It’s been said that having a driver’s license will help you gain freedom. That freedom really comes if you actually have a vehicle to drive. If you’re thinking of buying a vehicle for the first time, there are a few things you should consider first.

As a new driver and a first-time vehicle buyer, it’s more than just colour. You need to find value and safety in your first major purchase. Look at the safety features the vehicle may have. Find a vehicle that offers frontal airbags, but also side or curtain airbags. This will help to protect the driver and passengers if they are involved in a severe collision.

Look for a vehicle that has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and other modern electronic safety features that can help keep you safe on the road. As of September 2011, all Canadian-made vehicles came with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This electronic update helps the driver maintain control if one or more wheels have lost control while going around a curve or corner. Understanding how these features work to help protect you is definitely to your benefit.

One of the main reasons road deaths and injuries have decreased over the past decade or so is that we’re driving safer vehicles. Regardless of how much safer the vehicles have gotten, never forget the value of professional driver training.

Before buying your first vehicle, you should ensure it’s exactly what you need and not just what you want. For example, if you want to tow a trailer you’ll need to ensure the engine is strong enough to do so. Not all vehicles are rated to pull a trailer. SUV’s are so common, but as a new driver, you should also look at fuel economy. Since fuel prices are remaining high these days, why not drive a vehicle that allows you to drive for 1 to 2 weeks without having to fill it up with fuel?

One of the other points to consider is to ensure you can afford the insurance. Seeing a vehicle that’s flashy can be attractive to immediately purchase it. However, once they purchase that vehicle you may realize you can’t afford the insurance. No one wants to make that big financial mistake. To help determine if you can afford the vehicle, contact your insurance company to get a quote before buying that vehicle. If you can’t afford the insurance, it’s time to look for another vehicle.

Despite all that’s been said at this point, as a first-time vehicle buyer, you will need to look for a vehicle that best suits your needs. If you’re going to be the person who always takes your family or friends to different places, you’ll enjoy a 4-door vehicle as opposed to a 2-door. A station wagon or an SUV may be better since it also has a larger cargo area and perhaps even a roof rack for carrying larger items.

The continuing cost of operating the vehicle is something that many drivers fail to think about after purchasing their first vehicle. That’s a huge part of owning the vehicle. Hopefully, these tips can help first-time vehicle buyers make an educated decision you’re happy with. Above all, have fun shopping!