First car for a novice driver

Car for a beginner: which first car to buy

When a novice driver chooses his first car, all his friends, colleagues, “fellow soldiers” from the fitness club, neighbors and all the surrounding dogs in the yard know about it. Choosing your first car is an event of truly grand scale! When the stage of “I want to buy a new car on credit” has passed, the realization has come about the profitability of buying and maintaining a used car, the second part of the universal torment comes: which first car is better for a novice driver to buy.

Content

Not everyone is lucky enough to “wear” a car for their dad or brother, and in this case they have to plunge into the abyss of studying the choice and operation of the car, their heads are spinning, new knowledge does not fit into a harmonious and understandable series. The Autocode service decided to conduct the study on its own and issue a brief summary on how to choose your first car. But it seemed to us that the answer to the question “how” was not enough. Now we answer the question of which car to choose for a beginner.

Best car for a beginner

There are some cars that never go out of style over the years. Decades pass, one generation replaces another, but most sensible novice drivers choose:

• Ford Focus;
• Mitsubishi Lancer;
• Toyota Corolla;
• Toyota Camry.

These cars have been among the top most purchased cars over the past ten years. And there is a reasonable explanation for this. Firstly, they are reliable - each of the presented cars is able to travel for 10 or more years, “wind up” more than one hundred kilometers with proper maintenance, and this is the parameter that should be prioritized by every beginner when choosing their first car.

Secondly, they are simple and easy to use: there are no complex features in their design, such as unusually located spark plugs (hello, Subaru manufacturers!) or maintenance-free transmissions (hello, Volkswagen!). All the “sores” of these best cars for beginners have long been studied and are known to every auto mechanic.

Thirdly, each of the listed cars is universal. If all the young racers who are in love with Ken Block and watched “The Fast and the Furious” dream about the “Focus” and “Lancer”, then the “Corolla” and “Camry” are a symbol of a strong, measured family life, which is shown to us in American TV series. However, just as the Focus accommodates a child seat perfectly, the Camry can easily be pushed into a corner on an icy road.

The most popular used cars

Over the past 9 months since the beginning of 2017, the top ten best-selling used cars in our country have included:

• Hyundai Solaris;
• Renault Logan;
• KIA Rio;
• Daewoo Nexia;
• Opel Astra;
• Volkswagen Passat.

Logan, Solaris and its “brother” Rio turned out to be the most popular not by chance: cars bought new 3-5 years ago have served their time: they have worn out all their protruding parts, began to break down more often than they bring pleasure and benefit, but are still suitable for sale with high-quality dry cleaning. What is bought cheaply will lead the rankings of the best-selling used cars after 3-5 years of use - this is the law of the automobile market. And, besides the price, there is nothing attractive about these cars (except that the Logan has a well-tuned suspension).

Nexia is dangerous on the secondary market because many fleets purchased this particular model for use as a taxi. Be carefull!

“Astra” and “Passat” can boast of high build quality, reliability of both the car and its passengers - these are “Germans”, and who else but them knows a lot about cars. If the funds allow you to buy a German automaker, then there is no doubt that it will be difficult for a beginner to find a better option.

"Buckets" and domestic cars

There's nothing more classic than buying a cheap bucket car as your first car. As a rule, such a choice is made by young guys - beginners, purchasing rubbish for 50-70 thousand rubles. Rarely do wrecked Russian cars drive for more than a year with one owner: three hundred accidents occur in 365 days, because “it’s not a pity” and “you have to learn from something.” Most likely, new owners of such cars rarely visit certified auto centers and have them repaired either in the yard or in the “bros’” garage. If you have ever personally witnessed typical advice on what kind of first car a guy should buy, then most likely the newcomer purchased:

• LADA Samara;
• LADA Classic;
• LADA 110;
• LADA Priora;
• LADA Granta;
• "Oku";
• GAZ 3110.

No joke, these are the most purchased used Russian cars on our market.

Argumentation in the spirit of “what difference does it make, I’ll break it anyway” has its place, but every day I see guys who don’t jump off a roof or jump into the Neva from a bridge, although “they’ll still die someday.” At the end of their life, breathing cars are bad not because of the noise, rust and lack of comfort, they are dangerous because they can break down at the most inopportune moment, they are unreliable and doubtful.

Any Russian car (even a new one) is for extreme sports, for those who like to spend time in the garage, rummaging under the hood, and carrying spare parts in the trunk for all occasions. And a well-worn Russian car as the first car is for fans of the designer.

Car for a newbie woman

The question of what first car to buy a girl is so difficult that we have put the answer to it in a separate paragraph. Because the first car for a novice woman should be comfortable, beautiful, so that bags can fit, so that a child’s seat can be secured, so that it is reliable, easy to drive and, preferably, still red. But, seriously, a woman approaches the choice of a car more rationally than a man. Especially if we are talking about a car for a novice girl behind the wheel.

The first car should be easy to drive. This means that all the MINI models so beloved by all women are no longer needed - driving fashionable and stylish “babies” requires extreme care and concentration - the steering wheel reacts to any vibration too sharply.

The first car for a novice female driver should not be large, so that parking takes less time and leaves fewer victims. Therefore, we will refuse powerful frame SUVs as the first car for women. The car should fit your husband, children, girlfriends, bags from boutiques, Auchan, Lenta and small items from Ikea. We're sorry, but Matiz and Smart are no longer suitable.

The driver's cockpit must be designed to accommodate hundreds of feminine items, from scrunchies and hairpins to sunglasses, water bottles and baby food. Ideally, the car will be equipped with additional electronic assistants (emergency braking systems, ABS, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc.). Attractive and bright design will not be superfluous.

Taking into account all the listed points, we have determined which car to buy for a female beginner:

• Skoda Fabia
• Peugeot 308;
• Fiat 500;
• KIA Picanto;
• Toyota Auris;
• Nissan Qashqai;
• Volkswagen Golf;
• VW Beetle.

Having chosen a car to your liking, do not forget to check its history using the Autocode service. Don't buy a pig in a poke, protect yourself, buy an honest and reliable car.

Which car to choose for a novice driver - expert advice

Kira Kaddaha, representative of the auto selection company AutoSpot:

“Which car brands are suitable for a beginner and why? A novice driver can safely take a closer look at KIA cars. For example, Rio, Cerato. Korean cars have successfully proven themselves and are famous for their quality, reliability and safety. These models are created taking into account the specific features of operation in Russia. They are covered by a long warranty - 5 years or 150,000 km.

Also, a beginner can safely opt for the Korean manufacturer Hyundai and purchase a Hyundai Solaris. Solaris has all the necessary safety systems and is a convenient and economical machine to operate. Already the basic version of Active includes two airbags, ESP, tire pressure sensors, audio preparation, as well as ERU-GLONASS.

Beginning drivers should hold off on purchasing a vehicle with an engine with a power of more than 150 hp. With. A powerful car in the hands of a beginner is a dangerous toy that can lead to serious accidents. Cars such as the Nissan GT-R and Chevrolet Corvette should only be driven by an experienced driver who understands that he has a whole “herd” of horses under the hood, and using all the capabilities of such a car in the city can lead to a serious accident with casualties.”

Choosing a first car for a beginner

Sooner or later, many people face the question of buying their first car. Among the many models, it is quite difficult to find the right one, especially if you have a limited budget. The main goal when choosing a car for a beginner should be comfortable and safe movement, taking into account the condition of the roads.

How to choose a car for a novice driver?

A novice driver does not need to buy a large vehicle. Large cars are difficult to drive, difficult to park, and difficult to change lanes when driving on city streets. The driver will feel uncomfortable and the trip will not be satisfying. Medium and small class cars are easy to drive, economical and require little parking space. The main criterion when choosing a car is its safety. This is the first thing you should pay attention to.

The machine, regardless of the model and year of manufacture, must be equipped with:

• airbag;
• seat belts;
• anti-lock braking system.

These 3 components are decisive when choosing a car for a beginner. Other factors also play a significant role, but safety issues must come first.

New or used?

There is no clear answer to this question. In this case, everyone decides independently, focusing on their budget and desire to travel in comfort or search on websites for information about the repair of a particular unit. When buying a used car, you will need to spend additional money and time. You will need to go to inspect the car you like, pay an expert, etc. It’s easier to choose and register a new car. It is covered by warranty service, and in case of failure due to the fault of the manufacturer, free repairs are provided.

However, it’s not worth buying an overly expensive car, even if you have available funds or on credit, because The more expensive the vehicle (VV), the higher the price of its maintenance.

Foreign car or domestic car?

When buying a first car, they often opt for Russian-made models due to their low cost and maintainability. However, this is a misconception. The price of Russian cars is not much lower than the cost of a foreign car. When determining costs, experts take into account all losses of car owners during operation. In this case, the total costs per 1 km of run are much higher than foreign models. This is due to frequent repairs and uneconomical engines.

Not everything is so simple with maintainability. Many auto mechanics know that it is not always easy to gain access to a defective unit due to the design of the power unit. Therefore, the cost of repairs increases, which covers relatively inexpensive parts.

Foreign cars are economical, and manufacturers producing products for Russian markets take into account the condition of our roads. Due to high-quality assembly, the time between repairs increases, which reduces the total costs per 1 km of run.

The final conclusion about the purchase should be made only after studying the features of the car, its advantages and disadvantages.

With what drive and ground clearance?

The time of rear-wheel drive cars of the middle and small class is long gone. So the issue of the drive is resolved unambiguously - the car must be front-wheel drive. Such vehicles have high cross-country ability, are easier to drive, and in addition, the issue of problems with the rear axle is eliminated. You can purchase an all-wheel drive crossover, the cross-country ability of which is higher than that of models with front-wheel drive. But learning to drive in such a car is expensive, because... These are mostly foreign cars.

Crossovers have high ground clearance (up to 200 mm), and this is an important point for a beginner. On such a vehicle, you can pass a protruding hatch or brick between the wheels without fear of breaking the exhaust pipe or damaging the oil pan. The high seating position improves visibility of the road situation. In such a car, it is safer to park at the curb - there is no fear of damaging the bumper or door.

Some Russian hatchbacks have less ground clearance than SUVs. For example, for LADA Kalina Cross it is 183 mm when fully loaded, but when measured it turned out to be 200 mm. With such a car you can move freely along dirt roads without fear of “sitting” on the bottom in a rut.

Gasoline or diesel engine?

With the same power, a diesel engine has lower fuel consumption, but in the northern regions it is necessary to switch to winter diesel fuel. In severe frosts it is difficult to start a car, and with a weak battery it is impossible. A gasoline engine warms up faster and burns little fuel with a small volume. However, you should choose the most powerful version of the model. The torquey engine makes it easier for a small car to change lanes on the road and overtake passing traffic. And this increases safety when driving both in the city and outside it.

The best cars for novice drivers

A good choice for a novice driver would be the Korean car KIA Rio or KIA Cerato. They have proven themselves to be reliable, safe and economical models. The vehicles are adapted to Russian roads and have a reinforced chassis. The warranty is 5 years or 150 thousand km (whichever comes first).

Noteworthy is Hyundai - a car from another Korean manufacturer. The Hyundai Solaris model, even in the simplest configuration, has 2 airbags, tire pressure sensors, audio preparation, etc. The machine is equipped with the necessary safety systems, convenient and economical.

The rating of the best-selling new cars in Russia is presented by the following models:

• Lada Granta;
• Lada Vesta;
• KIA Rio;
• Hyundai Creta;
• Volkswagen Polo.

Among used cars, the following are very popular:

• VAZ 2114;
• VAZ 2107;
• Ford Focus;
• Toyota Corolla;
• Hyundai Solaris.

Beginners should refrain from purchasing vehicles with a capacity of more than 150 hp. Such a car for an inexperienced driver can lead to an accident with serious consequences.

Lada Granta

The domestic front-wheel drive small class model is easy to maintain and operate. Small dimensions allow free parking in limited areas. Suitable for a girl with no driving experience.

Lada has a stylish design, adjustable seats and a comfortable interior. The 1.6 liter engine with 8 or 16 valves has a power from 82 to 106 hp, which depends on the degree of boost. The Granta is equipped with a manual 5-speed transmission.

The ground clearance is 180 mm, which allows driving on dirt roads. The car is equipped with a 480-liter trunk, making it possible to accommodate everything you need for long trips.

Lada Kalina

The model is the predecessor of the Lada Granta. Kalina's advantage is maneuverability, which is of great importance when traveling around the city. The reasonable price makes it an excellent option for a novice driver. A small car with a comfortable interior is suitable for a young family. Some owners note unstable behavior on the road at high speeds. Maintenance is cheap both in a service center and in a private auto repair shop. Easy to drive and suitable for a female driver.

Renault Logan

The model is adapted for use on Russian roads. The car is equipped with a durable suspension, allowing even drivers without experience to feel comfortable behind the wheel. It has a medium power engine that allows you to easily reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. Popular with men. Belongs to the class of budget cars.

A high-quality engine has a service life of about 300 thousand km. High ground clearance and a spacious trunk (510 l) make the model popular among summer residents.

Skoda Fabia

On the Russian market, the new car is available with both petrol and diesel engines with volumes ranging from 1.2 liters to 1.9 liters. The advantage of Skoda is high safety, good handling and efficiency. The model, equipped with a 1.2 liter TSI engine, has a fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 km and carbon dioxide emissions are halved.

The interior of the cabin is simple, but tasteful. Comfortable seats allow both driver and passenger to sit comfortably. The 400-liter trunk is not intended for long journeys, but can accommodate everything you need for a trip outside the city.

Toyota Yaris

The compact Japanese car is designed for city driving. It is equipped with petrol engines ranging from 1 liter to 1.9 liter. The transmission in subcompact models is mechanical, 5-speed. More expensive options are equipped with an automatic transmission. The small and nimble car is popular among women and is ideally suited for novice drivers.

Kia Picanto

The front-wheel drive A-class hatchback is equipped with a 1.2 liter engine and manual and automatic transmission. The car is made in youth style. The Picanto's interior is similar to the KIA Rio. The model is equipped with a multimedia center stylized as a tablet. Depending on the version, the Picanto is equipped with a collision avoidance system, cruise control, an increased number of airbags and a rear view camera.

Daewoo Matiz

A small car with an engine capacity of 0.8 liters and 1.2 liters, equipped with a manual transmission and designed for driving around the city. Low engine power and small dimensions make parking easy. Suitable for beginners and female drivers.

Volkswagen Polo

An obedient and maneuverable car of German quality will be a good option for a novice driver. The improved suspension is adapted for Russian roads. A car with a manual transmission is suitable for a guy or a small family.

Hyundai Solaris

The front-wheel drive subcompact model is adapted for Russian conditions. A comfortable interior and easy controls allow the driver to feel confident on the road. It is economical and equipped with the necessary set of safety devices. Suitable for drivers with driving experience.

Hyundai i30

The 5-door C class hatchback with a 1.4 liter or 1.6 liter petrol engine is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. Equipped with a rigid suspension and adapted to Russian conditions. Equipped with all necessary elements of security systems.

An excellent option for a driver with little driving experience. A comfortable interior and high-quality power unit make it popular among experienced car enthusiasts. A good quality used model can be purchased for up to 300 thousand rubles.

Citroen C1

This model is the most compact among the line of city cars. Equipped with all necessary safety features, including a lane departure warning system. The comfortable interior and comfortable seating position allow the driver to feel more relaxed while driving.

Chevrolet Spark

This small class A car replaced the Daewoo Matiz. The first 2 versions were almost no different from it. Spark stands out for its bright aggressive design, efficiency and pleasant price-quality ratio. The 78-horsepower engine allows the driver to feel confident both in the city and on the highway.

Opel Corsa

Excellent handling and good automatic transmission make the car popular among female drivers. A spacious and comfortable interior and a 2-Din multimedia system allow you to enjoy driving the Corsa. Small dimensions make parking easier and ensure confident lane changes when driving in traffic.

Peugeot 208

This small-sized 5-door hatchback has an expressive appearance, in which sporty notes are clearly visible. The adjustable driver's seat and the presence of safety elements attract the attention of young female drivers.

Nissan Juke

This model is very popular among women due to its design and automatic transmission. Juke is equipped with an intelligent surround view system, making parking easy and convenient. A comfortable interior and the presence of the necessary safety elements allow you to feel confident behind the wheel and give positive emotions.

Rating of the best cars for novice drivers of 2019

Many experienced motorists took their first steps on their grandfather's old Moskvich, their father's Zhiguli, or even on trucks. But in current conditions, cars are different, and they are better adapted to provide the driver with the necessary skills.

The problem with many driving schools is that their fleet still does not consist of the most modern models. For some, switching to a car with a soft clutch pedal, an efficient automatic transmission and a responsive engine is difficult, and they literally forget everything they were taught in driving school.

If you are already taking courses and want to become a full-fledged participant in traffic, you need to choose a car now. This will allow you to adapt to the car, study its habits, and get used to its behavior on the road. After passing all the exams and obtaining a license, there will be no difficulties in driving on public roads without an instructor. At the same time, not everyone knows what is the best choice for them in such a situation.

Tips for novice drivers

The question of how to choose the right first car is relevant and fair. Many people do not take it seriously enough, believing that any vehicle can be their first car. Some even take the position that you should learn on old Zhiguli cars. These are relics of the past and established stereotypes. If your budget allows you to purchase a modern car with all its advantages, there is no point in spending time and money on gaining experience driving a Kopeyka or similar cars. Once you change to a foreign car, you will feel a huge difference, which will become a problem for a novice motorist.

Before choosing the first passenger car for a beginner, you need to answer a few key questions for yourself. They are related to personal preferences, financial capabilities, operating conditions and other nuances of future vehicle ownership.

When choosing their first cars, motorists should pay attention to the following questions:

• car cost;
• Class;
• drive unit;
• ground clearance;
• engine's type;
• Transmission;
• new or used.

Experts consider these to be important components of a competent approach to buying your first car. By studying the recommendations and taking into account the personal characteristics of the selection, you will be able to make a truly correct purchase.

Car cost

No one will indicate which car a novice driver should choose, since this largely depends on the financial capabilities of each person. Some people can easily afford to spend several million rubles, but for others, a car for 200 thousand rubles seems unaffordable.

Even if your earnings allow it, spending a lot of money on your first car is not recommended. Avoid huge SUVs and long sedans. There is no point in spending money on the richest equipment. This attracts attention from ill-wishers, plus it is difficult for a beginner to understand modern bells and whistles.

The optimal solution to the question of whether a car should be expensive or not is to choose a mid-budget model with simple equipment. Priority is given to clear management and accessible maintenance. As soon as you gain experience, then you will switch to modern cars filled with various electronics.

Without knowing which car is best for an untested novice driver to buy, focus on good handling and visibility from the cockpit. Safety also plays a huge role. Before buying a car on the secondary market or with zero mileage from an official dealer, be sure to look at how many stars the model has received according to the IIHS and NCAP systems. The more airbags a car has, the better.

Selecting a car class

No less often, beginners are interested in what class of vehicle is better to take. If the car is being purchased for a relatively short time to improve skills and gain experience, think about liquidity. After all, in 1-3 years you will have to sell the car.

You will lose the most if you initially buy a luxury car. But the price is slowly falling on popular models, on representatives of the European A and B classes and on cars with entry-level and mid-range equipment. In recent years, compact crossovers have been included in the marketable models.

The class of a vehicle determines its dimensions and maneuverability. For beginners, it is better to buy cars that are easy to drive, capable of clearly responding to steering movements, instantly changing lanes and turning around with minimal effort.

In terms of body type, priority is on the side of hatchbacks and the same compact SUVs. The long trunk of a station wagon or sedan will only interfere with maneuvering, parking and changing lanes. If the car additionally has parking assistance systems, such as parking sensors and a rear view camera, you should not refuse them.

Ground clearance and drive

Next, you should decide which car with which drive and ground clearance is preferable to purchase. Front-wheel drive is unrivaled here. If we take small mid-budget cars as a basis, then there are virtually no rear-wheel drive cars among them. Maybe it's an executive sedan, but it's definitely not one of the best options for a beginner.

In most cases, the choice is not based on off-road requirements. This allows us to exclude different frame SUVs. In principle, a crossover is possible, but here rely on operating conditions and the condition of the roads in your region.

But impressive ground clearance doesn't hurt. For a beginner, this is a mandatory component, since with high ground clearance it is not scary to drive through a poor quality road, park, drive onto the curb, without fear of leaving your front bumper there.

A tall car has its advantages in the form of better control of the road situation. This does not mean that you need to buy only crossovers. Many cars sold in Russia initially have high ground clearance. And some models are specially adapted to the local climate and roads, raising the ground clearance and strengthening the suspension in comparison with versions for other countries.

engine's type

If previously only a gasoline or diesel engine was offered to choose from, now hybrid power plants and fully electric units have been added to their number.

Quite fast warming up in winter speaks in favor of the gasoline internal combustion engine, which cannot be said about the diesel versions. Gasoline engines are also quite economical with a small volume. But you shouldn’t choose frankly weak engines, since it is important to be able to quickly accelerate for overtaking and changing lanes.

Hybrid motors and electrical systems have excellent prospects. But so far they are poorly adapted to the Russian market, they are expensive to maintain and there are problems with charging batteries. Therefore, it is better for a beginner to refuse them.

It is up to the buyer to choose between a diesel and gasoline engine. Diesel is more economical, but such internal combustion engines are usually demanding on the quality of diesel fuel. Plus, a car with a diesel engine initially costs more than a similar car with a gasoline engine. If you are not going to regularly use the car and drive several thousand kilometers a month, the cost of a diesel version of the car is unlikely to justify itself. Then it’s better to take a fairly productive gasoline power unit.

Transmission

Everything is quite simple here. You can choose from a manual or automatic transmission, where the latter has an undeniable advantage in terms of convenience and comfort.

Automatic transmissions allow the driver to minimize the attention paid to the gearbox. Thus, he concentrates on control and does not get confused with the pedals. There is a stereotype according to which you only need to learn mechanics. But if the driver does not even intend to buy a car with a manual transmission in the future, then there is no point in gaining experience with a manual transmission and then buying an automatic. Get an automatic transmission right away. They are the future.

Statements that machines break down quickly and cause a lot of problems are also untrue. The service life of modern automatic transmissions is sometimes not inferior to manual transmissions.

New vs used

It is impossible to say unequivocally whether the car should be new or used. Used cars are less regrettable; people buy them because they are not afraid of being hit or scratched. What difference does it make, one more dent, one less.

But driving a new car on a subconscious level forces the driver to be more attentive and careful, since it is much more offensive to damage a car with untouched paintwork. New cars also have a warranty, which is usually valid for 3 years or 100 thousand kilometers.

Experts and experienced motorists agree that a new car is preferable to a used one for a beginner. An alternative would be a low-mileage car that still has a valid warranty. Still, a car is bought for a beginner to gain driving experience, and not to spend half the time in the garage trying to understand what the next malfunction has arisen.

The best choice for a car lady

There is a lot of controversy regarding which car will be better for a newbie girl. Everyone has different tastes and personal preferences, which makes it difficult to determine a specific favorite.

But if you start from dry statistics, take into account the opinions of girls and women themselves, and also rely on the key requirements for vehicles for beginners, then you can identify a whole group of excellent options.

Although everyone will ultimately decide for themselves which model to choose and what the first car will be, it’s worth taking a closer look at this rating. When choosing a vehicle for a girl, the appearance and size of the car play an important role.

• Smart ForTwo. Compact machine with a very original design. Lightweight, maneuverable, easy to control. An ideal choice for a big city where parking spaces and maneuvering space are a problem.
• Fiat 500. The bestseller of the Italian company, which won the female audience with its design, modest size and decent dynamics. The machine is economical, easy to operate and inexpensive to maintain.
• Peugeot 308. A small French hatchback driven mostly by women. Available on the secondary market and from authorized dealers. Nice design, comfortable interior, economical engines and reliable automatic transmissions.

• Nissan Tiida. A popular option from the secondary market. Inexpensive model, reliable, comfortable and safe. Despite its modest size, the interior is very roomy.
• Skoda Fabia It can only be found on the secondary market. The analogue will be the successor in the person of Skoda Rapid. Inexpensive, easy to maintain, machines equipped with durable automatic transmissions and durable engines.
• Opel Corsa. A compact city car with an interesting appearance, modern features and economical engines. Female drivers highly appreciated the Corsa's maneuverability, handling and ability to save fuel.
• Hyundai i30. An attractive South Korean hatchback with a spacious interior and fast engines. Affordable to maintain, easy to operate.

This is not a call to action, but only options for what kind of car a beginner, that is, a novice female driver, can choose. There are many other models on the market. Set your own priorities, decide on the parameters and characteristics you require, after which the list of candidates will be significantly reduced.

The best cars for beginners

This is a more universal rating, consisting of the best cars for novice drivers, without reference to gender or age. If you like one of the presented options, it is worth studying them in more detail and assessing whether the model will be the right solution in your specific situation.

The current top list of the best passenger cars for beginners looks like this:

• Skoda Rapid.
• Renault Logan
• Renault Duster.
• Volkswagen Polo.
• Mitsubishi Lancer X.
• Skoda Octavia.
• Toyota Corolla.
• Ford Focus.
• Hyundai Solaris.
• Kia Rio.

Domestic cars cannot be discounted either. But here it is better to focus on buying an exclusively new car among the latest developments of Russian manufacturers. Answering the question about which domestic car is best for a novice driver gaining experience, we can say that the optimal solution would be Lada Vesta or Lada XRay.

Selecting a vehicle is a rather serious matter, requiring increased attention to all aspects, from technical characteristics and safety to personal preferences and features of a particular vehicle.

The more detailed you study the issue and delve into its essence, the lower the likelihood that the decision made will be incorrect or unsuccessful. There is always the opportunity to change the car by selling it and getting a new one. But this requires additional effort and time, as well as money. It’s better to immediately take something that will suit all the criteria, rather than rush from one option to another, making mistakes and losing attention to really important characteristics.

Which car should a novice driver buy? Choosing your first car

We tell you what principles should be followed when buying your first car

Photo: from open sources

Many residents of Russia sooner or later face the question of buying their first car . But making a choice in favor of one model or another is not so easy, especially when you have a limited budget. In this article we will try to dot all the i’s in this matter and decide which car is best for a novice driver to buy.

How much to spend?

First of all, you need to decide on the cost of the vehicle. You can talk for a long time about suitable cars, first for 100, then for 200, 300 thousand rubles, and so on, but instead we suggest you remember one single rule: no matter how much money you have, it cannot be completely spent on a car .

The cheaper and older the car, the more of the money it is advisable to leave for anticipated and unforeseen expenses - maintenance, repairs, spare parts, restoration after a possible accident, etc. For example, if you have 200 thousand rubles, it is advisable to look for a vehicle for 100-130 thousand ( share 50-65%), setting aside the remaining amount for a “rainy day” - and in the case of a used car, sooner or later it will definitely come.

If you already have 400 thousand rubles, then take a closer look at models for 250-300 thousand (60-75% share). At the same time, it is important to understand that without proper inspection of the selected car, there is a chance of running into junk cars , and then even this amount will not be enough to restore the car. Conclusion: do not skimp on diagnostics with the assistance of professionals.

At the same time, it is a mistake to believe that a new car will completely save you from problems and unnecessary costs. The same principle applies here, but it works in the opposite direction: the more expensive and technologically advanced the chosen model, the more you will have to pay for insurance, maintenance and repairs .

So, if you have managed to save 1 million rubles, do not rush to spend all your hard earned money on a new car. It’s better to take a closer look at models costing 800-900 thousand (80-90% share) and then don’t run around looking for several tens of thousands of rubles to buy winter tires or pay for suddenly expensive maintenance.

However, this formula does not mean at all that if it is possible to spend 2-3 million rubles on the first car, a beginner should do so. Even if a novice driver is very careful, there is a high probability of damaging the vehicle , it is commonplace to rub the bumper in the parking lot. Obviously, you will feel more sorry for an expensive (and especially new!) car than for an affordable and used one.

In addition, driving an expensive car with scratches is undignified, so you will have to spend a lot of money on restoring the body. Another thing is a conditionally new “Grant” or a ten-year-old Ford Focus, which already, with a high degree of probability, already has scratches. These cars don’t even need to be repaired - and if you really want to, it will be relatively expensive.

New or used?

This brings up the next question: is it worth buying a new model or is it better to limit yourself to a used car? There is no definite answer, and everyone here chooses according to their capabilities.

If you are not ready to waste your time , you want to reduce risks as much as possible and save yourself from most possible hassles - buy a new product and you will be happy. If you agree to study ad sites , go to viewings, pay for an expert (or sign up for a friend) - welcome to the used vehicle market.

With patience and the right approach, or better yet, with a knowledgeable person, you can find a very worthy used copy that will delight you for many years.

But, as mentioned above, have a sense of proportion and even if you have free funds (and even more so with a loan!) Do not take a car that is too expensive.

Cars for men and women

At the moment, the understanding of a truly “male” and female car has lost its relevance . On the roads you can often see representatives of the stronger sex driving Nissan Juke or Mini cars, and you can often see small, fragile girls driving Kruzaks and Gelendvagens.

Therefore, to answer the question of which car to buy for a novice male driver, it is important to consider not the appearance of the car, but its suitability to your needs and capabilities. Are you sure you don't need too much trunk space, all-wheel drive, or a premium feel? Feel free to choose a compact city hatchback like the first generation Hyundai Solaris. And don’t worry that, for some reason, such a car is more suitable for girls.

The same rule applies to cars for novice female drivers.

The best cars for novice drivers

In most life situations, the principle of “following the herd” can hardly be called correct. But in the case of cars, everything is a little different, since many of us approach their purchase with full responsibility . In this regard, we have put together a table with the best-selling new and used vehicles in Russia with comments on why they are chosen.

Which car is best for a beginner? TOP 10 cars for novice drivers

What is the best car to buy for a novice driver? Due to the lack of driving experience, several important requirements are imposed on the first car. When choosing the best car for a novice driver, it makes sense to pay attention to such criteria as reasonable cost, safety and ease of maintenance.

Taking all this into account, we have compiled our rating of 10 positions, which include various models. All of them are great for all novice motorists who are thinking about which car is best for them to buy for the first time.

Rating of the best cars for beginners

Lada Kalina

The products of the domestic automobile industry are becoming better and better every year. Therefore, when answering the question of what is the best car to buy for a beginner, you can seriously consider the Lada Kalina. This car is economical, because the consumption in mixed mode is about 7 liters. In addition, the cost of spare parts is lower than that of foreign cars and other AvtoVAZ models - Priora, Vesta or Largus.

Lada Kalina is equipped with engines with 87, 98 or 106 horsepower. This is more than enough for a novice driver. Also, the compact dimensions of the car will not only make you feel more confident in the city and feel the dimensions of the car, but will also make parking easier.

Daewoo Matiz

What car is better to buy for a woman who has just received her license and has become a novice driver? One of the budget options is Daewoo Matiz. This compact car has a lot of advantages that an inexperienced car enthusiast will appreciate:

• It's easy to find a parking spot;
• Low consumption;
• Good visibility for the driver;
• Excellent maneuverability;
• Cheap service.

True, the driver of the Daewoo Matiz will have to get used to the small interior. That's why men rarely choose this car. Other disadvantages of the car include not the most comfortable seating position and creaky plastic of the front panel.

Lada Granta

Lada Granta is another representative of domestic production that is included in our list. Its strengths are its low price, economical engines, a rich set of options in a luxury package, high ground clearance and relatively small dimensions.

It is impossible not to note the cost of body parts and spare parts. It is truly the lowest among all similar cars. So a small accident with a scratched bumper or fender will not cost a pretty penny. The only caveat is that when purchasing a Granta, it is worth doing anti-corrosion treatment and additional sound insulation of the body.

Therefore, if you don’t yet know which car is best to buy for novice drivers, then pay attention to the Lada Granta. It may not be the most comfortable car, but there is no doubt about its reliability.

Nissan Micra

In the fight for the title of “best car for a female beginner,” the undoubted leader is the Nissan Micra. The advantages of this hatchback are:

• Japanese assembly
• Small dimensions
• Rich level of equipment (already in the initial configurations there are heated seats, power steering, power accessories, air conditioning, etc.)
• Attractive appearance
• Comfort
• Economy (about 5 liters per 100 km)

Of course, this car will cost more than the domestic Lada Kalina and Lada Granta. However, you can overpay for higher reliability and better controllability. In addition, Japanese cars practically do not lose value and are liquid on the secondary market.

Renault Logan

Those who want to buy their first car at a low price should pay attention to the Renault Logan. This sedan is perfectly adapted to Russian operating conditions. The “French” has a reliable and impenetrable suspension, which is very important for a novice driver who is not always able to avoid a bump or hole on the road.

The advantages of the car do not end there. It is also worth noting:

• Long service life (the engine can travel more than 300 thousand km);
• High ground clearance (about 16 cm), thanks to which you can not be afraid of curbs and other small elevations;
• A spacious trunk (510 l) is indispensable for gardeners and summer residents;
• Low price for spare parts and various maintenance.

A car called Kia Rio is perfect for both a female beginner and a young man who has just passed his license. It is distinguished by a modern and stylish appearance, a pleasant interior and time-tested engines.

Spare parts for this model are cheaper than for many other foreign cars. There will also be no problems with service - in almost every city there is a Kia dealership and many service stations that repair Korean cars.

The Kia Rio hatchback will appeal to any female driver. The car is not only beautiful and comfortable, but also safe. In 2012, according to the results of Euro NCAP crash tests, it received the highest rating of 5 stars.

Volkswagen Polo

We continue to talk about which car is best for a novice driver to buy so that it is inexpensive and reliable. Next on this list is the Volkswagen Polo. The car is ideal for a novice driver. In this model you will find:

• High level of comfort compared to other budget class cars;
• Excellent handling;
• Low fuel consumption – 6/7 liters in highway/city mode;
• Ergonomic suspension that copes with any unevenness on the roads;
• Reliable engines and transmissions developed in Germany.

The cost of a used car depends on the configuration and degree of wear of its main components. At the same time, within 400 thousand you can purchase a three- or four-year-old copy in excellent technical condition.

If you don’t yet know which car is best for a beginner to buy, and also doubt which car is suitable for a young girl, then we recommend paying attention to the Mazda 2. This is a compact Japanese hatchback that is popular not only among the fair sex. According to statistics, 40% of the drivers of this car are men.

The car has everything you need for comfortable operation - air conditioning, various heated mirrors and seats, full power accessories, power steering and much more. etc. In addition, Mazda 2 pleases with its design and modern appearance. The engine, suspension, gearbox and other components are designed for a mileage of 300-400 thousand km. At the same time, consumption in the city rarely exceeds 9 liters, and on the highway the “two” consumes no more than 5-6 liters per hundred.

Skoda Fabia

Another worthy option for a first car is the Skoda Fabia, which will be comfortable to drive for both a novice female driver and a man without much driving experience. Indeed, despite its miniature dimensions, this model has a spacious interior. As for the other advantages that a novice car enthusiast will appreciate, these are:

• Minimum fuel consumption
• Good stability and controllability
• Maneuverability
• Attractive exterior
• A large number of options
• Galvanized body (depending on assembly)

True, the Skoda Fabia also has some nuances. The main ones are expensive spare parts and difficulties with maintenance. However, there are many more advantages, which makes this car one of the best options for a novice driver.

Toyota Yaris

What other car could be better for a beginner than the Toyota Yaris. The car is very compact, maneuverable and comfortable. Despite the small interior, the seating position is very comfortable and high. There is plenty of space in the back row of seats, where it is also easy to place a child seat. In turn, the trunk, designed for 300 liters, will satisfy the needs of the entire urban family.

Toyota Yaris engines are unpretentious and extremely reliable. Their resource is more than 500 thousand km. Fuel consumption in the city for the “Japanese” does not exceed 8 liters. However, the power of most engines is less than 100 hp. s., which allows you to save on insurance and taxes.

The Japanese car is also equipped with various safety systems, and its handling and dynamics will please even the pickiest novice driver.