The exhilaration and thrill of getting one’s driver’s license remain unmatched, even more so when one knows they’ll now be shifting to the front wheel. However, moving a step further and choosing the first car and a fitting model for inexperienced and enthusiastic fresh drivers can be daunting. One can go about it in two ways – getting a used car before investing big in the desired model or outright buying a budget-friendly beginner’s model.
While both these work fine, there are specific pros and cons of each. The following article will discuss the used car models ideal for new drivers to ace driving on busy roads.
Essential Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying A Used Car
Make sure you only buy a budget-friendly model. Standard features that shape the pricing include – model and year, total distance covered as per the odometer readings, location, trim levels, and the car’s overall condition. Though you do not control features like trim levels, accessories, or location, you can decide on the state, mileage, and comprehensive benefits.
Apart from price and features, ensuring that the car has adequate national highway traffic safety gear must be your top priority. Car accidents have surged on the list as one of the leading causes of death worldwide, statistics tell. Therefore add essential and advance safety equipment if not already present in the model you like.
Contents
Toyota Prius (2017)
Winning the U.S. News’ Best hybrid car for the money, Toyota Prius sure justifies the win with its refined ride, well-equipped interiors, good front seat visibility, excellent cargo room, comfortable sitting, and agile handling. Though the model leans a little on the expensive front, its above-average predicted reliability rating and standard safety measure make it all worth considering for first-time users.
The car is also known for its outstanding fuel economy, with gas mileage estimating 53 mpg on highways and 58 mpg in the city (depending on the trim).
Moreover, aligning with modern needs, the Prius 2017 also offers a 6.1-inch touch screen with a USB port and Bluetooth. Since there is not much difference between Pirus 2017 and 2018 except for a couple-inch larger touch screen, it is better to choose a cost-effective 2017 model.
Honda Civic
Honda Civic is also one of the most affordable models in the market. A well-maintained car can easily offer good reliability and long miles without any issues. Moreover, even if you face problems or wish to change gears or add accessories, being a popular car worldwide, Honda Civic gives you easy access to spares and affordable repairs.
Toyota Camry
Though not the most stylish cars out there, the Toyota Camry ticks all the marks as top safety picks, reliability, comfortable spacing and seats, and overall good reviews.
The car offers multiple features to fill in for the flashy substance many young drivers wish for, such as – backup cameras, excellent fuel economy, 3-mode drive switch, excellent safety gears, and a consistently smooth ride with direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission.
With an impressive cylinder engine (4-cylinder) and V6 engines, the car is more of a middle-ranging one in terms of affordability. Both young and experienced drivers can use Toyota Camry for a long time without investing much or additional worries.
Mini Cooper (2011)
For those people who love solo commutes or prefer driving alone or with a single person, the Mini Cooper is the best choice on the list. The powerful engine offering a zippy-acceleration and agile handling makes making a weekend trip and back more manageable. Another feature that adds fun to driving this pretty ride on roads is the gas mileage, estimating up to 37 mpg on highways and 29 mpg in the city.
The car also did well with an excellent total cost of ownership and reliability scores among others in its leagues. However, though the car has comfortable front seats, the rear seat might feel cramped with not much cargo space.
Hyundai Tucson (2016)
Ranking top in the 2016 Affordable Compact SUV’s category by the U.S. News, the Hyundai Tucson is more than just its redefined and stunning outlook.
The car’s impressive performance is due to the hearty turbocharged engine that makes each ride smooth, refined, and seamless. Apart from exteriors, the car is also known for its roomy, quiet, good-looking, and bold interiors, despite the lack of cabin materials.
The Hyundai Tucson is an all-rounder for the new drivers with proper safety gears, a good reliability score, affordable prices, and overall exciting features such as – 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, steering wheel control for the audio system, and a USB port.
Kia Soul (2017)
Another compact SUV on the road sure suggests changing new drivers’ perspectives when choosing a traditional model. Although SUVs can be a little trickier for fresh drivers to drive out straight on a highway, this Kia Soul model is a perfect balance of subcompact nature with a reliable and safe build.
The more than standard safety features include – blind-spot monitoring, rear-view cameras, departure warnings, and lane assists. The additional safety feature that will make parents exceptionally happy is that of alerts, meaning a system that sends alerts whenever the car is over-speeding or outside past curfew time.
With a good gas mileage and plenty of cargo space, besides the features mentioned above make the model a bit pricey but an overall good investment.
Lexus RX 350 (2010)
Those young drivers who do not wish to compromise the Lexus RX 350 are the way to go.
This classy model of 2010 comes with high-quality interiors, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, wooden trim, and a nine stereo speaker system. Not just look wise, but the car also aces the performance with its outstanding fuel economy (18 mpg for the city and 24 mpg for the highways) and hybrid models.
Multiple other options include – sports packages with a sport-tuned suspension, navigation, leather upholstery, and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment systems. The car also ranks high on safety scores and easy car-handling with smooth rides.
Other Mentions
If you think the above models are not for you, below are different car models you must try exploring.
- 2009 Hyundai Genesis
- 2013 Chevrolet Volt
- 2012 Toyota RAV4
- 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2013 Ram 1500
- 2014 Mazda3
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Conclusion
The market is flooded with different car models, offering additional functionality and features as per individual tastes and requirements. Additionally, it is imperative to know that the condition and maintenance of a car by its previous owner greatly influence a lot of its original features and performance. One might even need to get a full car service before using it, which fluctuates the model price. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the car’s needs and condition or get an expert to do so before buying.
