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Post by chances on Jul 27, 2014 19:57:52 GMT
After roughly three decades on this earth, I've decided to start driving. I'd love to hear any tips for buying your first car. I originally thought I would do what Dave Ramsey suggested and buy an inexpensive car and save up, so I don't need a car payment. This also makes sense because I'm worried I will wreck the first one because I'm a new driver. However, I am under 5 feet tall and the range of safe cars is quite SMALL. Many cars have these ridiculous dashboards that I can't see over. A driver is supposed to be 12 inches away from the airbag, so just scooting the seat up won't work. I found a list of cars for short people and they would all require me to get a car note. They are also SUVs and so have rollover issues (maybe?). Honestly, the more I look into it, the more complicated it is and I just want to go back to the bus!  so, the peas know everything and thought you might have tips for where to start. Thank you! |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 10:35:26 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 20:10:06 GMT
I've been driving for 32 years. I am 5'0" and have driven every kind of vehicle from a 1-ton, dual-wheeled, double cab pickup to my Mini Cooper that I have now. In between? Taurus, Escort, Cavalier, Dodge Conversion van, GT Mustang, Honda minivan, Subaru Outback, Expedition, and my beloved 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (my hot-rod).
Never have I bought a car with regards to how far I have to sit from the steering wheel. I'm short and cars with airbags are built with taller people in mind. I recognize I may suffer injuries from these same airbags that are meant to protect me but it's a risk I take because I can't not drive!
Go out and test drive every kind of car until you find 1 or 2 or 3 that "fit". Many cars have seats that "lift" as well move foward and back. That will help you get up above the dashboards. Take your time, keep saving up your money, do research on the ones you find you like, set a budget and don't be steered into going over it more than say 5%. Think carefully about extended warranties because they often cost more than they're worth.
Lastly, once you narrow down your choices, check with an insurance agent to find how much insurance is going to cost over and above what you're paying for the car. Consider how much maintenance and gas costs are going to run you.
I personally can't imagine not having a car but it's really not something I've had to consider either because public transportation is extremely limited where I live. I have do drive 20 minutes to get to the nearest bus pickup point for buses that people use to commute into the city. To go anywhere else? You need a car.
Good luck!
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Jul 27, 2014 21:44:05 GMT
I'm another shorty (5'2)and often have to jiggle around quite a bit to get car seats in the right place. In my first car I put a cushion on the seat so that I could see properly. I've never heard of having to be 12 inches away from the steering wheel - any airbag is going to be better than no airbag, even if it isn't in quite the right place for me.
I've been driving for 11 years. The only car I haven't damaged in some way? My very first one, because I drove it so carefully. All the others have had various bumps, although we've just bought an almost-new car so I hope that's not going to suffer the same fate!
I agree with wingnut, take your time, keep saving up and try out a few cars to get an idea of what you like. Do you have any friends or family who would let you use their car for some practice drives?
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Post by chances on Jul 27, 2014 22:35:11 GMT
Thanks for the advice! I think you're right about taking my time. I've just never wanted to drive before. Now that I will have my license, I just want the car as well. I like the idea about narrowing down to three choices and doing indepth research after that. I'm just overwhelmed by all of the considerations.
Wingut, do you use anything to see over the dash? You're close to my height and Ione of the reasons I hate driving is that I my view is so obstructed.
Crafty kitten, that's reassuring to hear about you're first car not being damaged. I'm not really worried about bumps, but significant collisions.
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Theresa/TSC
Junior Member
Married to MrNiceGuy
Posts: 77 
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Post by Theresa/TSC on Jul 27, 2014 23:21:12 GMT
My tips would be to go to consumer reports and research cars. They aren't biased and will give you good info. Don't buy a brand new car, it depreciates the second you drive it off the lot. But if you buy an old car, you buy the problems associated with it. We've had good luck buying last year's models, especially around October when the newer cars are coming out. Car dealers don't want to pay taxes on them so they'll sell them for less. If you can find a dealer driven car you can get a better deal too. Before you buy, call your insurance company and ask them how much insurance will cost on that model--stopped us from buying a car for our son because the insurance was SO high. Some models, those with spoilers on the back, etc. cost more. Four door cars have cheaper insurance too (guess they think family minded people will drive safer). If you do buy a used car, ask the seller if you can take it to a shop to have it checked before you buy it. If they say no, heads up--there is a problem. Take it in and have it checked over, it's a great investment! Don't get new car fever and rush into anything. Make lists and take those lists to the car dealers (they hate that btw--they'd rather you be uninformed so they can fill your head with bull). That's about all the tips I can give you, good luck.
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Post by kelbel827 on Jul 27, 2014 23:26:34 GMT
I'm 5 feet tall. I've been driving since I was 16. I have driven small cars and big cars. My current car is a GMC Acadia. It took me a while to be able to park it. My last 2 were SUV's as well. I sit pretty far back too.
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Post by chances on Jul 28, 2014 14:49:48 GMT
Thank you! I wouldn't have thought about calling the insurance agent beforehand.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 28, 2014 14:53:17 GMT
If you are buying a used car, check that there are no outstanding finance issues around it.
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