Whether you’re new to the automotive world, or shopping on behalf of someone who is, finding the perfect first car is a bit of a rite of passage. There are so many factors to consider: make, model, engine size, number of doors, not to mention safety!
To help you narrow it down, we’ve put together a list of the best new (and used) cars for recently-passed drivers, so there’s sure to be something that suits your budget. But first, let’s run through…
What To Look For When Choosing Your First Car
– Calculate what it would cost to insure
– Look up the price of the annual road tax
– Check the car’s official Euro NCAP safety rating
– See how many miles per gallon it can do
– Find out the engine size; 1.0 or 1.2L engines are a solid choice for a first car
If it’s a used car, you’ll also want to:
– Make sure it hasn’t been written-off in the past. Any used cars which have been written-off before are labelled as Category D on their sales listing.
– Check the existing mileage, and ideally don’t buy anything which has done over 50,000 miles.
– See if it’s covered by a warranty from the dealership.
– Find out when it had its last MOT and full service done.
Top 7 Best Cars for New Drivers
Ford Fiesta
Fuel type: petrol
Body type: hatchback
Doors: 3 or 5
On any list of first cars, the Ford Fiesta has to be among the best. Not only has this been the most popular newcar purchased every year since 2009, but there are plenty of used Fiestas in good condition on the market too. New fiestas get a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, and the model is generally known for its smooth gear shift, so it’s very learner-friendly.
Volkswagen Polo
Fuel type: petrol
Body type: hatchback
Doors: 3 or 5
Another brilliant first car, the Volkswagen Polo has a reassuringly solid, squat body, and a reliable engine known for its longevity (as you’d expect from this German manufacturer). The interior is comfortable and well-built, with intuitive controls that are easy for new drivers to navigate.
Vauxhall Corsa
Fuel type: petrol
Body type: hatchback
Doors: 3 or 5
Ideal for new drivers on a budget, the Vauxhall Corsa has fairly low running and insurance costs. The interior is far roomier than several of its key competitors, so if cabin space is a priority for you, it could be the perfect choice. The Corsa is also a stylish car to look at – which is never a bad thing – and it’s a staple in driving schools because it’s so easy to manoeuvre.
Skoda Fabia
Fuel type: petrol
Body type: hatchback or estate
Doors: 5
Known for its practical design and generous boot space, the Skoda Fabia is a supermini that doesn’t skimp on storage. It may not have a glamorous reputation – but with its reliable 1.0L engine, robust frame and additional side and curtain airbags, it’s an extremely sensible first car, particularly for anxious drivers.
Volkswagen up!
Fuel type: petrol
Body type: hatchback
Doors: 3 or 5
With their affordable price tag, low insurance group and eye-catching design, it’s no wonder this city car has been everywhere of late. If you live in a busy area where parking is scarce, the Volkswagen up! is a nimble solution. While this car comes in a 3 or 5 door configuration, the only engine available is a 1.0L three-cylinder, which is ideal for inexperienced drivers.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Fuel type: petrol hybrid
Body type: hatchback
Doors: 3 or 5
As the manufacturers of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, it’s arguable that Toyota does it better than any other brand. This dependable, compact hatchback a brilliant choice for a first car, with low insurance and no road tax thanks to its green hybrid technology. Plus – even used Toyota Yaris’ have excellent safety ratings, with Euro NCAP awarding the 2017 model a full five stars.
Fiat 500
Fuel type: petrol
Body type: hatchback
Doors: 3
Instantly recognisable by its distinctive three-door shape, the Fiat 500 is a much coveted city car with buckets of character. The stylish design is inspired by its 1950s heritage, but with seven airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system, the safety features on board are up to date. This car is also available with three different engine sizes – 0.9L. 1.0L and 1.2L – all of which should be manageable for a newly qualified driver.
We hope this list of ideal first cars helps you to narrow it down! For more expert advice and industry news, take a look at our blog, and remember you can find over 130,000 affordable parts both in store and online, at Euro Car Parts.