Visibility
Sit in the driver's seat: can you see the hood, the corners of the body and what's happening behind you? Slim pillars and large mirrors make the first months noticeably easier.
First car
Choosing and buying: a first car that fits your needs
A first car is easier to choose if you start not with a catalogue but with the question of how you'll drive. Every day around town or out of town on weekends, alone or with family, parking in a driveway or on a narrow street — the answers decide which size, transmission and features will suit you. Here we help you put your requirements into words; the choice of model is yours.
A good first car is the one you feel calm in, not the one everyone is talking about.
We don't name makes or models, compare costs or give advice on loans and insurance. Just the questions worth asking yourself before you buy.
What to look at first
Six criteria that matter more to a new driver than horsepower or a famous name.
Size
A compact car is easier to park and to handle in tight spaces; a roomier one is better for a family and trips with luggage. Think about where the car will be parked every night.
Transmission
An automatic frees your attention for the road; a manual gives more control and takes skill. Choose what you're comfortable with, and be sure to test-drive before you buy.
Running costs
Beyond the purchase there's fuel, insurance, scheduled maintenance, seasonal tires and parking. Estimate them for your budget in advance, so the car is a joy rather than a burden.
Driver-assist features
Parking sensors and a rearview camera make maneuvering noticeably easier. But they don't replace a sense of the car's size, and dirt and snow keep them from working well.
Comfort behind the wheel
Seat and steering wheel adjustment, seat height, how easy it is to get in and out. If your back hurts after half an hour of driving, your attention will suffer.
Your need — what to look for
| Need | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Daily driving around town | Compact size, good visibility, parking sensors, a transmission that's easy in stop-and-go traffic |
| Out-of-town trips and highway driving | Stability at speed, good headlights, a comfortable seat for long drives |
| Family and children | Anchor points for child restraints, easy access to the back seat, a roomy trunk |
| Parking on a narrow street or in a tight lot | A small turning circle, short overhangs, a rearview camera |
| Winter and rough roads | Ground clearance, heated windows and mirrors, the option to fit seasonal tires |
| A limited budget for upkeep | Widely available parts, simple maintenance, moderate fuel consumption |
Read next
- The car
How brakes, lights, tires and driver-assist features work, and why it helps a new driver to know what they can and cannot do.
- Safety
Seat belt, phone, fatigue, weather, night driving and children on board: rules and habits that protect you and your passengers.
- Care
What an owner can check in the first year: fluid levels, tires, lights, wipers and glass — no do-it-yourself repairs.
Sources
- Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation (official text)
- Road safety guidance from the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate (summarized)
Rule requirements are quoted from the official text of the Russian traffic rules as of the date each page was prepared; the rules are updated from time to time. Every car has its own layout and controls, so the rules in force and your car's owner's manual remain the main reference.