Obtaining your license and buying your first car is a rewarding and memorable experience. It’s a trademark in one’s entrance into adulthood. Purchasing a vehicle is a massive, long-term investment, ergo, it’s important to do your research ahead of time when it comes to which vehicle best suits your needs as a new driver. Whilst most would love to drive a new Lambo off the lot right after getting our licenses, it’s always best to start with something that is cost-efficient and quite frankly, not as fast!
In the market for your first vehicle? Here’s a comparison of the top cars Canada has to offer for new drivers!
First off, what do new drivers need to be on the lookout for when purchasing a new vehicle?
Buying your first car as a new driver is a lot different than buying a car years down the road. There are a few more factors you need to consider as a novice driver, including;
- Insurance rates – if you are under 25 years of age, insurance rates are higher. With no record as well, insurance companies tend to raise prices as a precautionary method.
- Cost of fuel/charge – if you are working within a budget, it’s important to consider the monthly cost of keeping your vehicle running. Some vehicles require higher levels of octane which can quickly add up to a heftier monthly gas bill.
- Finance/lease cost – if you are choosing to finance/lease, it’s important to have your credit in good standing, especially if you are within a specific monthly budget. Poor credit or even no credit can be grounds for higher monthly payments due to interest.
- Cost of maintenance – chances are, as a new driver, you are going to ding up your car quite a few times. Ergo, opting for a vehicle that is cheaper to maintain and with more cost-efficient parts should be highly considered.
- New or used – used vehicles typically have a lower upfront cost, however, they may require more maintenance down the road. It’s important to navigate the pros and cons when it comes to new/used vehicles.
Here are a few great options to consider when shopping for your first vehicle:
With the standard base model starting just under $20,000, the 2019 Toyota Corolla makes a great starter vehicle for new drivers. The 2019 models come equipt with a plethora of safety features including; lane departure warning, steering assist, automatic high beam lights, back-up camera, and collision detection. The array of safety features can put new drivers at easy when it comes to hitting the road solo for the first time. Although the 2019 Corolla isn’t built for speed, with a 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine, this could be good news for new drivers in order to help them avoid stepping on the gas and potentially landing themselves in a ticket hotspot.
The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a good option: for new drivers fixated on the safety of the vehicle over everything else
Opt for another vehicle if: you are looking for something with a little more pizzazz when it comes to the engine and driving performance
Perhaps the sporty version of the Toyota Corolla, the 2019 Honda Civic has a surfeit of features that will surely attract the attention of new drivers. The 2019 Civic comes in a variety of engine options which is great for those who either want something calmer or for those looking for a sporty feel when driving. What has made the Honda Civic one of the most popular vehicles on the road time and time again is it’s superb fuel economy, boasting 40 kpg in the City and 58 kpg on the highway. The interior is simplistic and new drivers won’t find themselves overwhelmed with a ton of gadgets.
The 2019 Honda Civic is a good option if: fuel-efficiency is a “make it or break it” in your car buying experience
Opt for another vehicle if: you don’t want something so ubiquitous
Looking for something that will stand out more than the Civic of the Corolla, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta might just do the trick. The best part about the Jetta? It’s stable handling. Its suspension makes for better handling when navigating turns or simply cruising around the city. Like The Corolla, the 2019 Jetta starts just under $20,000 making it a more affordable option for first car buyers. If you want a car with a clean and crisp interior, the Jetta has it, with a modern infotainment system, digital cockpit display, and a Beats audio system. A luxurious vehicle with an economical price tag.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is a good option if: you are all about that crisp, sleek interior
Opt for another vehicle if: you want an AWD-vehicle; the 2019 Jetta is strictly a FWD vehicle.
There’s no denying that SUVs can be costly. Larger tanks mean more fuel needed to fill up. SUVs are typically seen as the best of the best, especially in the snowy Canadian winters. If you’re looking for an SUV, but don’t want to pay SUV prices, consider a compact SUV such as the 2019 Mazda CX-3. The CX-3 handles and performs like an SUV, even in the harshest of weather without the addition of a massive tank. The i-ACTIV AWD system makes driving in poor conditions less stressful and can actually detect poor conditions to prepare you ahead of time. The exterior gives off a sporty-vibe and the compact SUV even comes equipt with sports mode for a more thrilling ride. Another perk? They 2019 Mazda CX-3 starts at just over $21,000 – a reasonable price for all you get!
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is a good option if: you are in the market for an SUV that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg
Opt for another option if: you plan to have many passengers as the legroom in the backseats is limited
This vehicle is completely different than any on this list. How so? It’s fully electric! For the earth-conscious new drivers looking to skip out on paying at the pump, this one is for you. The Hyundai Ioniq base model offers around 200 km on a single charge, making it a great ride for occasional and city drivers alike. The Ioniq is also available in a Hybrid option if you are looking to get a little bit more out of it. Charging is significantly cheaper than filling up at the pump and there tend to be rebates available when it comes to electric/hybrid vehicles. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq lineup starts at just over $32,000, making it cheaper than most of its competitors.
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq os a good option if: you want a fuel-free vehicle that will help save the earth and your wallet
Opt for another option if: you plan on taking long road trips frequently; although the range is quite good, charging takes a lot longer than just filling up, making pit stops last quite a bit
Buying your first vehicle is exciting and although you may want to dive into the first one you come across, it’s important to do your research to ensure you are getting the best car for your needs. Of course, we love helping people drive away in their desired ride – our Dealer Invoice Report can help you save even more money on your first vehicle.
Looking to get into your first ride AND save some of your hard-earned money on the purchase? Contact us today to get your FREE Dealer Invoice Report!