While the memories and experiences that individuals have with their first car are varied, the process of purchasing one remains rather constant. It is filled with excitement, thrill, and a sense of independence. But as clueless, first-time shoppers are on the prowl for a great bargain, they usually overlook the bare essentials – sacrificing their own safety and convenience to save a few extra bucks. The below list aims at highlighting features that all first-time buyers should ensure their car is equipped with, before settling on a great deal.
Electronically Adjustable Wing Mirrors
A wing mirror, or side-view mirror, is found on the exterior of a motor vehicle and helps the driver in seeing objects outside their peripheral vision. Given the option, do opt for electronically adjustable mirrors, as the manual settings, which needs a stalk to be adjusted, is a bigger hassle to set accurately.
Power Windows
Most vehicles in the market today are equipped with power windows (for the driver and front-seat passenger at least). If you’re looking at purchasing a used vehicle, do ensure all power windows operate well, as they could end up being an unnecessary expense in the near future. While you’re at it, also check if they open and close automatically with a single press of the button.
Infotainment System
While a simple radio system will be good enough for many, those belonging to Generation Y will beg to differ. Bluetooth streaming, a USB connection, and an AUX input are all features that are not only useful but also mega-handy. If the car you are looking at is equipped with Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, it would be worthwhile to connect your phone to the system and experience how quick and easy it is to use.
Central Locking System
A central locking system, as the name suggests, is a great feature to deter thieves from driving away with your newly acquired pride and joy. A single press of the lock button on the key fob is all it takes to lock all the doors simultaneously, without having to walk around the car and check if each door is locked individually. If you are going for a new and relatively higher-spec model, do check if it comes with a proximity key and how to lock and unlock doors accordingly.
Rear Parking Sensors
Narrow parking bays are undoubtedly the biggest enemy of new drivers. With rear parking sensors, however, drivers need not worry about getting the paint scratched, as the sensors will beep if they are getting too close to a certain object. Obviously, this is even better if the car is equipped with a rear camera or a 360-degree camera system.
ABS and Airbags
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a system that prevents the brakes from locking up under hard braking. In turn, this provides tractive contact and prevents uncontrolled skidding. Airbags, on the other hand, are bags of air that prevent injury in a collision. As the saying goes, always remember, more the merrier.
