Your first car – what to consider when buying it? – Market news

Your car undeniably gives you a sense of freedom and independence, especially for new drivers who have recently obtained a license. Someone is looking in the direction of a small vehicle for comfortable and economical movement, while another will prefer power and the desire to stand out. However, one thing is clear that everyone wants a machine that will last a long time, be safe and will not create a gap in personal budget.

When looking for a first car, its functionality should take precedence over aesthetic requirements, such as body color, interior trim or audio system. “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,” 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 in the basic equipment. There are different approaches to looking at this – on the one hand, technology seems to deprive yourself of everything, but on the other – it is “Another tool for psychological safety. Smaller or bigger accidents can happen to anyone, the main thing is that the new driver can then feel safe behind the wheel again,” says Bremze.

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 means that buying a used car may be riskier because of the type of engine it has. Firstly, it is likely to be more difficult to resell in the future; taxes and, thirdly, possibly also in Latvia, similarly to Europe, over time, restrictions may appear where you can or may not enter a car of a certain engine type, “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. The data of the insurance company BTA show that in 2019 the thieves were most often interested in 2007-2011. BMW, Audi, as well as Volvo and Toyota, whose parts are in high demand on the market.

A valuable purchase should improve our lives, not complicate them

The CEO of Norde points out that before buying a car, buyers mostly 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.

“An electric car offers many advantages, but it is definitely not intended for a new rider. For example, the Nissan LEAF is compared by many to a spacecraft. Its power is impressive. A person who is planning to buy their first car and who is not yet very confident in their driving skills should definitely consider buying a standard internal combustion engine car or a hybrid – an electric car for later, ”says Norde CEO.

By “Norde”

SIA Norde, founded in 1995, is one of the leading Latvian car sales companies, which is the official representative of Nissan, Renault and Dacia. As a family business with a global spirit, Norde has been implementing a well-thought-out strategy for 25 years, which ensures customer loyalty and business success for Norde, as well as the brands represented by the company. “Norde” provides both car sales and service – maintenance, warranty, spare parts, accessories, high-quality body repairs, as well as car rental. Customers have access to a full range of services, both when purchasing a car and during its operation. Norde also offers the purchase and ordering of used cars. “Norde Insurance” cooperates with all insurance companies operating in Latvia, therefore it can offer customers the most advantageous MTPL, CASCO, etc. insurance conditions.

SIA “Norde”

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