The time you’ve waited for so long is finally here – you’ve passed your driver’s license test, and it’s time to pick out a new (or used) car. So how will you decide which car is the one for you? Of course, shopping for a new car depends on your budget, and also on whether your parents/guardians will lend you money – plus a host of other factors. There are many different makes and models of cars, so if you have a choice in choosing a car of your very own, you may want to think about which type of vehicle will work best for your needs.
Sedans are the typical “family car.” They have four doors (as opposed to sportier models, which generally have two) and usually have plenty of room for friends and other light necessities. Some examples of good starter sedans, according to Consumer Reports, are the Ford Focus, the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Soul. Other examples can be found on the Consumer Reports website; just search for “Cars for Teen Drivers.”
Sports cars are generally not recommended for those without a lot of experience on the road, mostly because they have a higher rate of accidents every year and much higher insurance rates.
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and large pick-up trucks have much more space to carry whatever you need to take with you – but again, these are probably best for more experienced drivers, simply because of their size. You will want to practice driving with a parent or friend first before you go out on the road in an SUV or truck, and even then a sedan may be a better choice for you.
Other considerations are how old the car may be. Obviously, newer cars have better safety features than older models, but you may not always be able to afford the newest car on the block. That’s okay! New cars lose much of their value the minute you drive them off the lot. Buying used is your best bet when you’re searching for your first car.