.

The five-door hatchback has different types of engines: atmospheric, turbocharged, diesel. It is better to give preference to a turbocharged 1.8 or 2.0 liter. They work in tandem with a five- and six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption does not exceed 7.1 liters per 100 km within the city. The cost of the car depends on the year of its manufacture. For the 2008-2009 model, a beginner will have to pay about 250 thousand rubles.

KIA Rio 3

The KIA Rio car was created for those who want to drive comfortably, but are not ready to pay big money. It is of good quality and reasonable price. It is produced in two versions - a sedan and a five-door hatchback. Their technical characteristics are very similar, so it is difficult to conclude which car is better. What explains the popularity of the model:

• five seats;
• high build quality;
• high-quality braking system;
• reliable engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters and a power of 107 and 123 hp. With. respectively;
• good gearbox, both manual and automatic;
• Rich equipment even in the basic version.

You can rent a car either as the second car or as the only one for the family. Its maintenance is relatively cheap and it lasts a long time.

Toyota Corolla 10th generation (2006-2013)

If we talk about the degree of reliability, the Toyota Corolla is the best option among its “peers”. In certain trim levels there are up to 7 airbags, devices are built into the front seats to prevent neck injuries, there is a system that alerts you to unfastened seat belts, and more. The car also has excellent driving and performance characteristics. It is very easy for a novice driver to handle it: it starts smoothly, the gearbox shifts without jerking.

The car has weak points in the suspension, delicate paintwork, and weak standard speakers. But the advantages more than compensate for all the disadvantages. If you choose which car to buy in the middle price segment, you can safely choose this option. Its minimum cost is 400 thousand rubles.

Toyota Camry XV40

A beginner who just graduated from driving school yesterday can safely get behind the wheel of a luxury business class car. This is how the manufacturer positions the Toyota Camry. Powerful engines and well-tuned suspensions give the car excellent dynamic and driving characteristics. There are 2 types of configurations on sale: with a 2.4-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission, as well as with a 3.5-liter engine paired with an automatic transmission. In the first variant, a six-speed automatic transmission is still possible.

The car has the following advantages:

• high-quality paintwork;
• inexpensive maintenance;
• spacious interior;
• low fuel consumption;
• high liquidity of cars.

Among the disadvantages, owners often pay attention to a weak automatic transmission, high oil consumption, insufficiently powerful brakes, and a high tax, compared to the V6 version. If you undergo maintenance according to the schedule and check the condition of the car yourself, it can last a long time. The cost of good copies starts from 600 thousand rubles, although on the secondary market it is quite possible to find offers for 500 thousand rubles.

For the last ones or with a reserve?

Price is always the deciding factor in any purchase. The car is no exception. When purchasing your first car, you need to take into account the size of your wallet, but in no case should you buy one when you only have enough money. Remember that the car (especially if it is new) needs to be insured under comprehensive insurance, you need to take out a compulsory motor liability insurance policy, and also spend money on the necessary little things, such as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a tow rope. If you are buying a car on the eve of the winter season, think about winter “boots”.

It is the amount of money in your pocket that determines the class and degree of novelty of the upcoming purchase, the engine power and the type of transmission of the future car. And recommendations from friends and parents are already second-level arguments.

Author's experience:

In Soviet times, everything was the other way around. It was necessary to first find or, as they said at that time, get a car, and then look for money. I was lucky enough to get a new Zaporozhets, for which I had to borrow money from relatives and friends. The concept of a loan, and especially a car loan, did not exist then.