When buying your first car, what are the qualities to Look out for? Whether you’re looking for a driving school in Phoenix (AZ) for yourself, or your son or daughter are coming to the driving age, it may be time to start looking at cars. For many parents and first-time drivers, this can be an incredibly stressful process, as cars come in all shapes and sizes nowadays.

One of the most important qualities to look for in a first car is always the safety features, as first-time drivers tend to make mistakes. This isn’t the only important feature though, affordability and fuel efficiency are two other typical qualities first time drivers desire in a car. Although most car dealers these days will boast that every car in their yard is safe, affordable, and fuel efficient; there are certain features which you should seek and ask about.

Here are the qualities to look for in a first car.

Safety 

As previously mentioned, the safety features of a car are of the utmost importance to first time drivers. 

Essential Features for a First Car

Many different features in a car are related to safety, with the following being considered absolutely essential to have in working order:

1. Seat belts – One for each potential passenger, make sure they aren’t worn and that they click and stay clicked in.

2. Mirrors – Functional rear and side view mirrors are necessary for driving, make sure they aren’t scratched and reflect things accurately.

3. Airbags – Both front impact and side-impact airbags are necessary for the protection of the driver and passengers. Enquire as to whether they are dual-stage or adaptive which enhances the efficacy of them.

4. Traction Control – More common on newer cars, this electronically-controlled setting assists the tyres in gripping wet or slippery roads.

5. Antilock Brakes (ABS) – ABS technology is computer-assisted braking which stops the wheel from locking up during hard braking. 

6. Electronic Stability Control – This helps stabilize your car during turns, reducing engine power to help keep you aligned.

7. Reverse Camera – Especially relevant in households with children or pets, this camera activates when the car is put in reverse to show you what is behind the car. 

Additional Features When Buying a First Car

Thanks to recent advancements in technology, modern cars have numerous additional safety features for a variety of scenarios. These are referred to as Active Safety systems and include:

1. Adaptive headlights – Automatically points the headlights in the direction you’re travelling to increase visibility.

2. Adaptive cruise control – Automatically accelerates or brakes to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others while in cruise control.

3. Blind spot detection – Warns you if there are vehicles in your blinds spots (in adjacent lanes).

4. Collision warning – Detects a collision and warns you as the driver.

5. Emergency brakes – Automatically applies the brakes if it detects a potential collision when traveling forward or in reverse. 

6. Lane assistance – Alerts you when you start to cross into other lanes, and can assist with steering to keep you in your lane. 

7. Parking assistance – Sensors in the bumpers notify you of any obstacles you’re near when parking.

8. Pedestrian detection – Senses and notifies you of pedestrians and in some cases cyclists nearby.

9. Rear cross-traffic alert – Notifies you if traffic is approaching that may cross your pass when in reverse, in some cars this feature can automatically deploy brakes. 

Safety Rating

The safety rating of a car generally refers to how it fares in various collisions. Make sure that any first car you consider buying has a good safety rating.

The safety features and rating of a car can only work so far though, with the rest of the responsibility falling on the driver. Here at our driving school in Phoenix (AZ), we recommend all new drivers also attend a defensive driving course to equip them with more safety knowledge.

Affordability

Depending on your budget, you may wish to buy a slightly older car which is easy to fix. While you will have to forgo many additional safety features, many older cars boast long-lasting essential safety features. 

Used Japanese cars are probably the best first time cars for all kinds of drivers, regardless of age or experience. They are reliable with proven safety features, can cost substantially less than American- or European-made cars, and repairs are often dirt-cheap.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of a car is usually dictated by the size and weight of the vehicle, although there are many other engineering considerations which can make a difference. 

Generally speaking, the following styles of car are more fuel efficient:

• Coupes
• Sedans
• Hatchbacks
• Station Wagons

Thankfully, there are many Japanese cars which come in these styles that also have other fuel-efficiency-boosting features.

Come On In, We’re Always Ready To Help – Legacy Driving Academy

If you’re unsure about any of the above, or are just looking for some more advice on what kind of car to get, then feel free to contact us or come to Legacy Driving driving Academy in Phoenix (AZ).