CHOOSING A FIRST CAR

Help choosing a first car for your child can sometimes be a bit challenging. Remember it is a milestone event for your son or daughter whether you are paying or they have saved up some hard cash to contribute.
The best advice we can give is

“ Spend as much as you can afford on the SAFEST vehicle possible.”

I know your thinking but they are still learning and are likely to hit curbs, fences, scuff the wheels etc. So something cheaper for starters will be a better option. Well actually learner drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in something more serious.
I know the latest vehicle is probably on your teenagers wish list but generally it’s not in the budget or that its not really practical. Our daughter is hoping for either a Ford Raptor Ranger or Mustang (dreaming she is).

ANCAP safety rating should be the first thing you think about, followed by budget. Key features we would highly recommend as essential are:
Airbags
ABS
Good all round visibility
Electronic stability program (if possible)
Tyre quality/condition

Of course the kilometres the vehicle has travelled, service record, and overall interior and exterior condition are important as well. Colour really shouldn’t factor in but silver, white & yellow have been recognised as being safer. A plus with silver is it doesn’t show the dirt too bad either (speaking from experience). My personal favourite is lime because its bright, not many have it and it stands out so it’s easy to locate in a busy car park. Still trying to convince my husband that I need one!

The driver is the most important safety feature however. They need to be alert, aware, thinking and skilled (a defensive driving course is essential)! With time they will gain experience & learn how to drive to the conditions (weather or road). We are not invincible and driving can be dangerous. So please pick the safest car possible for you and your family.

Thanks to Emma Gilmour a New Zealand legend for women in motor sport rally driving from Gilmour Motors – Dunedin for some of the above great safety tips (buckle up buttercup)!