Best first cars in the UK
Browse a selection of suitable first and learner cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated January 10, 2025 by
Darren Cassey
Best first cars 2025: our pick of the top cars for new drivers
Choosing a first car is a big moment in most people’s lives, and a rite of passage for all new drivers. But making sure you get the best first car for you is important – it might be tempting to go for something fun, but such cars are often prohibitively expensive for young drivers.
The most important thing to consider when choosing your first car is how much it will cost to run. Insurance is typically the biggest hurdle, as premiums can be big for new drivers regardless of age, but if you add a young driver into the mix, costs can shoot up. You usually want a small car with a small engine, which contributes to a car being in a lower insurance group. Such engines typically use less fuel, too, though electric cars are worth considering if you have somewhere to charge, though they do tend to be more expensive to buy.
Our team of motoring experts have been putting these cars through their paces to pick out the best first cars for new drivers. All of these cars will be relatively cheap to run and insure, while also being stand out vehicles in other areas. Some are impressively practical for the size, some are brilliant to drive and others are simply fantastic value for money, though all are some combination of the three.
The list below focuses on new cars, but you can also read our rundown of the best used cars for first-time drivers, too.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Budget style
The Renault Clio is our favourite small car because it looks great, has a high quality interior and a massive boot that means it’s still usefully practical despite its dimensions.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option there’s a petrol engine with a manual gearbox, which is great for people who have just passed and want to hone their self-shifting skills. However, if your budget can stretch to the hybrid version you get a smooth engine and automatic gearbox that will be great on fuel.
Inside, the interior is stylish enough and feels really well screwed together. You get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard, as well as cruise control to make long journeys more relaxing.
One complaint, though, is rear seat space, which is really tight. Your mates will probably be fine for a short drive, but expect to rotate who’s riding shotgun up front on longer journeys if you want to avoid complaints.
The trade off for it being a squeeze in the back seats is that the boot is huge for a car of this size – at 391 litres you get more capacity than anything else in this list. It’s important to note, though, that if you go for the hybrid this falls to 301 litres to make space for the batteries, which drops it below most alternatives.
Both engines are really economical, with over 50mpg possible from the petrol engine if you’re taking it easy. It’s even better in the hybrid though, which should see over 60mpg in the real world. It’s the more powerful option, too, which means it’s easier to get up to speed on the motorway, while the automatic gearbox makes it more relaxing for inner-city traffic. The downside is that it’s more expensive to buy, so you need to figure out if the lower running costs offset the increased price, or if you're willing (or able) to pay a bit more for the privilege.
The Renault Clio is our favourite small car because it looks great, has a high quality interior and a massive boot that means it’s still usefully practical despite its dimensions.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option there’s a petrol engine with a manual gearbox, which is great for people who have just passed and want to hone their self-shifting skills. However, if your budget can stretch to the hybrid version you get a smooth engine and automatic gearbox that will be great on fuel.
Inside, the interior is stylish enough and feels really well screwed together. You get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard, as well as cruise control to make long journeys more relaxing.
One complaint, though, is rear seat space, which is really tight. Your mates will probably be fine for a short drive, but expect to rotate who’s riding shotgun up front on longer journeys if you want to avoid complaints.
The trade off for it being a squeeze in the back seats is that the boot is huge for a car of this size – at 391 litres you get more capacity than anything else in this list. It’s important to note, though, that if you go for the hybrid this falls to 301 litres to make space for the batteries, which drops it below most alternatives.
Both engines are really economical, with over 50mpg possible from the petrol engine if you’re taking it easy. It’s even better in the hybrid though, which should see over 60mpg in the real world. It’s the more powerful option, too, which means it’s easier to get up to speed on the motorway, while the automatic gearbox makes it more relaxing for inner-city traffic. The downside is that it’s more expensive to buy, so you need to figure out if the lower running costs offset the increased price, or if you're willing (or able) to pay a bit more for the privilege.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Big car space
The Skoda Fabia is something of a head over heart purchase. While the Renault has some classic French flair, the Fabia has much more understated looks as well as a focus on comfort and practicality. It’s such an easy thing to live with that owners love them.
It’s easy to understand why, because you get the practicality of a bigger car without the associated running costs. Okay, at 380 litres the boot isn’t quite as big as the Clio’s, but the rear seats are much more generously spacious, so your mates won’t grumble on a road trip. There’s also an optional package that adds some extras like a cover to protect your bumper from dog claws, and all models get an umbrella hidden in the door and loads of storage in the cabin.
You’ll probably want to go for higher-spec SE L or Monte Carlo trims to get the bigger infotainment display, because the smaller one makes the cabin look a touch dated, though all but the entry-level trim get the excellent ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument display. All models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so even if you go for a basic trim you can mirror your smartphone’s apps and services.
Younger drivers might prefer something a bit more exciting on a twisty road, but your parents will certainly prefer the Fabia’s safe and secure driving characteristics. It really does feel like a big car out on the road – okay, so it doesn’t have the best sound insulation at higher speeds, but it’s comfy and planted on the motorway. You don’t get cruise control on every trim, though.
The basic 1.0-litre ‘MPI’ engine is the cheapest and least powerful option, but as a result it’s in insurance group 4E, by far the lowest of the bunch. However, if your budget allows, the 116hp option is a better all-rounder and is available with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.
The Skoda Fabia is something of a head over heart purchase. While the Renault has some classic French flair, the Fabia has much more understated looks as well as a focus on comfort and practicality. It’s such an easy thing to live with that owners love them.
It’s easy to understand why, because you get the practicality of a bigger car without the associated running costs. Okay, at 380 litres the boot isn’t quite as big as the Clio’s, but the rear seats are much more generously spacious, so your mates won’t grumble on a road trip. There’s also an optional package that adds some extras like a cover to protect your bumper from dog claws, and all models get an umbrella hidden in the door and loads of storage in the cabin.
You’ll probably want to go for higher-spec SE L or Monte Carlo trims to get the bigger infotainment display, because the smaller one makes the cabin look a touch dated, though all but the entry-level trim get the excellent ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument display. All models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so even if you go for a basic trim you can mirror your smartphone’s apps and services.
Younger drivers might prefer something a bit more exciting on a twisty road, but your parents will certainly prefer the Fabia’s safe and secure driving characteristics. It really does feel like a big car out on the road – okay, so it doesn’t have the best sound insulation at higher speeds, but it’s comfy and planted on the motorway. You don’t get cruise control on every trim, though.
The basic 1.0-litre ‘MPI’ engine is the cheapest and least powerful option, but as a result it’s in insurance group 4E, by far the lowest of the bunch. However, if your budget allows, the 116hp option is a better all-rounder and is available with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 201 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Affordable electric motoring
Electric cars are far too expensive for new drivers, right? Not necessarily, as the Citroen e-C3 proves. It’s a small electric SUV with a price to match some of the petrol-powered hatchbacks in this list – though there are some compromises as a result.
The main issue is range – officially it’s 199 miles to a charge and you’ll see a bit less in normal driving. And because it has no heat pump (which helps improve efficiency in winter, but would make the e-C3 more expensive) you’ll get much less than that in cold weather.
Charging speeds are reasonable at 100kW, if nothing to boast about. The small battery does mean that this will get you from 20-80% capacity in under half an hour, so if you do have to stop on the road it shouldn't be for long.
Still, if you’re not regularly road tripping there’s a whole lot to love about this funky Citroen. For a start it looks great – it’s a baby SUV that looks like anything but a budget car thanks to sleek lines and slim LED headlights.
Inside you can find where corners have been cut if you go looking for cheaper materials, but thanks to a clever mix of materials it doesn’t feel bargain basement, rather deliberately characterful. Tech is perfectly adequate too, with a nicely sized infotainment screen that runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Interior space is pretty good too. The tall body means there’s plenty of headroom for all passengers, while those in the back shouldn't have too many complaints about legroom. At 310 litres the boot is, again, reasonably sized. A BYD Dolphin is an electric alternative with a bit more space, but the Citroen’s boot is bigger than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric’s. You can fit a decent amount of stuff inside because of its deep shape.
Electric cars are far too expensive for new drivers, right? Not necessarily, as the Citroen e-C3 proves. It’s a small electric SUV with a price to match some of the petrol-powered hatchbacks in this list – though there are some compromises as a result.
The main issue is range – officially it’s 199 miles to a charge and you’ll see a bit less in normal driving. And because it has no heat pump (which helps improve efficiency in winter, but would make the e-C3 more expensive) you’ll get much less than that in cold weather.
Charging speeds are reasonable at 100kW, if nothing to boast about. The small battery does mean that this will get you from 20-80% capacity in under half an hour, so if you do have to stop on the road it shouldn't be for long.
Still, if you’re not regularly road tripping there’s a whole lot to love about this funky Citroen. For a start it looks great – it’s a baby SUV that looks like anything but a budget car thanks to sleek lines and slim LED headlights.
Inside you can find where corners have been cut if you go looking for cheaper materials, but thanks to a clever mix of materials it doesn’t feel bargain basement, rather deliberately characterful. Tech is perfectly adequate too, with a nicely sized infotainment screen that runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Interior space is pretty good too. The tall body means there’s plenty of headroom for all passengers, while those in the back shouldn't have too many complaints about legroom. At 310 litres the boot is, again, reasonably sized. A BYD Dolphin is an electric alternative with a bit more space, but the Citroen’s boot is bigger than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric’s. You can fit a decent amount of stuff inside because of its deep shape.
Sell your car for what it's really worth
The free, easy way to get 5,500+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car
Learn how to
sell your car
with Carwow
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Low hybrid fuel costs
Let’s be frank: the old MG3 was a pretty terrible car. However, this new one is completely different and more than worthy of consideration as a first car, particularly thanks to its clever hybrid engine that means fuel costs should be super-cheap.
It’s a self-charging hybrid, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in. However, it has a bigger battery than most hybrids and relies more on the electric motors, which not only means it’s really good on fuel, it also means inner-city driving is quiet and smooth. We saw just over 50mpg in our time with the car, and while you’re likely to get closer to 60mpg in a Toyota Yaris Cross, it’s still a mighty respectable figure.
Inside it does feel a bit cheap, but much like the Citroen e-C3, its design hides this well. The simple, minimalist design isn’t particularly interesting but it has an understated, classy feel. The downside to this minimalism is that most functions are controlled through the touchscreen, which is a bit clunky and tricky to use on the move.
The only real issue with this car is the high insurance group it falls into, which could make it too expensive for many young drivers. The low purchase price and fuel costs might offset this, so it’s worth getting a few quotes first.
Let’s be frank: the old MG3 was a pretty terrible car. However, this new one is completely different and more than worthy of consideration as a first car, particularly thanks to its clever hybrid engine that means fuel costs should be super-cheap.
It’s a self-charging hybrid, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in. However, it has a bigger battery than most hybrids and relies more on the electric motors, which not only means it’s really good on fuel, it also means inner-city driving is quiet and smooth. We saw just over 50mpg in our time with the car, and while you’re likely to get closer to 60mpg in a Toyota Yaris Cross, it’s still a mighty respectable figure.
Inside it does feel a bit cheap, but much like the Citroen e-C3, its design hides this well. The simple, minimalist design isn’t particularly interesting but it has an understated, classy feel. The downside to this minimalism is that most functions are controlled through the touchscreen, which is a bit clunky and tricky to use on the move.
The only real issue with this car is the high insurance group it falls into, which could make it too expensive for many young drivers. The low purchase price and fuel costs might offset this, so it’s worth getting a few quotes first.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: space for four
The Hyundai i10 is a genuinely good-looking small car that has genuine space for four people and incredibly low running costs.
There’s a choice of three engines, and the 1.0-litre turbocharged option at the top of the range is the pick of the bunch. It’s a slightly higher insurance group but if your budget will stretch that far it’s a perky engine that’s perfectly suited to the i10’s city car credentials.
However, the two lower-powered options are really cheap to insure and are likely to be your best bet for a first car. The automatic transmission is in insurance group two, meaning it’s the lowest of the bunch, but it’s a terrible gearbox that should be avoided. However, if you go for the 63hp or 79hp engines with a manual gearbox, they range from group three to six, so they’re also about as affordable as car insurance can get and will be really good on fuel too.
It’s not a purely financial decision in favour of the Hyundai i10, either. The cabin is a bit basic but the infotainment system works well enough, and there’s enough space for four adults to travel in comfort. The boot’s a bit small at 252 litres, but it’s not miles off most alternatives.
City driving is where the Hyundai i10 feels most comfortable thanks to light steering and good visibility, while also being surprisingly good fun on a twisty road. If you regularly go on the motorway you might find the lower-powered engines a bit too weedy, though.
The Hyundai i10 is a genuinely good-looking small car that has genuine space for four people and incredibly low running costs.
There’s a choice of three engines, and the 1.0-litre turbocharged option at the top of the range is the pick of the bunch. It’s a slightly higher insurance group but if your budget will stretch that far it’s a perky engine that’s perfectly suited to the i10’s city car credentials.
However, the two lower-powered options are really cheap to insure and are likely to be your best bet for a first car. The automatic transmission is in insurance group two, meaning it’s the lowest of the bunch, but it’s a terrible gearbox that should be avoided. However, if you go for the 63hp or 79hp engines with a manual gearbox, they range from group three to six, so they’re also about as affordable as car insurance can get and will be really good on fuel too.
It’s not a purely financial decision in favour of the Hyundai i10, either. The cabin is a bit basic but the infotainment system works well enough, and there’s enough space for four adults to travel in comfort. The boot’s a bit small at 252 litres, but it’s not miles off most alternatives.
City driving is where the Hyundai i10 feels most comfortable thanks to light steering and good visibility, while also being surprisingly good fun on a twisty road. If you regularly go on the motorway you might find the lower-powered engines a bit too weedy, though.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Posh on a budget
The Peugeot 208 proves that just because you’re looking for small, affordable cars, you don’t have to miss out on something with a bit of posh road presence.
Peugeot’s design team has been on a roll over the past few years and the company’s smallest car has not been overlooked. You get smart looks on the outside and a cool cabin with multiple layers, materials and angles that feels much more upmarket than most small cars. Material quality is impressive, too, so it’s not just for show.
The infotainment system isn’t the best but it does at least come with the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, so you can use your favourite maps and music streaming services.
Those in the front are fine for space, but as is often the case in small cars, those in the back will be pretty cramped, though boot space is on the better side of average at least.
Comfortable and easy to drive around town, the Peugeot 208 also handles motorway speeds pretty well, even if you go for the lower-powered petrol model instead of the punchier hybrid. If you have somewhere to charge there’s also the electric E-208 to consider, but this sits in quite a high insurance group. And that’s the main downside to the 208 overall – whichever engine you go for, insurance groups are pretty high.
The Peugeot 208 proves that just because you’re looking for small, affordable cars, you don’t have to miss out on something with a bit of posh road presence.
Peugeot’s design team has been on a roll over the past few years and the company’s smallest car has not been overlooked. You get smart looks on the outside and a cool cabin with multiple layers, materials and angles that feels much more upmarket than most small cars. Material quality is impressive, too, so it’s not just for show.
The infotainment system isn’t the best but it does at least come with the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, so you can use your favourite maps and music streaming services.
Those in the front are fine for space, but as is often the case in small cars, those in the back will be pretty cramped, though boot space is on the better side of average at least.
Comfortable and easy to drive around town, the Peugeot 208 also handles motorway speeds pretty well, even if you go for the lower-powered petrol model instead of the punchier hybrid. If you have somewhere to charge there’s also the electric E-208 to consider, but this sits in quite a high insurance group. And that’s the main downside to the 208 overall – whichever engine you go for, insurance groups are pretty high.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: No frills affordability
The Dacia Sandero is the UK’s cheapest new car, historically because you didn’t get much more than four wheels and a steering wheel. It’s hardly gone posh, but these days the Sandero is a genuinely good-looking small car, with big-car space on the inside and a cabin that’s simple, functional, and no longer looks decades out of date. Yet it’s still an absolute bargain.
It’s a great option for a first car because there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, so it’s easy to get into a comfortable driving position, while the big windows offer great visibility to make it easier to navigate about town.
Engine choices are simple, because you have a 1.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox, offered in petrol or LPG bi-fuel form, and that’s it. The former will suit most people more and you should see over 50mpg without trying. (The more rugged SUV-ish Sandero Stepway is available with an automatic gearbox on its top-spec trim if you’d prefer that.)
It’s really spacious inside, and two adults can sit comfortably in the rear seats, meaning it’s also one of the better small cars if you have a child seat. The boot is perfectly adequate at 328 litres, so you’re not really penalised on luggage capacity for those roomy rear seats, which is nice.
The Dacia Sandero is the UK’s cheapest new car, historically because you didn’t get much more than four wheels and a steering wheel. It’s hardly gone posh, but these days the Sandero is a genuinely good-looking small car, with big-car space on the inside and a cabin that’s simple, functional, and no longer looks decades out of date. Yet it’s still an absolute bargain.
It’s a great option for a first car because there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, so it’s easy to get into a comfortable driving position, while the big windows offer great visibility to make it easier to navigate about town.
Engine choices are simple, because you have a 1.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox, offered in petrol or LPG bi-fuel form, and that’s it. The former will suit most people more and you should see over 50mpg without trying. (The more rugged SUV-ish Sandero Stepway is available with an automatic gearbox on its top-spec trim if you’d prefer that.)
It’s really spacious inside, and two adults can sit comfortably in the rear seats, meaning it’s also one of the better small cars if you have a child seat. The boot is perfectly adequate at 328 litres, so you’re not really penalised on luggage capacity for those roomy rear seats, which is nice.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Big car refinement
If you want your small car to feel a bit like a big car, then the Volkswagen Polo should be top of your shopping list. It’s anything but exciting to drive, but it feels safe, secure and refined, and as a result few cars on this list are as quiet and comfortable to drive long distances on the motorway.
Its looks are understated, but that gives it a more sensible image than some of the more funky-looking cars in this list. Coupled with the badge appeal that comes with a Volkswagen, that might make it particularly appealing if you’re passing your test later in life and want something sensible for the office car park.
This continues inside because the interior looks great and is full of quality materials, and it’s almost as roomy as the larger Golf, which means your mates won’t complain in the back seats. The boot is on the more spacious side of average, too.
Despite its upmarket image, the Polo is available with the same 80hp petrol engine as the Skoda Fabia, which puts it in one of the lowest insurance groups. If you can afford to run one of the punchier engines they’ll be more pleasant to live with, but that lower-powered engine could make a huge difference to your insurance premium.
If you want your small car to feel a bit like a big car, then the Volkswagen Polo should be top of your shopping list. It’s anything but exciting to drive, but it feels safe, secure and refined, and as a result few cars on this list are as quiet and comfortable to drive long distances on the motorway.
Its looks are understated, but that gives it a more sensible image than some of the more funky-looking cars in this list. Coupled with the badge appeal that comes with a Volkswagen, that might make it particularly appealing if you’re passing your test later in life and want something sensible for the office car park.
This continues inside because the interior looks great and is full of quality materials, and it’s almost as roomy as the larger Golf, which means your mates won’t complain in the back seats. The boot is on the more spacious side of average, too.
Despite its upmarket image, the Polo is available with the same 80hp petrol engine as the Skoda Fabia, which puts it in one of the lowest insurance groups. If you can afford to run one of the punchier engines they’ll be more pleasant to live with, but that lower-powered engine could make a huge difference to your insurance premium.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: First car fun
The SEAT Ibiza has long been a great choice for first cars, because it has always had a youthful charm to its styling. While the likes of the Volkswagen Polo look safe and grown up, the latest Ibiza in particular has a fun, sporty look that’s perfect for young drivers.
Perfect, because while it looks sporty, it still gets the small-capacity, low-powered engines that will keep parents, and perhaps even more important, insurance companies happy. While it shares much of its mechanical make-up with the Skoda Fabia, it doesn’t get the really insurance-friendly engine that car gets, but the 95hp option still won’t break the bank.
The cabin is starting to feel a bit old now, but there are some cool angles and splashes of colour that mean it’s still a perfectly pleasant place to be, and feels a bit more like a hot hatch than the plain cabins of alternatives.
Base models get an 8.3-inch touchscreen (which is better than the old car’s tiny screen that looked like it had been borrowed from an old mobile phone), but all other models get a slightly better 9.2-inch display with sat nav built in.
The lower-powered engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, which is fine around town and for having a bit of fun on a twisty road. However, it could be worth paying the extra for the 115hp engine if you do a lot of motorway miles, because you get a sixth gear for better economy and refinement at higher speeds. There’s an auto option too, but you’ll be paying more again up front for this.
The SEAT Ibiza has long been a great choice for first cars, because it has always had a youthful charm to its styling. While the likes of the Volkswagen Polo look safe and grown up, the latest Ibiza in particular has a fun, sporty look that’s perfect for young drivers.
Perfect, because while it looks sporty, it still gets the small-capacity, low-powered engines that will keep parents, and perhaps even more important, insurance companies happy. While it shares much of its mechanical make-up with the Skoda Fabia, it doesn’t get the really insurance-friendly engine that car gets, but the 95hp option still won’t break the bank.
The cabin is starting to feel a bit old now, but there are some cool angles and splashes of colour that mean it’s still a perfectly pleasant place to be, and feels a bit more like a hot hatch than the plain cabins of alternatives.
Base models get an 8.3-inch touchscreen (which is better than the old car’s tiny screen that looked like it had been borrowed from an old mobile phone), but all other models get a slightly better 9.2-inch display with sat nav built in.
The lower-powered engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, which is fine around town and for having a bit of fun on a twisty road. However, it could be worth paying the extra for the 115hp engine if you do a lot of motorway miles, because you get a sixth gear for better economy and refinement at higher speeds. There’s an auto option too, but you’ll be paying more again up front for this.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: affordable SUV vibes
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. You get chunky SUV looks in a small, city-friendly package. This makes it a great car because the driving position is a little higher than most small cars, giving you a good view of the road ahead that should be reassuring for new drivers.
An update in 2024 brought in a high-tech interior with a big touchscreen and digital dials, with an overhaul of the cabin design in the process. It looks better than before, but it doesn’t feel as good quality in places, which is a bit of a shame.
Still, you get the real highlight of the Ford Puma – the Megabox. It’s an 80-litre space beneath the boot floor that’s a great place to hose off muddy wellies (there’s a drainage plug in there too) or carry tall items like house plants. The Puma’s boot is massive with a capacity to rival larger cars.
As all good Fords are, the Puma is more fun to drive than most alternatives, and it’s easy to drive around town with an excellent turning circle. However, there’s a trade off for that fun-to-drive character, which is the fact that you’ll feel every bump in the road, and it’s not particularly refined at high speeds.
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. You get chunky SUV looks in a small, city-friendly package. This makes it a great car because the driving position is a little higher than most small cars, giving you a good view of the road ahead that should be reassuring for new drivers.
An update in 2024 brought in a high-tech interior with a big touchscreen and digital dials, with an overhaul of the cabin design in the process. It looks better than before, but it doesn’t feel as good quality in places, which is a bit of a shame.
Still, you get the real highlight of the Ford Puma – the Megabox. It’s an 80-litre space beneath the boot floor that’s a great place to hose off muddy wellies (there’s a drainage plug in there too) or carry tall items like house plants. The Puma’s boot is massive with a capacity to rival larger cars.
As all good Fords are, the Puma is more fun to drive than most alternatives, and it’s easy to drive around town with an excellent turning circle. However, there’s a trade off for that fun-to-drive character, which is the fact that you’ll feel every bump in the road, and it’s not particularly refined at high speeds.
Advertisement
Browse all suitable cars for first time drivers
How to choose the best first car for you
Insurance groups
Insurance is going to be the most prohibitive cost associated with buying a first car, particularly if you’re a young driver, because those under the age of 25 and those lacking experience behind the wheel are considered the highest risk by insurers.
As such, unless you have a massive budget, you’re going to have to stay away from expensive, powerful cars for a while.
There are 50 insurance groups, with one being the cheapest to insure and 50 being the most expensive. Cars in the lowest insurance groups will typically be smaller and less expensive than average, with low-powered engines.
Size
It’s always tempting to run before you can walk, but it can be a good idea to start off with smaller cars that are easier to judge the dimensions of on the road rather than jumping straight into something bigger. Insurance costs will typically limit new drivers to smaller cars anyway, but even if you have the budget for something bigger, consider holding off on that purchase until you’re more experienced unless you really need the space.
New or used
A new car can make for a great first car. There are excellent deals to be found whether buying with cash, finance or leasing, and you’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if anything goes wrong.
However, you could also consider buying a used car that’s probably going to be cheaper to buy and repair if something goes wrong. That’s important to think about – as a new driver you’re more likely to damage something, which could be more expensive to deal with in a new model.
Advice about first cars
Good first cars FAQs
Browse other car types
- 4x4 Cars
- 7-Seater Cars
- Automatic Cars
- Cheap Cars
- Convertible Cars
- Coupe Cars
- Crossover Cars
- Electric Cars
- Estate Cars
- Executive Cars
- Family Cars
- First Cars
- GT Cars
- Hatchbacks
- Hot Hatches
- Hybrid Cars
- Luxury Cars
- MPVs
- Medium-sized Cars
- Most Economical Cars
- Motability Cars
- SUVs
- Saloon Cars
- Small Cars
- Sports Cars
- Superminis