Cars for new drivers
Becoming a driver can be daunting for some, exciting for others. You’ve paid out for driving lessons for yourself or your child, been through the stress of driving tests and finally you’ve passed! Now you’re ready to hit the road – but which car is best for the new driver?
As usual, budget is the most crucial factor to consider when looking at used cars for sale. But it’s not just the budget for the car itself. In some instances – like for younger drivers – the insurance can cost more than the vehicle itself. Most new drivers will want a car that’s easy to drive and economical to run. Try and keep the insurance rating as low as possible at first. Anything with a rating of 1-10 would be a sensible bet and will give you the chance to build up your driver experience and no claims bonus.
You can get on the road for £500, but be careful. Make sure you get the car checked out by a mechanic. Of course, the lower the mileage the better – and it’s a good idea to have breakdown cover on an older car. Let’s see the best of what you can get for a low budget.
- Peugeot 106
Fantastic fuel economy makes this a popular choice for first time drivers. Easy to drive, the 106 is a fun ‘nip around town’ car and there are lots of special editions out there to choose from.
- Volkswagen Golf
Reliable, good-looking and hard-wearing, the Golf is a great first car. Perfect for around town and robust enough for longer journeys, a good Golf – even with high mileage – will give you low-maintenance motoring. If you can spend a bit more, you can get a later model with lower mileage.
- Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta has always been a popular first car with good reason. It comes in a choice of engine sizes, is economical to run and easy to drive. Your budget will likely get you a Mk 5 onwards and the insurance won’t break the bank.
- Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhalls are known for their reliability and the Corsa is the perfect first car size. With a lot of choice available in terms of engine size, models and spec, some Corsas sit in the lowest insurance groups (1 and 2). Your budget could buy you a Corsa with less than 50,000 miles on the clock.
- Honda Jazz
You can get hold of a Honda Jazz of around ten years old for in the region of £3,000. Super practical, the Jazz is reliable and surprisingly spacious. With car quality improving all the time too, ten years isn’t as much as it seems.
- Nissan Micra
Nissan is known for its practicality, so if you want a first car that will give you minimal trouble a Micra could be the answer. As the styling is not to everyone’s taste, there are bargains to be had. You’ll get a car that won’t let you down,has a comfortable interior, and is easy to drive.
