Main selection criteria
First of all, answering the question of how to choose a car, you should decide on the purpose – why I need a car, where I will drive it and with whom. The next question is the price. Having decided on these fundamental points, the selection process will be much easier.
1. Body type
Consider the most common types.
An inexperienced driver living in the city is most suitable for a small car that is maneuverable in traffic and does not cause difficulties when parking due to its dimensions. If you are planning trips around the city and are not going to carry a lot of things, a hatchback with its soft suspension and compact body will suit you.
For trips in and out of the city, a sedan is recommended, it is longer, but better suited for long-distance travel.
If you are a happy owner of a large family or are planning frequent trips with friends, consider a station wagon.
If your path runs off-road, your choice will be a jeep or an SUV. However, be prepared for the fact that with its good cross-country ability, you need to keep in mind the high fuel consumption, difficulties with parking and the specifics of driving a large car.
2. Transmission
In this regard, experts are unanimous: if you have to move in urban conditions, where you have to constantly slow down, stop and start again, you should choose a car with automatic transmission. For driving on country roads, where a long movement at a given speed is expected, the manual transmission is more suitable. It should also be noted that the manual transmission is considered more reliable and allows you to slightly reduce fuel consumption.
3. Engine capacity
In the city, it is better to prefer a small volume, 1-1.6 liters, outside the city, where power plays a more important role, 1.8-2.5 liters. Remember, the more power, the more fuel consumption.
4. Drive
For beginners, experts recommend choosing a car with front-wheel drive. It is more stable on a slippery road or on a snowy highway. Rear-wheel drive is used to increase the acceleration speed, it is best on dry surfaces. All-wheel drive ensures maximum stability and cross-country ability.
5. Domestic or foreign car
Domestic cars are attractive, first of all, by their cost. This applies to both the cost of the car itself and the cost of its maintenance, spare parts. It is unlikely that there will be any difficulty in finding a car service or a repairman. Among the disadvantages, of course, are comfortable and not very high reliability.
Cars of foreign manufacturers are distinguished by a huge number of additional options, convenience, comfort and much greater safety. However, the cost of foreign cars is significantly higher, as well as their operation. There may also be problems with finding the right spare parts and a good car service.
How to choose a used car
If for any reason you decide to purchase a used car, pay very close attention to the inspection of the vehicle.
Do not purchase a car older than 10 years. It is believed that such cars can more often present surprises and fail at the most inopportune moment, especially with improper operation. 5-6 years – this is the most optimal age of a car, when it has not yet had time to fully develop its inherent resource. Try to find out as many details as possible. How many owners, whether there was an accident, mileage, storage conditions, what repairs were carried out and when, and so on. All this will help you to be ready for possible future investments.
Avoid cars with too low mileage. Also, you should not buy a used car that previously served as a taxi, a training car or a rental car – the risk of wear and unexpected breakdowns is too great.
When choosing the first car, follow the rule – the simpler, the better. It is better if it is a small car with front-wheel drive and a standard four-cylinder gasoline engine and an automatic transmission.
Be ready to invest. A used car requires the new owner to replace technical fluids, candles, belts, if necessary, brake pads, discs, purchase new rubber, battery.
If you are not a qualified car mechanic, it is better to entrust the care of your four-wheeled friend to professionals. Take the choice of a car service seriously, listen to the opinions of friends or read reviews on the Internet, pay attention to the qualifications of employees, the level of equipment.
Make sure that on your first trips you have everything you need for any unforeseen event at hand: a canister, a fire extinguisher, tools, cigarette lighter wires, a cable, a first aid kit, a charger, a jack, a spare wheel, an emergency stop sign, and so on. All this will not take up much space and will make you feel much more confident.