Choosing a first car is momentous occasion, and certainly not a decision to take lightly! That pressure can make choosing the right car a daunting decision – but never fear! Here we’ve picked out five excellent options for the first-time driver, taking into account a number of metrics from drivability to cost. Before you move ahead to read about them, you can also check this site to find the best cars for teenagers.
In terms of cost, it’s important to remember that there are additional costs to running your new car beyond the upfront cost of purchase. You’ll have maintenance and service costs, replacement parts, MOTs and tax to look forward to, let alone the price of petrol nowadays. As such, it’s important to be conscious of exactly how much you can put towards a vehicle overall. Depending on your budget, some of the following cars might appeal more than others. But without further ado, here they are:
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa has been the leader of the pack when it comes to affordable first-time vehicles for some time, being a hatchback series with serious pedigree. They have also been at the forefront of innovation, being one of the first major makes to receive an all-electric alternative model in the Corsa-e. The Corsa-e has a much larger outlay than its petrol-powered counterpart, but could make all the difference in today’s pricey market for fuel – and Vauxhall recently cut the retail price, making them much easier for first-timers to buy.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is nothing short of a classic choice for first time drivers in the UK, striking the balance between low-cost and high-value value. The Fiesta is an eminently customisable car, allowing you to inject your own sense of style from the off; there are various different iterations for sale, as well as wide range of Ford Fiesta tyres available to buy aftermarket – and this is saying nothing of the colour options.
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen’s Polo is a well-established hatchback make from the German manufacturer, and a brilliant choice for first vehicle. It hides a surprising amount of storage space for its diminutive size, and its small-but-nippy engine guarantees cheaper running costs from petrol to insurance. Second-hand older models remain reliable, but lack the tech accessories offered by the latest models.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 in one word: chic. The Italian maker managed to successfully revitalise a quintessential classic and improve upon it, with this retro-yet-timeless entry into the hatchback market. It is fun to look at and fun to drive, with all manner of interior mod cons to look out for when choosing your model.
Suzuki Swift
Last, but by no means least, the Suzuki Swift is indeed a swift vehicle – and does not skimp on the space, either. Four-door iterations are available for a shockingly decent price, giving you much more room to play with than other vehicles on the list at a much lower price. The Swift is ‘best bang for your buck’ when it comes to boot space, and a cheap runner to boot.
