If you’re buying a car for the first time, you have to consider the costs of owning and maintaining a car as well as the purchase price. Like putting gutter guards on your house or investing your money well, researching all the costs of car ownership will pay off long term. These days, most drivers consider gas mileage as a top factor in their choice of cars, but you should never forget other factors like safety and cost of insurance. Here are three super choices for first-time car buyers.
1. Kia Soul. This hatchback is great looking and gives you a lot for the money. Plus, it has a surprising amount of cargo room for a small car. Buyers love the iPod-compatible stereo system, and safety aficionados are impressed by this car’s excellent crash test ratings and great safety features.
2. Ford Fiesta. OK, forget the Ford Fiesta of the 1970s and 80s. This is nothing like those. Not only does it have sleek (rather than awkward and boxy) lines, it’s way more comfortable than you’d expect, and gets terrific gas mileage – beating both the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit!
3. Honda Civic. Decades have proven time and again that it’s hard to go wrong with a Honda Civic. Whether you choose the coupe or sedan, you get a well-made, solid car that’s fun to drive, gets excellent mileage, and will serve you well for many years. It’s no wonder the Civic has been the “go-to” first car since the 1980s.
Buying that first car is a big step, and you shouldn’t rush into a purchase. Research appealing models online, where you’ll find not only extensive descriptions, but also opinions of actual buyers that can help you narrow down your options till you come up with the perfect ride for your needs.