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8 Best Cars For First Time Buyers

ByMatsumoto Naoki-April 07, 2023

Below is the line up of the best cars for first time buyers for your references. Hope you enjoy it and find insightful information for your first-ever car purchase!

Best Cars For First Time Buyers

According to first-time car buying advice from experts, when buying a car for the first time, priority should be given to choosing models that are easy to use, easy to drive, and chosen by many people. Because the more popular the car, the more it proves that the model has many advantages, meeting the needs of the majority.

Subaru Forester

Opening our list of best cars for first time buyers is the Subaru Forester. This line from Subaru has a long reputation for its structure and performance.

The Forester has a beautiful, powerful, and sturdy design. Not too big, but the space inside is extremely spacious. Even people with a height of nearly 1m9 will not have any problems with legroom or headroom when sitting in this Forester. The seats, especially the 2nd row, are also designed with a very comfortable recline but still keep the storage space large enough for long journeys.

For equipment, the most prominent is EyeSight technology which effectively supports the driver. In addition, Forester still has most of the features that the majority of us need. Includes touchscreen entertainment with an integrated navigation map, USB charging port for both front and rear seats, power seats, blind spot warning, headlights that rotate according to the steering angle

Last but not least, its engine. Forester is a car for people who love to drive. This is evidenced by the Boxer engine, solid chassis system, and S-AWD symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The thick chassis and body also help the Forester have soundproofing, which I confidently assert is among the best in its segment.

This line from Subaru has a long reputation for its structure and performance. (Photo: The Drive)

Not only good at the above physical structures but the Forester is also supported by high technology with the X-Mode terrain support feature. Word-of-mouth sayings such as “when going downhill, you must brake by number” now do not need to be too concerned with the Forester because when going downhill, the car automatically slows down to help the driver, the rest is just steering to the right lane.

With all those fancy characteristics, Forester is always an exceptionally good car for first-time buyers. You may not go wrong with this car, ever.

Honda Accord

For many years, Honda Accord has been verified as being one of the best-selling cars in America until now, with 13 million units sold throughout the century. With strong improvements in design, technology, and comfort, Honda Accord has undergone a process of innovation and design with a high-class, sporty, and youthful sedan style.

Honda Accord has very high durability, especially in terms of the engine. The car engine runs smoothly, saves fuel, and rarely encounters minor errors. Even Honda Accords before 2010 can still work well after 9-10 years of use.

It also comes with many leading interior amenities in the segment, including independent 2-zone automatic air conditioning with air vents for the rear seats, electric driver’s seat, steering wheel with integrated control buttons, DVD and touch screen display, electrically adjustable door blinds, and high-quality sound system.

Not only that, the ability to keep good resale value and soft maintenance cost of Accord will be your worthy consideration criteria to choose it as a final companion among the best cars for first time buyers.

Honda Accord has very high durability, especially in terms of the engine. (Photo: CNET)

Toyota RAV4

The next competitor in today’s line-up is the famous RAV4 line. As one of Toyota’s best-selling cars in the US, RAV4 is considered the “golden egg” of the Japanese automaker.

The fifth generation RAV4 is developed based on the new global chassis TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) similar to the Corolla, Camry, and Avalon, 57% stiffer than the old chassis, and comes with a flexible suspension system.

Contrary to the appearance, the interior of the RAV4 2019 is considered by many experts to be quite round and harmonious. The car is equipped with a modern and luxurious dashboard, an infotainment system with a high-mounted 7.0 or 8.0-inch touch screen, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

It is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower, maximum torque of 203 Nm, combined with a CVT gearbox. According to the Japanese automaker’s specifications, this engine helps Toyota RAV4 achieve an average fuel consumption of about 6 liters/100 km.

RAV4 is considered the “golden egg” of the Japanese automaker. (Photo: Motor Biscuit)

In terms of safety, all RAV4 versions are standard equipped with active safety features of the Toyota safety package, such as a pre-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking technology, automatic headlights/wipers, lane departure warning/assist (self-adjusting steering wheel) and adaptive cruise control.

Honda CR-V

Another highlighted model among the best cars to buy for first time buyers is the Honda CR-V. Honda CR-V has been the top-selling Japanese car company for many years and has always proven its attractiveness with its sharp, powerful, and definitive. The front end looks sturdy with a bit of fierceness with a shiny grille cluster combined with sophisticated headlights.

Next, the cabin with spacious seats can be considered the biggest advantage of the CR-V, for the ability to carry many people when needed. Not only that, Honda CR-V owns a neat, pleasing, and fully equipped cabin. The steering wheel layout and gear lever create a good sense of hands-on control. The detailed keys with high quality are also one of impressive technological highlights.

When operating CR-V, users can feel the power and loading of the 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with a capacity of 188 horsepower. Accompanied by a CVT gearbox, solid suspension and chassis, steering wheel and accelerator feedback is also quick and accurate, giving a smooth cornering feeling.

Honda CR-V has been the top-selling Japanese car company for many years. (Photo: Heycar)

In general, the appearance and power of the car are highly appreciated and suitable for both young and middle-aged customers. And if you’re looking for the first car of your dreams to begin your journey of conquering the long road ahead, the CR-V could be a strong contender.

Subaru Legacy

Referring to Subaru, people will immediately remember the only car brand that equips all of its models with a full-time four-wheel drive system (S-AWD) as well as an extremely powerful and stable Boxer engine. The car line can always operate at high speed but is safe on all different terrains and the balance of the car is always completely in the control of the driver.

It is these features that help the new generation Subaru Legacy become a sedan that outperforms other models in the same segment. With a 2.5L H4 engine with a maximum capacity of 175 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, the new generation Legacy still ensures traction at 235 Nm.

In addition to the details of the 5-speed automatic transmission being replaced by the increasingly popular CVT automatic transmission, Subaru builds the new generation Legacy with special emphasis on active driving and active safety. through an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution system EBD, electronic body stabilization system, blind spot warning system, and tire pressure monitoring system, reversing camera.

The whole Subaru Legacy is meticulously and carefully built. (Photo: Auto123)

The whole car is meticulously and carefully built, the whole ring-shaped monolithic frame is made from reinforced steel with 8 overlapping layers, minimizing the vehicle being deformed when strongly impacted by all. all directions. Expanded airbags to enhance safety protection for the driver and passengers… All make a new generation Legacy that meets all the most stringent requirements for the safety and speed of the driver and passengers in the car!

With the new generation Legacy, every trip is not simply a mile you drive, but also a world of comfort you deserve the first time you put hands on the wheel.

Chevrolet Spark

The next face in CFJ’s list of good cars for first time buyers today is the Chevy Spark, one of the models that were once extremely popular in the subcompact hatchback segment.

Compared to the biggest competitors in the Mitsubishi Mirage or Suzuki Alto segment, the old Chevrolet Spark has a relatively cheap price. With a competitive price advantage, Chevrolet Spark is especially suitable for customers who need a means of transportation at a competitive price, including first-time car buyers.

Spark’s next standout feature is its flexible compact design and durable exterior. With a compact design and a turning radius of less than 5m, Chevrolet Spark can be easily moved flexibly in small alleys or busy streets.

In terms of appearance, this model gets rid of the rounded design direction often found in subcompact and instead has embossed lines and a rather personality perpendicular rear end.

The old Chevrolet Spark has an exterior that feels masculine, strong, and relatively healthy. (Photo: Top Gear)

Despite its compact size, this Chevrolet model owns the largest interior space in the same segment. The utility is also quite fully equipped with air conditioning, a 4-speaker entertainment system and USB/AUX connection ports. Next, you may be surprised at the repair costs, maintenance fees, and fuel economy of the car. Because it only uses a 1.0L engine (from 2012 and 2018 versions), the car runs quite economically with an average consumption of 5-6L per 100km of road.

In general, old Chevrolet Spark cars will always deserve to be among the top best used cars for first time buyers because of their versatility and durability.

Nissan Versa

The new Versa features a stylized beech V-design on the front and a floating roof. On the outside, the front of the car is relatively beautiful, equipped with headlights, a grille, and air intake lights to bring a strong and attractive feeling. The interior of the Nissan Versa is also equipped with good materials and has soft surfaces on the doors and dashboard.

The Versa has McPherson struts up front and semi-independent suspension at the rear. The power unit is also unified, it’s a 1.6-liter aspirated engine (124 hp) paired with a five-speed “mechanical” or a variant.

As for the engine, every Versa model has a 122-horsepower four-cylinder that powers the front wheels. A five-speed manual transmission is a default on base models, but a continuously variable automatic (CVT) is also available on the S.

While most people will also find its four-cylinder engine not well equipped for quick highway crossings, they’ll find highway fuel economy to be impressive. The Versa is rated up to 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when equipped with the CVT. Regarding fuel consumption, with urban roads, the consumption level will be about 7.35 liters / per 100km; On the highway, it is 5.88 liters per 100km and that figure on the mixed road is 6.72 liters per 100km.

The Versa has McPherson struts up front and semi-independent suspension at the rear. (Photo: Carsforsale.com)

Compared to rival models, the Nissan Versa can cost a little more. However, with what this car owns, that price is completely worth it in the list of best cars for first time buyers.

Kia Soul

Kia Soul has many design features in the style of sci-fi movies and contains a whole ‘Musical World’ right in the cabin.

With the new generation Soul, the muscularity of the Kia Soul has been somewhat reduced, replaced by a series of more refined lines with a futuristic style. In particular, at the front of the car are a pair of extremely thin LED headlights running horizontally, and a larger front grille brings a superficial appearance, combined with large air intakes, making it easy to think of the face of a robot car from a sci-fi movie.

Kia Soul has overall dimensions with length x width x height of 4,145 x 1,800 x 1,625 mm, wheelbase of 2,573 mm, and ground clearance of 150 mm. As for the interior, the Kia Soul’s cabin space is inspired by Music World, with a series of shapes and surfaces that reflect acoustic elements to create an experience stimulating all the senses.

Not only that, the new Soul is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine, with a capacity of 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque, or the option of a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower and 264 Nm torque.

As for the interior, the Kia Soul’s cabin space is inspired by Music World. (Photo: AutoTrader)

Kia promises Soul will bring a higher driving experience and comfort while minimizing noise, vibration, and shock. A new driver’s car is worth the experience. Check it out now!

First-Time Car Buying Advice

According to some experts and experienced drivers, when buying a car for the first time, you should note the following:

  • Consult, seek the support of acquaintances who have bought a car for advice on choosing one, and consult on car buying and selling procedures.
  • Clearly define your needs and the factors that you focus on. For example, which of the following factors is most important to you such as beautiful design, modern equipment, durability, good price retention, famous brand, and spacious interior? This identification will make it easier to choose a car model.
  • Learn carefully about vehicle information such as technical specifications (engine, transmission, transmission), equipment system (exterior, interior, safety features), advantages and disadvantages of the vehicle, vehicle maintenance costs, and actual reviews from users, compared with cars of the same price range before deciding.
  • Don’t be afraid to pay the price, not only can you pay the price when buying a used car, but even when buying a new car, you can negotiate discounts and incentives.

Above is our recommended list for the best cars for first time buyers and some first-time buying advice. Once again, we hope you can now get some insightful information for your first-ever car purchase after scrolling along!

Matsumoto Naoki is senior car blogger at Car From Japan. Having background in mechanical engineering, he has a unique perspective on a lot of new car innovations. Prior to Car From Japan, Matsumoto was Mechanical Design Engineer at Yajima Plant, Subaru Corporation. His articles provide detailed DIY instructions and how-tos to help you get your new car on the road. If you want to save money and feel more confident when working on your cars, you should not ignore Matsumoto’s sharing posts. He presents driving tips and tricks for everyone through easy-following steps and mechanically but friendly writing.

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