What kind of car should a new driver buy?

After successfully passing the driver’s license exam, a new driver faces the task of buying a vehicle. To ensure the safety of all road users, the car must meet specific criteria. In this article, we’ll share recommendations for choosing your first car, explain which features to look for, review popular brands, and introduce a company that helps people order turnkey cars from the U.S. at an affordable price.

Car Features for a New Driver

To feel confident in any traffic conditions, you need to master basic driving and repair skills. When making a choice, it’s important for a beginner to use common sense and consider how easy the car is to handle and maintain. That’s why cars should have:

• a wide selection of replacement parts in case of breakdowns;
• increased ground clearance;
• a reliable suspension, steering, engine, and transmission;
• low repair costs;
• easy access to key parts and components;
• a wide range of additional systems and features that make driving easier.

When buying a car, we recommend considering the performance characteristics of both new and used vehicles from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Experienced drivers advise choosing a car similar to the one you learned to drive in at first. This will help a new driver get used to traffic conditions in populated areas more quickly.

Choosing a Vehicle: Domestic or Foreign?

Foreign cars are considered more reliable and comfortable. These vehicles are equipped with useful features and systems that simplify and improve driving. As a result, foreign cars are in high demand among Ukrainian drivers thanks to their excellent build quality, long service life, and cutting-edge technologies implemented by professional U.S. engineers during manufacturing.

Affordable Cars for Beginners

Most Ukrainians get their driver’s licenses as soon as they turn 18. However, an expensive car is an unaffordable luxury for young people. They face the pressing need to find a reliable yet affordable first car. Therefore, drivers on a tight budget are advised to consider used cars from the U.S. They are easy to maintain and relatively inexpensive (starting at $6,000).

Top 8 Best Cars for Beginners

We conducted a survey on the best car models for new drivers. As a result, our ranking includes the following brands:

• Ford Fusion;
• Volkswagen Jetta;
• Toyota Auris;
• Fiat 500 E;
• Kia Rio;
• Ford Focus;
• Toyota Camry;
• Mazda 3.

The ranking was compiled based on clear criteria: ease of handling, affordability of repairs, the number of service centers in Ukraine, and comfort level.

Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of these cars.

Ford Fusion

This powerful car handles all driving conditions with ease and ensures a comfortable ride both in the city and on the open road. This midsize model is designed for the U.S. market. In other countries, this car is better known as the Ford Mondeo. The Fusion was first introduced in 2005. The latest model is built on the fifth-generation Ford Fiesta platform, but unlike the prototype, it is larger. 

The car combines elements of a station wagon, a hatchback, and a minivan. The available model is equipped with:

• a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 80 l. s. of power;
• anti-lock braking system;
• power steering;
• a reliable immobilizer and airbags.

Depending on the engine type, the Ford delivers between 175 and 352 l. s. Thanks to the soft, adjustable seats, every trip is comfortable and enjoyable.

Volkswagen Jetta

The compact Jetta sedan is one of the most popular models from the German automaker Volkswagen. It is ideal for driving within city limits and between towns. The model has been produced in the U.S. since 1979. The car features an attractive design that combines elegance and modernity. The sculpted lines of the American version give the car a dynamic look. What sets it apart from similar European models like the Polo and Golf is its spacious interior. Thanks to the folding rear seats, you can significantly increase the trunk space.

In the U.S., the sixth-generation model is available with gasoline and diesel engines:

• with displacements of 1.6 and 2.0 liters;
• with power outputs of 115 and 140 l. s.

The Jetta is known for its good handling, a comfortable and well-insulated interior, and a smooth ride. The car features a collision warning system, stability control, rearview cameras, and other useful safety features.

Toyota Auris

A compact front-wheel-drive car that has been in production since 2007, specifically designed for Europe. This C-segment hatchback is based on the TNGA GA-C modular platform. The Auris is imported into Ukraine with gasoline engines of various displacements:

• 1.3 L;
• 1.4 L;
• 1.6 L;
• 1.8 L (hybrid version);
• 2.0 L

The model is equipped with a ventilated disc brake system. This ensures a smooth ride. Braking is also more effective, despite the car’s impressive weight of 1,190 kg. The rigid independent suspension handles all road irregularities with ease.

The Aurora’s dynamic exterior design is complemented by a spacious, comfortable, and high-quality interior. The comfortable seats are upholstered in leather. The multimedia system is designed to create a pleasant atmosphere in the cabin.

Fiat 500 E

This eco-friendly electric car was unveiled in 2012 at an American exhibition center. It was developed by the Italian company Fiat Group. The car, with its retro-futuristic design, is lightweight, dynamic, and highly maneuverable. It:

• has a top speed of 72 km/h;
• has a torque of 199 N·m;
• accelerates to 100 km/h in 9 seconds;
• is equipped with an 83 kW motor that meets environmental standards.

The city car has an electric powertrain powered by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery (24 kWh). Thanks to this, the model can deliver significant power and offers decent acceleration. The model has a range of up to 160 km on a single charge.

Kia Rio

This Korean subcompact model first appeared in Europe in 2000. The latest (fourth) version of the car (2017) combines the advantages of previous generations. The model is based on other popular cars from the Korean brand Kia. As a result, the selection of engines has expanded, and maintenance has become simpler. The company originally positioned the car as the ideal choice for first-time drivers—and it’s hard to argue with that.

The vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine that meets the Euro 5 emissions standard. The engine produces 100 and 123 l. s. The model can accelerate to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds—depending on the engine type. The car’s interior features a minimalist design with an emphasis on comfort and practicality. Even the standard version of the car includes:

• comfortable, adjustable seats;
• an information panel with a multimedia system;
• enhanced ABS and ESP systems;
• reliable suspension and drivetrain.

It is precisely because of these features that many new drivers often choose the Rio as their first car.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a classic car that’s affordable for everyone. Each generation consistently ranks among the best-selling cars. This car is also in high demand among Ukrainians. The fourth generation of the Focus, released in early 2018, features an attractive design, a comfortable interior, and an affordable price. The car is based on the C2 platform.

When comparing the first and new versions, one can notice significant changes that have made the model more modern. Among the most striking differences are:

• a massive hexagonal grille;
• LED headlights;
• a convenient gearshift joystick (instead of the usual lever);
• aggressive front bumper design;
• a panoramic roof;
• a spacious interior.

The Ford Focus is available in various trim levels—from base to sport. Depending on the engine type, the car delivers between 85 and 280 l. s.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry business-class sedan is the ideal choice for first-time car buyers who value reliable Japanese cars. The latest generation of the model stands out for its TNGA modular architecture, which provides:

• a bold, sporty design;
• improved handling;
• a smooth ride;
• superior reliability;
• good driving performance;
• premium comfort.

Standardization and a lower center of gravity have made the Toyota wider. The manufacturers lowered the hood by 40 mm and reduced its weight, which significantly improved the driver’s visibility. Thanks to its low stance and clean aerodynamic lines, the car now looks like a true sports car.

The model’s steering wheel is equipped with rack-and-pinion electric power steering, which makes handling easier. Passive and active safety systems allow the driver to feel confident in any driving situation.

Mazda 3

This Japanese compact car combines superb design, innovative technology, and maximum comfort. The model is available in two versions: a five-door hatchback and a sedan. The first generation of the Mazda 3 was introduced to the market in 2003, and the latest in 2018. The fourth version of the car retained the strengths of its predecessors and received many useful improvements. The car’s styling has become smoother and more understated, with sharp lines eliminated, and the interior has been significantly simplified according to the “Less is more” principle. As a result, the cabin appears more spacious than in previous generations. Comfortable seats and an intuitive instrument panel create a pleasant environment for the driver and passengers. 

The Mazda 3 is equipped with the i-Activsense intelligent safety system, which:

• monitors blind spots;
• brakes automatically when obstacles are detected;
• warns of lane departures.

Under the hood is a high-quality engine that delivers smooth and responsive handling. The model also features improved sound insulation.

A Great Deal on a Car from the U.S.

We specialize in importing a variety of used cars from the United States. Our team of professionals will help you find and select your first vehicle at popular American auctions. We carefully inspect and check every car for visible and hidden defects. We’ll arrange for the car you’ve chosen to be shipped to Ukraine, handle customs clearance, and complete the registration process. We strictly adhere to deadlines, deliver cars in proper working order, and take care of all the necessary paperwork.

Buying a vehicle from the U.S. with us is the right choice for new drivers!