Best First Cars

Price is a factor when choosing your first car, but it shouldn’t be the only factor, or it may come back to bite you. No new driver wants a car that’s constantly in for repairs, so look out for reliability. And, as a new driver, you’re more susceptible than most to accidents, so safety features are also very important.

Take a look at the following best first cars for new drivers.

Finding the best first car for new rivers can be challenging. Take a closer look at the following tips to help you make a better decision:

• Consider the car's safety features: Safety should be a top priority when choosing a good first car. Look for vehicles with high safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• Prioritize reliability: A reliable car will require fewer repairs, saving you time, money, and stress. Brands like Honda, Toyota, Kia, Mazda, and Subaru are known for their reliability.
• Keep the size in mind: Compact cars can be easier for new drivers to handle and park, but they should still offer sufficient interior space and comfort.
• Check the cost of ownership: In addition to the purchase price, consider costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Some brands and models, such as Chevy or BMW, are more cost-effective to own than others.
• Test drive before buying: A test drive can help you determine how comfortable and confident you feel behind the wheel of a particular car.
• Consider buying used: Used cars can be of great value. Just make sure to have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before buying.
• Research and shop around: Take the time to research different makes and models and compare prices from different dealerships. This can help you ensure that you're getting the best car for your needs at the best possible price.
• Financing: Affordability is a major concern for most first-time car buyers. How are you going to finance the purchase, lease, or subscription? Sometimes, when buying a car, you may qualify for a pre-approved car loan that will tell you how much you can spend. Much depends on the length of the loan term you can negotiate, as well as the interest rates.

For drivers with no credit or limited credit (like many teens and younger drivers), options are more limited, but you can still get a car with no credit. Often, a more affordable option than buying a car is a subscription. With no down payment necessary, this saves around $2,000 for starters. You simply select a reliable car at an affordable monthly rate that includes everything.

Choosing an affordable first car involves weighing factors like price, safety, reliability, and cost of ownership. Here are a few models that often come up in discussions of affordable first cars:

1. Honda Civic: Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, the Honda Civic also offers advanced safety features. Its compact size makes it easy to handle for new drivers. As per recent search results, the 2024 Honda Civic starts at $23,950 for the base LX sedan model.
2. Toyota Corolla: The Corolla has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. It's also known for excellent fuel economy and low-cost maintenance. The starting price for a new 2024 Toyota Corolla is approximately $20,025.
3. Hyundai Elantra: This car offers good value for money with its comprehensive warranty, strong safety scores, and solid performance. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra starts at around $19,650.
4. Ford Fiesta: This compact car is fun to drive and offers good fuel economy. But, the Ford Fiesta was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2019 model year and used models can be found for around $10,000 or less.
5. Subaru Impreza: The Impreza stands out with standard all-wheel drive, good safety ratings, and a reputation for durability. The starting price for a new 2024 Subaru Impreza is approximately $18,795.
6. Toyota Camry: A Camry is known for its low ownership costs, including reasonable maintenance expenses, making it an ideal choice for first-time buyers. The 2024 Toyota Camry starts at $26,420 for the base trim levels.

For new and teen drivers, car insurance rates are typically higher than for middle-aged drivers. In fact, they can be up to three times more expensive. This is largely due to the perceived risk associated with inexperienced drivers. However, there are ways to navigate this and find reasonable rates.

One of the best strategies for lower insurance costs is to choose a car with good safety stats. Cars that are rated highly for safety by organizations such as the IIHS and NHTSA typically attract lower insurance premiums.

Shopping around for insurance deals is another good step. The cost of insurance varies significantly between providers, even for the same coverage levels. Geico, Nationwide, and Progressive are among the insurers offering the most competitive rates for young drivers. Also, companies like Allstate and State Farm have specific programs aimed at new and teen drivers.

The best car for a first-time driver depends on individual preferences, needs, and budget. If you're a first-time driver and you're looking for a car, consider safety, reliability, and affordability. Here are some top recommendations for first-time drivers:

• Toyota Prius: This hybrid vehicle is not only eco-friendly but also boasts excellent safety features and reliability.
• Nissan Versa: The Nissan Versa keeps costs low without skimping on safety. Its ample cabin and fuel-sipping engine combined with high reliability ratings make this sedan a sensible, secure choice for new drivers.
• Subaru Crosstrek: Subaru Crosstrek stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, contributing to its strong safety scores.
• Hyundai Kona: This compact SUV offers a comfortable ride and advanced safety features.
• Volkswagen GolfGTI: A sporty option, the Golf GTI combines fun-to-drive characteristics with solid safety features.
• Honda Accord: Regularly topping safety charts, the Honda Accord has long delivered reliability and value too. That combination of secure protection and low-fuss ownership makes this car an ideal fit for first-time drivers.
• Mazda 3: For a first car, it's hard to top the Mazda 3's blend of value, protection, and just plain fun behind the wheel. This affordable package punches above its weight with nimble handling and zoomy responsiveness sure to make any new driver smile.
• Chevrolet Cruze: This Chevrolet balances practicality and efficiency in a comfortable, compact package. With impressive fuel economy, abundant safety technology and a reasonable price, the Cruze easily carries new drivers in style.
• Acura Integra: The Integra combines reliability and performance, making it a fun yet dependable choice for new drivers. Plus, with its solid build quality and affordable maintenance costs, it's great for those on a budget.

Once you've decided on the type of car you're interested in, consider a car subscription from FINN. Unlike traditional car ownership or leasing, FINN offers a flexible and hassle-free experience, with access to top car brands and models, without having to worry about insurance, maintenance, or roadside assistance, as these are all included in one monthly fee. There's also no need for a down payment, and the subscription terms are flexible, allowing you to switch to a new car every six to 12 months if you want.