Choosing your first car

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA to compare cars.
• You can estimate the full cost of owning a car, not just the price.
• You can check a used car for open safety recalls.
• You can arrange an independent inspection before you buy.
• You can list the paperwork needed to make the car legal to drive.

What you need to know and understand

• IIHS advises new teen drivers to avoid high-horsepower cars and very small cars, which give less protection in a crash, and also very large SUVs and pickups, which can be harder to handle.
• Electronic stability control (ESC) helps prevent skids and rollovers; it has been required on all new US passenger vehicles since the 2012 model year.
• NHTSA gives 5-star safety ratings and IIHS gives its own crash test ratings and awards; check both.
• You can check any vehicle for open recalls using its 17-character VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.
• Insurance for new drivers is often expensive, and costs depend heavily on the car you choose.
• After buying, you must transfer the title, register the car and meet your state's insurance or financial responsibility rules; some states also require safety or emissions inspection.

Safety first

• Pick a midsize or larger car, but not a very large SUV or pickup, with good IIHS and NHTSA crash test results.
• Make sure it has electronic stability control and front and side airbags.
• Avoid powerful sports cars, which tempt new drivers into speeding.
• Look for useful extras such as automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning, but do not rely on them instead of good habits.

The real cost of a car

The purchase price is only the start. Before you buy, get insurance quotes for the exact model, and add up fuel, maintenance, tires, registration fees, any inspection costs and parking. A cheaper car with poor fuel economy or high insurance can cost more each month than a slightly pricier one.

Buying a used car, step by step

1. Get the VIN and check it for open recalls on NHTSA's lookup.
2. Get a vehicle history report to check for past crashes, flood damage or title problems.
3. Test drive it on different roads and listen for odd noises.
4. Pay an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
5. Check the title is in the seller's name and free of liens, then complete the bill of sale.
6. Arrange insurance, then title and register the car as your state requires.

Common mistakes

• Buying the smallest, cheapest car. Small, light cars give less protection in a crash.
• Skipping the insurance quote. It can make a car unaffordable.
• Not checking recalls. Open recalls can usually be fixed free at a dealer.
• Buying without seeing the title. Title problems can stop you registering the car.

Test yourself: Choosing your first car

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Choosing Your First Car
• How to Register a Car