When it comes to choosing the right car as a new driver, the choices are almost endless. Do you opt for a cheap, second-hand model which is almost run into the ground just to have as a first car, or do you choose something more reliable? It is important that you take your time to choose the right car for your needs as a new driver, and here, we’re taking a look at whether a Honda make could be the right choice for you.
Reliability
The key factor in opting for a Honda is its well-known reliability. As a Japanese brand, when you choose a Honda model, you can be almost certain that your vehicle is set to last you for a significant period of time. Depending on how you drive it, you can be sure that the Honda will not require a significant number of repairs on a regular basis either (depending on its age and previous history if you are opting for a second-hand Honda). Hondas often score highly on various studies and consumer reports, with many vehicles often still having a lot of life in them even after they’ve reached 100,000 miles. If you’re searching for a vehicle that you can be certain that you can depend on as a new driver, that is unlikely to leave you stranded on the side of the road, then a Honda is the right choice for you.
Models
While many new drivers often opt for a small vehicle for their first car, as they practice navigating the roads by themselves for the first time, Honda offers something a little different for a first-time driver. However, if you are looking for a smaller car, then the Honda Jazz could be the perfect solution for you. This innovative ‘supermini’ is the ideal city car, with spacious interior and a compactness which still allows for parking in small spaces – the perfect size for a new driver. If you prefer something with a bit for va va voom for your first car, then you may want to consider a Honda Civic. This is a great option for a family car or simply for someone who needs a little bit of extra room in the boot. The Civic is a well-known model and is a steadfast promoter of the Honda brand.
Insurance
While new drivers often suffer with huge insurance premiums when they first take to the roads, a Honda can offer a suitable option. While you may require a black box for the first year or so of driving, the price of a Honda’s insurance can be affordable, depending on the driver’s age and make of the vehicle. It is important to remember however, as a new driver, if you opt for the fastest Honda Civic on the market, then your insurance premium is likely to be pricey. If you purchase the vehicle from a certified Honda dealer however, you may be able to benefit from bespoke insurance premiums only available for Honda drivers.
Tax
The tax on Honda’s is quite affordable, although can be slightly more expensive than other models. For example, a Honda Jazz S 1.4 i-VTEC EXL’s annual road tax is approximately £120.00 a year. However, the latest models of the Honda Civic S 129PS VTEC Turbo auto 5d’s annual road tax is £20.00 a year. The eco-friendlier the vehicle, the cheaper the road tax will be.
As you can see, a Honda can make a very reliable and somewhat cost-effective car for a new driver. While the initial outlay could be pricey, in the long-term, there are a number of savings that can be made due to the car’s dependability.