The #1 First Car in NJ is Actually Pretty Boring
Everyone remembers their first car. We remember where we got it, who we got it from, and all the great (and not-so-great) memories we have from having it. Some may have bad memories if it wasn’t a good or reliable first car. However, all the stories I’ve heard about the first car that someone owned are usually pretty interesting and positive. My first car memories are mostly really good, but I also remember a costly repair that kicked me hard right in the wallet.
It was 1989 and up until then I had been using my parents’ car to get around. My dad had a 1975 Chevrolet Malibu that he bought brand new. Throughout high school that was the only car I was allowed to drive. I don’t consider that my first car because I didn’t own it, but I did have some great memories of that one.
The First Car I Purchased
My first ride was a 1985 Chevrolet Celebrity that I bought used at a small family dealership in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. It wasn’t a bad-looking car at the time, but when I see one now it makes me laugh. I drove that thing for a few years without an issue. Then I was driving along and something snapped, I’d step on the gas and it wouldn’t move. I later learned that it was the transmission and several thousand dollars later it was back on the road until I gave it to my parents after buying my first new car, actually a truck, a Ford Ranger.
Most Common First Car in New Jersey
My first auto or first couple of cars experience supports a recent study that reveals “the most common first car brand” in each state.
According to Assurance IQ, the most popular first car brand in New Jersey is a Chevrolet. In fact, Chevy is the most popular brand across seventeen states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The study also found that at over fifty percent, a sedan is the most popular first ride. Nearly, eighty-eight percent of us bought our first car used, and it averages about seven thousand dollars.
“It’s important to consider how the choice of car make and model can impact auto insurance rates, especially for new drivers, who generally face higher rates.”
Check out the full study including what men vs women pay, and Gen Zers vs Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
