I'm a Mechanic: Here Are 3 Cars First-Time Buyers Should Steer Clear Of
As a first-time car buyer, you’ve dreamed about the moment you roll off the lot with your own set of wheels. Wind in your hair, the road receding in your rearview mirror — you want the moment to last. But your joy could be cut short if your engine starts making unsettling noises or your car simply stalls out.
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To keep your dream of car ownership from becoming a nightmare, you should know which kinds of cars to avoid. Since you're still a car-buying newbie, that knowledge isn’t intuitive. Fortunately, we put Luke Oswald, an automotive specialist at Wheels Away, in the driver’s seat to help educate new car buyers about the general types of cars they should steer clear of.
Cars With Bigger Engines
For people who don’t know much about cars, bigger engines may not sound like a bad thing — they may even seem more powerful. But Oswald explained that cars with larger engines are often more difficult to control, which isn’t something a new car owner — or perhaps a new driver — wants to deal with.
Redditors in the r/cars subreddit also pointed out that cars with larger engines can cost more because those engines require larger, stronger raw materials, more complex assembly and comprehensive vehicle upgrades.
“They will also have a much higher maintenance bill, the insurance premium will be higher, and it will be a lot more costly to repair if anything major does go wrong with the vehicle,” Oswald said.
Used Vehicles That Haven’t Been Well Loved
First-time car buyers are often advised to consider used vehicles instead of going for brand-new models. While Oswald agreed that used cars — even older luxury vehicles — can be a solid investment, he added that first-time buyers should pay close attention to a car’s condition.
He suggested asking yourself a few core questions before making any purchase:
Has the car been driven aggressively?
Has the gearbox been put under too much strain?
Has the car been driven hard over bumps or rough roads?
How well has the car been maintained?
Does the car have a complete service history?
Oswald also offered a subtle tip for identifying a used car that has been well loved and well cared for by its previous owners.
“A good tip if you’re considering buying a used, older luxury vehicle is whether all four tires are the same brand,” he said. “This normally means the previous owner doesn't mind spending money and not skimping when it comes to repairs, and it’s a positive indication that the car has been well maintained.”
Cars With Higher Mileage
First-time car buyers should also pump the brakes on buying a car with high mileage.
“High-mileage cars are always going to be riskier because they will be nearing the end of their lives and will start needing a lot of work to remain roadworthy,” Oswald said. “They are also much more prone to failures.”
Some General Observations About Car Brands
Speaking generally, Oswald said he believes Ford vehicles often require “expensive and frequent repairs,” adding that some luxury brands, such as BMW, can also have the same problem.
So which models did he recommend for new buyers?
“I would always recommend Toyota or Lexus,” Oswald said. “They're the best of both worlds when it comes to luxury, modern conveniences and reliability.”
The Bottom Line
Buying your first car can be an exciting financial and personal milestone. However, experts like Oswald advise being careful when shopping for a vehicle by focusing on models that have been well cared for and are easy to maintain and drive.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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