Your first car – what to consider when buying it

When looking for a first car, its functionality should dominate over aesthetic requirements. “The first driving experience will form the basis of how we will be as drivers in the future, how confident we will be at the wheel, how we will choose our car and so on. So I want to emphasize the most important functional values ​​to keep in mind when thinking about your first vehicle,” explains Nissan official. Didzis Bremze, Executive Director of Norde.

Safety always comes first

The new cars already come with basic systems that make driving easier and improve safety – various helpers warn of another vehicle that is too close, automatically stop the car when in front of it, help to park the car, see what is happening in a “blind spot” “etc.

“Technologies that help control and maneuver the car are often not available in older vehicles, at least not as standard.

There are different approaches to looking at this – on the one hand, technology seems to deprive itself of the opportunity to learn everything, but on the other hand, it is another tool of psychological security. Smaller or bigger accidents can happen to anyone, the main thing is that the new driver can then feel safe behind the wheel again, “Bremze believes.

The expert adds that not only innovations are important, but also the car’s height, construction and other physical features of the car, which could create a sense of security for an inexperienced driver.

The eternal question – new or used car?

Of course, it seems self-evident that it would be better and cheaper to buy a used car, because, after all, the first vehicle can have different problems. However, here too, it should be borne in mind that not everything is gold that shines, because an originally used car may indeed be cheaper, but in the long run the cost can far exceed the purchase of a compact new vehicle.

In addition, Didzis Bremze urges to remember the “green course” that the European Union is currently taking, which is increasingly affecting every car owner.

“Everywhere in Europe, efforts are being made to reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles. This, in turn, means that buying used cars can become riskier because of the type of engine they have.

Firstly, it is likely to become more difficult to resell it in the future, secondly, fees and taxes related to the operation and maintenance of the car may increase and, thirdly, in Latvia, similarly to Europe, restrictions may appear over time. type of car, “explains the expert.

In what neighborhood does the future car owner live

While it may sound banal, we each need to know the area we live in. Car thieves specialize in categories – other fake music systems, car headlights, other mirrors, others – all vehicles.

It would be useful for the new car owner to identify the experience of their neighbors when leaving the car in residential areas. Whether it is a district of private houses or the yard of apartment buildings – there are favorite cars of garnadja in each neighborhood.

Data from the insurance company BTA show that in 2019, thieves were most often interested in BMW, Audi, as well as Volvo and Toyota cars of the 2007-2011 production, the parts of which are in high demand in the market.

A valuable purchase should improve our lives

Before buying a car, buyers usually only calculate the costs of the annual maintenance tax and monthly leasing bills, but forget about how much the regular maintenance of the car will cost. “Unexpected repairs can affect us all, so everyone should have an available budget of 5% of the car’s value,” recommends Didzis Bremze.

But that doesn’t end the cost – the car doesn’t have to be a burden and limit our lifestyle. Before buying a vehicle, you need to become your own accountant and calculate the approximate costs – fuel, parts prices, oil change costs, mandatory inspection costs. We can disappear and feel happy when we have to choose – to fill the car tank or this time it is better to drive by public transport. Such a choice should not be made by the new car owner, so the future should be carefully considered before purchasing.

Think twice – electric car!

Electric cars clearly have many advantages. Free parking, you can move in the public transport lane, they have dynamism and power, etc.

It is these dynamics that can pose the main challenge for the inexperienced driver, namely that the electric car picks up speed very quickly. This might suggest that stopping can be just as instantaneous. But it is not. Therefore, a new driver should carefully consider their skills or practice driving this car before purchasing.

“The electric car has many advantages, but it is definitely not for a new driver. A person who is planning to buy his first car and who is not yet very confident in his driving ability should definitely consider buying a standard internal combustion engine car or a hybrid – leave the electric car for later. “says Bremze.