How to Choose Your First Car?
Every novice driver at some point wonders about choosing their own car.
Typically, people agree that the first car should not be too expensive but should be reliable and a fairly popular model since it's usually replaced with a dream car after a couple of years.
Lucky beginners may be offered to drive an old car by friends or relatives. It's worth not declining this idea. At the very least, there will be someone nearby who knows the car inside out and can give sound advice when needed.
A new car is always nice, but the understanding that an inexperienced driver can ruin it leads buyers to the used car market. Used cars in good condition cost 20-30% less than new ones, and they are usually sold by caring owners.
At the same time, driving a too old car can greatly spoil the impression. Even with perfect care and a gentle driving style, cars that are 10 years old are ready to be scrapped. The government of the island of Aphrodite, in turn, is actively fighting for the environment by diligently increasing taxes and introducing subsidies for exchanging old cars for new ones.
Make sure that the used car was not used in rental service or as a taxi. The cheapest mass-market brands enter the secondary market after 3-5 years because they have truly served their time.
You can get an idea of market prices by checking popular marketplaces.
Which model to choose for a beginner?
The car market in Cyprus offers a wide variety of models. Here, both tiny city cars and powerful SUVs are popular, as well as movie-like convertibles in the spring. However, for a beginner, it's better to choose something in the middle.
Stylish little cars are not as easy to drive as they seem, due to their overly sensitive steering, while overly bulky cars can disappoint due to parking problems within the city limits. Sports cars are more suitable for experienced drivers who understand how to handle a herd of horses under the hood. And by the way, do you know where these horses and the engine are located? Let's move on!
Experts advise beginners to buy mid-size models from reliable brands, which will make it as comfortable as possible to master new skills. For example, the Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla. Ideally, the car should have electronic assistants: parking sensors, emergency braking system, blind spot monitoring. Not because they are really necessary, but for peace of mind.
If you plan to change your car in the future, it makes sense to choose a car that is in high demand among local buyers. For example, in 2022, Mazda was at the top of the list: 3711 cars were registered (all of them were used). The top 10 also included new and used Toyota (3639), Nissan (2109), Mercedes (1369), BMW (1272), Volkswagen (1098), Honda (1042), Kia (983), Hyundai (895), and Suzuki (669).
Car Expenses
When choosing a car, don't forget about how affordable it is to maintain. Fuel consumption is directly related to the size of the engine and the weight of the vehicle, and the price of gasoline and diesel in Cyprus constantly fluctuates, often upwards. Electricity on the island is also considered expensive. Therefore, a hybrid will be the optimal option in terms of savings.
The annual road tax depends on the exhaust volume and age of the car. On average, its cost is 60-120 euros per year. The tax can be paid either as a lump sum or quarterly, once every three months.
The aforementioned tax in Cyprus cannot be paid technically if the car has not passed the MOT (roadworthiness test). The cost of the procedure depends on the condition of the car and its brand. At least 35 euros. New cars are inspected every three years, used ones - every two years. Thus, significant savings when buying a used car are unjustified.
The price of insurance under the driver's name is related to driving experience in Cyprus. Foreigners, after exchanging their driving licenses for Cypriot ones, are surprised to find that the car insurance amount suddenly decreases (by approximately 50 euros). The first insurance for a foreigner will cost a maximum of 400 euros per year. The average price is 200 euros.
Washing a car in Cyprus costs from 10 euros. The climate allows confidently buying even white cars, as there is practically no dirt on the roads.
How to buy a new car in Cyprus
If you are buying a car through a dealership, the company takes care of the paperwork. If you are buying a car second-hand, it will take a little time. In general, the procedure is very simple. First, you need to gather a package of documents:
- Check if the chosen car has passed the MOT (roadworthiness test). Note that this document indicates the mileage of the car.
- Check if the road tax has been paid.
- Get insurance for the car, request and take the Cover Note from the insurance company.
- A document proving the buyer's legal residence in Cyprus.
- Driver's license (whatever you have, but after 6 months of residence on the island, residents must exchange their licenses for local ones).
To complete the transaction, go to the nearest Citizen Service Center (KEP) or the Department of Transport office (Τμημα Οδικων Μεταφορον — ΤΟΜ). Alternatively, you can buy this service at a car service center; for about 30 euros, they will provide a personal agent.
The transfer of the vehicle is regulated by the Road Traffic and Vehicle Regulations of 1984, with amendments and additions to date.
The list of documents for the transaction is always available on the Road Transport Department website. It includes:
- Form 9 B (for the current and new owner).
- Vehicle registration certificate.
- Original insurance in the name of the new owner, valid for at least 3 months.
- Payment (slightly over 8 euros).
- The seller must be present at the transaction, with their passport and vehicle registration document. And the buyer must provide a document confirming their legal residence in Cyprus.
A huge selection of cars in Cyprus can be found at domcar.cy.