Whether your child has just turned 18, graduated from university, or is starting their first job, they’re going to want a car sooner or later (not toy cars ok?). In order to find a motor that’s gentle on your wallet as well as safe on the roads, there are a number of factors that you’re going to have to consider, not least the price. From fuel efficiency and reliability to looks and insurance costs, research is key if you want your child to be safe behind the wheel.
Electronic stability, mileage and curtain airbags are some of the features you’ll want to look for when choosing a car for your child, as well as good crash test results. Your child may complain about the look of the car, but colour and aesthetics should never influence your decision. Bigger vehicles like SUVs or hatchbacks usually perform better in road and crash tests, but in some cases the handling can be a little stiff for new drivers.
Your son or daughter will no doubt want to show off their new wheels to friends, so in the first few weeks of driving, they’re going to clock up quite a few miles. Fuel economy is very important when choosing your child’s first car, and unless you’re paying for the fuel costs too, you’ll want to save them as much money at the petrol station as possible. If you want to know how much it would take to pay for when buying a car and other costs, visit https://carpaymentcalculator.net, the website will break down your monthly expenses considering other factors.
For example, if you want to purchase a vehicle costing $37,000.00 using a 6 -year (or 72-payment) loan at a 6.00000% APR, your monthly payment will be $447.47. This payment amount is based upon other factors including things like down payment ($10,000.00), trade-in ($0.00), amount owed on trade-in ($0.00), rebate ($0.00), sales taxes (1.00%), along with if rebates were applied to the down payment or if sales taxes were added to the loan. Based on these factors, the website calculated the loan amount as $27,000.00, which meant a buyer would pay $5,217.69 in interest over the life of the loan, bringing the total purchase cost to $42,587.69 This amount does not include other vehicle-related expenses including gasoline, maintenance & insurance.
Now, let’s take a look at our list of best cars to buy for first time drivers.
Mini Cooper Hatchback
( Prices range from $26,900 for the Mini Cooper S and $32,900 for the John Cooper Works.)
The Mini Cooper Hatchback is a great car for first time drivers, and it has a number of safety features that will keep your child out of harm’s way while on the road. Ranking 8th out of the best 41 affordable cars, the Cooper packs a bunch of driving dynamics into a compact but comfortable space.
Although the rear seats are a little tough, the Cooper is a city car, meaning acceleration and size come before interior design. With good fuel economy and second hand prices starting from around £5000, a Mini Cooper is a good performer, and an excellent choice for a first car.
Related Read : Kids On Board: Things To Prepare For When Travelling
Honda Fit
(Prices range from $19,962 to $23,432.)
The Honda Fit holds the coveted 1st position out of the top 41 affordable small cars for many years, and it’s not hard to see why. Offering ample passenger space and a decent sized boot, this car is a great first buy for students looking to see their new university city with friends, or taking their stuff home for the holidays.
The Fit has a number of innovative storage options as well as great front and rear visibility, but it’s engine isn’t the most powerful leaving much to be desired. Furthermore, the competitors in its model class over a much bigger range of extras as standard, leaving the Honda Fit bottom of the value for money table.
Ford Fiesta
(Starting price of $14,260.00 ranging to US$21,340.00.)
Ranking 2nd out of the top 41 affordable small cars in 2014, the Ford Fiesta is a great all-rounder. Not only does it deliver outstanding performance and excellent safety records, but it also benefits from a high-tech interior and impressive fuel economy.
The Ford Fiesta has raised the bar when it comes to cars for young drivers, and it offers just about everything a car shopper needs – the amount of extras that come as standard is amazing!
The Top 3 Cars for Young Drivers
There will come a time when you gifting your kids remote control cars and toys will not excite them as they used to. They would probably want a real car to drive, while it’s not your obligation to buy them one, but if you’re considering it, look for a car that’s both budget-friendly, and not fuel-thirsty.
You can start saving up as early as now, to make paying lighter when the time comes.
This article was contributed by May, a freelance writer, who is currently working with remote controlled cars.
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Those are lovely looking cars, though I think these drivers may be a little TOO young! lol
Yeah 😀 the kids had fun at the car show since they’re allowed to get in and try 😀
I’m partial to buying Honda or Toyota cars these days. Both of these brands will last a long time if you take care of it.
I agree the Honda Fit looks like the perfect first car for a new driver.