Our Favourite First Cars for New Drivers

Buying your first car can be tough. There are many things to consider, and unless you’re completely clued-up on cars and all of their features, it’s very likely that you have no idea which car is good for your needs and experience as a new driver on the road.

Not only this, but buying your first car can be extremely expensive. Whether you are a young new driver, or a more mature first time buyer, it’s always good to look at the benefits of which cars have lower insurance and petrol costs for use in the long-term.

We have some opinions on which cars are great options for new drivers, and we would love to share this with you. Even if this list is only useful as inspiration, we hope it helps you take the first steps towards buying your first car!

1. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is a popular car amongst so many for good reason – and it’s one of our favourites too! Fiestas are very dependable cars that come in a variety of sizes and are fun to drive.

A great advantage when buying a Fiesta as your first car is that even if you are purchasing it second hand, there are many to choose from due to their popularity. This increases your chances of finding a great deal. In addition, fiestas are durable cars that (if taken care of by previous owners) still tend to look great and still have that classic feel, even after quite a few years.

Fiestas often offer lower insurance costs when compared to larger and sportier cars, and also score highly on levels of safety provided. Keeping this in mind, it will come as no surprise that we’re recommending this as the number one option for your first car!

2. Volkswagen Polo

Next we choose the Polo, an extremely popular car among new, young drivers across Europe. The Polo has a great, sleek style that appeals to a vast population, making it one of the best selling cars in the UK. The Polo also has a strong re-sale value, meaning it’s a great option for your first buy.

Despite the Polo’s sturdy build quality, they are relatively small in size. This means that a lot of new drivers feel comfortable using the vehicle. The Polo comes in a broad selection of engine sizes, with 1.0 litres making it the perfect choice for your first run-around car.

3. Fiat 500

In recent years, the Fiat 500 has taken the young driver population by storm. It’s stylish range of exteriors and interiors appeals to those who want to look good when out and about, and its size often poses as a more affordable alternative to the MINI.

The Fiat 500, although often dubbed as a women’s car, appeals to young people due to the broad range of colours and styles available. It’s iconic design is offered in so many different variations that it can be tailored to almost anyone’s preferences.

4. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is a classic first car in the UK. In fact, when thinking about the topic, this is quite often the first car that springs to mind as so many new-drivers go for a Corsa – and for good reason too!

The Corsa has a universal appeal that is not only praised for its simplicity but also for its low running costs and insurance payouts. Many driving schools also use a Corsa due to its comfort, ease of drive and handling, making it the perfect first car.

Despite being easy to drive, the Corsa also has plenty of room and often the bonus of a spacious boot, making it extremely appealing to new drivers of all ages.

5. Citroen C1

The Citroen C1 is often overlooked for its quirky and fun exterior, but when you look into the benefits of this as a first car, it starts to become clearer why it’s such a great choice for new drivers. The C1’s price point is extremely attractive, making it affordable for new drivers who may even want to buy it as new.

The brilliant selling-point for Citroen with the C1 is that it is covered by Citroen’s ‘Simply Drive’ scheme, meaning that you can buy the car in a package which covers things like servicing, road tax and insurance for 3 years, all in one simple purchase. Absolutely fantastic service for new drivers who can easily be overwhelmed by all of the ‘must-do’s’ when buying their first car!

The C1 also is a great, little cost-effective car that is cheap to run and comes in a varity of engine sizes to suit your needs and budget!

We hope this helps you get to grips with some of our favourite first-car buys and provides a little inspiration, have fun shopping and don’t forget to look out for those deals! If you’re still unsure, ask your family and friends for an advice, or even contact one of our instructors to get their thoughts on the best options for your needs!