We often receive questions from new drivers like, “Should I take driving lessons?”, “Is my insurance policy the right one for me?”, and “What happens if I fail my driving test?”, but a frequently asked question that you may not have expected is, “What’s the best car for a new driver?”!
When selecting your first vehicle, there are many considerations to reflect on before making a purchase. First and foremost, does this vehicle have a reputation of being safe? Other things worth considering include the size of the exterior and interior, fuel efficiency, handling of the vehicle, braking speed, reliability, aesthetics and of course - the cost. When it comes to purchasing your very first vehicle, you want to find one that fits your needs and desires without breaking the bank.
We’ve compiled a list of a few vehicles that we feel are suited to new drivers, and hope that it acts as a productive starting point to your car search!
5. HONDA CIVIC
The Civic’s reputation precedes itself, and for good reason! The Honda Civic is a dependable vehicle, but brings enough of an excitement factor to satisfy thrillseekers who are just beginning their driving journey. It boasts remarkable driving dynamics, agility that excites new drivers while keeping them safe, and a price point that you really can’t beat for a car with this many features! The base model offers a 2 L four-cylinder engine and 158 horsepower, yet also exceeds all expectations when it comes to safety, with the IIHS giving it a top score of “GOOD” in all crash tests. All Civics offer front, side and overhead airbags, which is sure to put the loved ones of new drivers at ease.
4. GMC CANYON
Many new drivers prefer a larger vehicle to start with, especially if they are aware that they will be regularly driving in tumultuous weather and road conditions. The GMC Canyon is one of the most competitively priced starter pick-up trucks on the market and comes with the choice of automatic or manual transmission. Four wheel drive definitely comes in handy during Canadian winters and the Canyon has been applauded for its reliability and handle through challenging terrain. Whether your career requires you to have a pick-up truck or you simply prefer the look and feel of an authoritative vehicle, the GMC Canyon is the best way to get your feet wet in the world of pick-up truck driving.
3. MINI COOPER
You may be thinking this is a wild-card pick, but Mini Coopers aren’t just for people who have seen The Italian Job - they’re a great ride for new drivers too! There’s no denying that Mini Coopers are both stylish and unique, but they are incredibly powerful and safe too! They offer driver, passenger, front, rear and side airbags plus brake assist and traction control. The interior is more spacious than it appears at first glance and is just as beautiful as the exterior of the car. Mini Coopers are extremely powerful for their size, yet have an immense amount of handle and control, even through changing road conditions. The Cooper Mini 3 Door model has an affordable price point and this vehicle is definitely for the first time driver that values aesthetics AND practicality.
2. TOYOTA PRIUS
Although the Prius’s price point is slightly higher than the aforementioned vehicles, it’s for good reason! This vehicle is usually referred to as a “combined hybrid”, meaning it can be powered by electricity, gasoline or a combination of both. Purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle has become increasingly popular amongst new drivers over the past decade and the Toyota Prius is one of the most recommended hybrids on the market. This vehicle comes with electronic stability control, traction control, and will save you MANY a trip to the gas station. The Prius is one of our top picks for those who value environmental sustainability but still need a motorized vehicle for transportation. At Valley Driving School, we also use the Prius as one of our instructional vehicles due to its control, handle and safety vehicles.
1. TOYOTA COROLLA
Did you know that the Toyota Corolla is the best selling car model in the world? No wonder it’s one of the models that we use to train our students in! The Toyota Corolla has a variety of safety features and is known to be both reliable and extremely cost effective. The Corolla has consistently received 5 star NHTSA safety ratings and “good” rankings in the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s crash tests. In terms of aesthetic, the Corolla boasts a spacious interior and a practical yet appealing exterior that is known to withstand most impact. The vehicle drives smoothly and not only is the vehicle affordable, it’s fuel efficient as well! On average, a full tank (approximately 50 L) will last you almost 700 KM of driving time. And if that isn’t good enough for you, Toyota has started making a Hybrid model of the Corolla, although it comes with a higher price tag. We highly recommend considering a Toyota Corolla for your first vehicle - you won’t be let down!
--
If purchasing a new vehicle for your first isn’t feasible, we encourage you to shop for used models of the vehicles listed above! Although visual appeal, speed and power are desirable attributes for everyone’s first “dream car”, it comes as no surprise that safety should always be the first priority for anyone ready to embark on their journey of driving. Take your time with the selection process - do your research, go for test drives and consult with others. You only get one “first car” experience - choose wisely!