5 features that 20-somethings should look for in their first car

MANILA, Philippines – Your 20s is your first taste of real freedom. You earn your own money and use it to make big decisions – such as purchasing your very first car. 

Becoming a car owner is big life milestone.  Your vehicle’s features should be a reflection of who you are and should address all your needs.

What should a 20-something should look for in their first ride? Here’s a list.

Bang for your buck

Since you’re probably still learning to keep a budget, you’ll need a vehicle that can get you from point A to B without guzzling too much gas in between. A vehicle with a bigger engine will give you more power but will eat up more gas and vice versa.

So consider the engine size of your first vehicle. For those who head out of town on weekends, a 1.5L gasoline engine will be suitable. It’s small enough to save you on gas in daily traffic and on the highway while still providing enough power when you need it.

Hi-tech touches

Your phone is already your favorite tool for work and play, so your car should make good use of it, too. Some cars allow you to sync your phone to the vehicle’s computer system. Then you can make phone calls, have your text messages read out to you, and play your music all without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

Like any gadget, misplacing your car keys happens more often than you’d like. They sometimes get lost in your bag or if they’re deep enough, your pockets. Luckily, some vehicles now can unlock and switch on without the keys ever touching your hands. The car will unlock automatically as you approach it and then start up at the push of a button. No more fumbling for your keys!

Space to boot

Driving on your own is fun, but long car rides are best enjoyed when you have people to travel with. There’s nothing like finally being able to pick up your friends for road trips or spontaneous meet-ups.

For this, you’ll want a vehicle that has enough room for everyone. A mid-sized utility vehicle would be your best choice. They’re big enough to seat your friends and cargo, but small enough to still be fuel-efficient.

For really big loads, some mid-size SUVs also feature a 60:40 rear seating arrangement. The rear seats fold down to combine with the trunk space, creating more room to store bulky cargo.

A ride that can weather a storm

Minor dings and scratches are inevitable and are a heart breaking reality of car ownership. You will want a vehicle that’s able to take these minor nicks while still looking factory fresh.

There’s a reason that sedans aren’t driven on bumpy roads: their low ground clearance makes it difficult to go over bumps without sustaining damage. In a mid-size SUV with a high enough ground clearance, you won’t need to worry about going over bumps, potholes, or even the low level floods that tend to creep up during the rainy season.

For minor scratches, you can opt to install scuff plates in your door wells. These are strips of metal placed in your vehicle’s interior to prevent scratches to the paint. As a nifty add-on, some scuff plates also light up to help you find your way in the dark.

A cool look

Having a car that looks as good as it drives is a must! With the help of a few accessories, you can cement your vehicle’s look as uniquely yours. There are different ways to customize your car’s look.

Stylized accents can be added to your side mirrors, front grill, doors, and wheels. Inside the car, you can switch the pedals to sporty ones for a racecar look, or you could add other things like seat covers, floor mats, and so on.

There’s no feeling quite like owning your first car. No matter how long you’ve owned it, the feeling never changes – it’s yours, and it empowers you to travel wherever you want to go.

No matter which car you choose, what’s important is that you choose one that’s right for you and your needs. Remember, a car isn’t just for driving. It’s a means to help you go further in whichever direction you’re heading. – Rappler.com

Test drive the New Ford EcoSport Black Edition today! Now available in Titanium and Trend variants. Visit your nearest Ford dealership or log on to http://www.ford.com.ph/suvs/ecosport/ for more information.