If you’ve just finished your driver’s test and got your licence – congratulations! However, now comes the difficult question – what is the best first car to buy after you’ve finally passed all of the examinations? The purchase of the first car is one of the most important decisions every driver has to make and it is always best to have as much information as you can. Should you buy a new car straight from the dealership, or maybe go for a used one and save some money? If you’re wondering what’s the answer to these questions, keep reading as we dig into the topic of what is the best first car!
Volkswagen Up
Even though Volkswagen Up is one of the smallest cars of the brand – or maybe precisely BECAUSE it is – it is one of the best first cars you can find on the market, perfect if you’re planning on driving primarily around a city. Instead of making Up just a smaller version of Volkswagen’s larger vehicles, the brand has instead designed a perfect car for those looking for something more compact. Up can be found in both all-electric and petrol versions, depending on your preference. You can find a new Up as cheap as £10,000. It is important to mention that this small car is also quite cheap to run!
DS 3
While a bit more expensive than Volkswagen Up, the no-longer-Citroen DS 3 offers a stylish bodywork and interior, as well as a great engine. While the power delivery could be a little better, DS 3 is still enjoyable to ride. The price, however, leaves a little something to be desired, as it usually fluctuates between £15,000 and £23,000 – but the car makes up for it with overall build quality.
Volkswagen Polo
Polo has been one of the best cars for first-time drivers for years now, and not without a reason. The new models feature a compact, yet roomy interior, quiet engine, and a lot of customisation options like an awesome infotainment display. It also has great driver assistance and the engine’s pretty powerful for the car’s size. It is also quite easy to repair in case of any damage. If you’re up for the Polo, expect to spend between £15,000 and £23,000, depending on your specific model and local prices. Make sure to take care when customising your model, as some options can be quite expensive while not adding too much functionality to the vehicle.
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta looks and drives smooth, and the newest models include a lot of technological wonders that will help you feel comfortable behind the wheel – a very important feature for young drivers and one that makes it really fun to drive. Fiesta is easy to use and understand, and while it’s not the spaciest car in its size class, it certainly is not cramped. The cabin could be a bit better-designed, but it’s still of decent quality for its price range, which is usually between £15,700 and £24,000.
Now, if you’re looking for something considerably less expensive, let’s go over a couple of the best used cars for first-time drivers.
2012 Mazda 3
If you’re looking for a compact sedan, Mazda 3 will be a great contender for the title of your first car. The car is very fuel-efficient, easy to drive and reliable and will serve you for years if you take good care of it. Mazda 3 is also very roomy for its relatively compact size, giving you plenty of space to take additional passengers and carry your luggage. As an additional bonus, Mazda 3 is quite pretty to look at, with a sporty look that many new drivers find enticing. You can find a 2012 Mazda 3 for around £4,000, but feel free to go for the 2011 or 2013 models if you find a good deal. However, before you finalise the purchase, always make sure to check your car’s VIN number.
The ability of checking used car history
What’s the VIN number? The Vehicle Identification Number, usually found at the dashboard on the driver’s side, is a number unique for every single vehicle a brand produces. Knowing the VIN number, you can check the exact history of your vehicle, including its history records, inspections registry, mileage, photos, and technical details. This way, you can also make sure the car is not stolen. If you find a used car offer you’re interested in, ask the owner for the VIN number and check the car’s history at automoli.com!
At automoli.com you can receive a free VIN check with a lot of useful information – especially important if you’re buying your first used car! For a small fee, you can also receive a detailed history report and protect yourself from being scammed by selling a damaged or stolen vehicle!
2012 Honda Accord
With precise steering and a four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Honda Accord is an excellent choice for beginner drivers. The basic model features a 177hp engine, but you can also find a 271hp V6 engine version. The mileage isn’t the best, but it’s decent for the price. In addition, the basic version includes a quality audio system and a USB port. The price range for the 2012 Honda Accord is between £5,000 and £6,000, depending on the model.
2015 Mazda CX-5
If you’re looking for a larger vehicle to buy as your first car, a used 2015 Mazda CX-5 might be just what you’re looking for, with a spacious and very stylish interior and smooth driving. Being a little more on the compact side for an SUV, the CX-5 is perfect for those who don’t want to commit to a full-size SUV. You can find a 2014 or 2015 Mazda CX-5 for around £6,000, but if you’re prepared to pay a bit more, the 2016 models feature a backup camera and a great navigation system – perfect for inexperienced drivers.
2012 Toyota Prius
Searching for something with a great mileage that is inexpensive to run? Then a 2012 Toyota Prius will be a great choice. With a stylish interior and a sleek bodywork, as well as one of the best fuel economy standards for its class, Toyota Prius is a wonderful car for city driving. While you can certainly drive a Prius on the highway, don’t expect extreme speeds from this vehicle. The 2012 model comes with a standard infotainment system with a touchscreen display, as well as easy music streaming from your phone through Bluetooth or USB. You can find a used Prius for as little as £3,000 for the standard version, but you might want to take a look at your options and spend a little more for a premium experience. Typical of Toyotas, running costs and insurance costs are usually lower than is the case with its competition.
This sums up our list of the best first cars. All the cars above offer different strengths and excel in their respective fields, so think about what you are looking for and make your pick accordingly to your personal needs!
