Congratulations on passing your driving test! While a brand-new supermini with CarPlay and Hybrid technology might be ideal, it's not always realistic.

Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable, reliable, and safe second-hand cars in the UK. Your first car is memorable not for its luxury, but for the freedom and excitement of driving. The key features to look for are safety and reliability. 

In this article, we’ll highlight the best first cars for new drivers in the UK and what you should look for when car shopping.

17 Best first cars for new drivers

So what are the best first cars available now? We’ve selected a list of good first cars you should consider before you hit the road.

We’ve also divided the options into different categories, so there’s something for every need and budget. Car research has never been so easy.

Best first cars under £2,000

Let’s start with the most affordable cars for first-time drivers. You won’t break your budget with these under £2,000 options!

1. Mazda 2 - Available for £1,450

As of now, there are over 30 Mazda 2s on Autotrader for under £2,000, some with less than 80,000 miles, including a few in the eye-catching vivid green popular on Mazdas from 2008 to 2011.

We recommend the 1.3L petrol engine—reliable, chain-driven, and capable of achieving around 40 mpg while still offering enough 'pep' to keep the drive fun.

2. Suzuki Swift - Available for £1,200

Suzuki has a strong track record with small petrol engines, and the Swift has always been a popular choice. The 2005-2010 model offers a comfortable driving experience with excellent reliability.

If your budget allows, go for the 1.5L engine over the 1.3L, as the 1.3L's gearbox can be a bit weak and may need replacement. It's not a dealbreaker, but be sure to check the first three gears before buying.

3. Ford Fiesta - Available for £1,695

The Ford Fiesta has been a favourite since 1976 and remains the most popular car on UK roads.

Though it has grown into the 'small-compact' category, it's still an ideal choice for first-time drivers. For £2,000, you'll likely find a Mark 5 (2002–2008) or Mark 6 (2008–2016) model with under 100,000 miles.

The 1.25L engine is renowned for its reliability and helps keep insurance costs low, while the 1.4L petrol offers a better balance of power and fuel economy.

4. Volkswagen Polo - Available for £900

The Volkswagen Polo is an excellent choice for new drivers due to its reliability, ease of handling, and comfort. 

Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park, while its well-designed interior ensures a pleasant driving experience. The Polo also comes with modern safety features for added peace of mind. 

A used 2017 model with about 60,000 miles typically costs around £900, offering a budget-friendly option with basic trims and less powerful petrol engines.

Best first cars under £5,000

Have a budget of up to £5,000? Before you Google new first car Autotrader, check out some of these options.

5. Toyota Aygo - 2nd generation - Available for £2,500

The Toyota Aygo can be found for under £2,000, but £5,000 will get you a 2015 or newer model with fewer than 100,000 miles. On Autotrader, you can find models as low as £1,000 if you really want to save.

It closely resembles the current generation, so it still looks modern. Available with a 1.0L petrol or a rare 1.4L diesel, we recommend the 1.0L. 

It's a reliable, rev-happy, and economical Toyota engine, and with basic maintenance, you should have no major issues.

6. Citroen C1 - Available for £2,750

Similar to the Aygo, the Citroën C1 (and Peugeot 107) shares the same foundation but features different body panels and badges. However, for the same price, the C1 often offers more features and fewer miles.

Like the Aygo, you can also find the C1 for as low as £1,000. However, the majority of sellers list this car around £2,500 to £3,500.

Be sure to check the service booklet, as Toyota recommends annual servicing, while Citroën suggests every two years—something to keep in mind.

7. Toyota iQ - Available for £3,000

If you live in a city with tight parking and don't need much space, the Toyota iQ is a great choice. It offers a lot in a small package with smart design and tech. The only engine option is a 1.0L petrol, usually paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. 

For £5,000, you can find a good 2013 model with under 80,000 miles, though there are also options around £3,000 if you're looking to save.

8. Volkswagen Up - Available for £4,500

The Volkswagen Up is a fantastic option for new drivers due to its reliability, compact size, and efficiency. Its small footprint makes it easy to handle and park, ideal for city driving. 

The interior, while compact, is well-designed for comfort and practicality. For safety, the Volkswagen Up includes essential features that enhance driving confidence.

If you're on a budget, a 2016 Up with 60,000 miles in mid-spec Move Up trim is around £5,500. Prices can drop to £4,000 or less for earlier models with 75,000 miles.

Good first cars for long-distance driving

If you have a longer commute, a supermini might feel tiring over time. It could be worth opting for something with a bit more power, comfort, and better soundproofing.

9. Volkswagen Golf - Available for £5,000

If you’re seeking more refinement and better motorway cruising, the VW Golf is an excellent choice. The 1.6 or 2.0 diesel engines are both reliable and economical, and since they're not particularly sporty, insurance quotes might surprise you.

For £5,000, you can find a 2014-2015 Mk7 model, which still looks modern. However, Autotrader usually has plenty of options above and below this price point.

Volkswagen doesn’t always pack in extras, so look for models with cruise control, climate control, and all-round electric windows for added comfort.

10. Volvo V40 - Available for £4,500

Known for comfort and safety, Volvos might not be the first choice for new drivers, but with a wide range of engines and low insurance groups, they’re worth considering. 

The V40, a medium-sized hatchback, offers excellent passenger comfort and compact dimensions, making it easy to park. New drivers should opt for the 1.6 petrol or diesel versions, avoiding the larger 2.0 or 2.5 engines.

You can find good examples for under £4,500 with fewer than 90,000 miles. While tech features may be basic, all of Volvo's renowned safety features come standard.

Best cars for luggage space and pets

If you need a spacious family car, these options provide ample room for passengers, luggage, and pets, all while being a great value and affordable to insure.

11. Mazda 3 - Available for £4,000

Built on the Ford Focus platform, the Mazda3 is a larger vehicle compared to the others mentioned, making it ideal for new drivers who need to transport family members or children frequently.

Mazda's petrol engines are well-regarded, while the diesels have had some issues. We recommend the 1.6 Tamura specification for a good balance of economy and power. 

You can find plenty of Mazda 3s around £4,000, but if you’re looking to spend less, older models with higher mileage are available for £2,500 to £3,000.

12. Dacia Logan MCV - Available for £6,500

Dacia, a reliable name in affordable, practical vehicles since its UK debut in 2013, offers the Logan MCV—a spacious estate car with an impressive 573 litres of storage. 

With various petrol and diesel engine options, we recommend the 1-litre petrol with a manual gearbox for the best reviews.

Logan MCVs are typically priced around £6,500, but you can find cheaper options on Autotrader. Given its excellent storage space and durability, the investment is usually worth it.

13. SEAT Ibiza - Available for £3,000

The SEAT Ibiza is an excellent option for new drivers seeking a balance of space and practicality. Its spacious interior comfortably accommodates passengers, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. 

The Ibiza also stands out for its generous luggage space, providing ample room for shopping, sports gear, or weekend getaways. This makes it a great choice for those who need a practical car with room to spare — but aren’t ready to opt for an estate car.

Additionally, the Ibiza can be purchased for as little as £3,000 from resale websites.

Best automatic first cars

In the past decade, the number of people in the UK passing with an auto-only licence has doubled from 550,000 to 1.1 million. If you’re one of them, this next section is for you!

While automatics used to be reserved for larger engines due to their sluggishness and limited gears, modern auto transmissions are much improved.

14. Skoda Fabia - Available for £6,000

Since joining the Volkswagen group, Skoda has been offering high-quality cars at great prices.

The Fabia, based on the VW Polo, is a compact hatchback that comfortably seats four adults. We recommend the 1.4 TSI petrol or the 1.4 TDI diesel, both paired with a good automatic gearbox.

A 2015 model costs around £8,000 with reasonable mileage, but you can find options for £6,000 if you balance price and miles, or as low as £2,500 for older, higher-mileage models.

15. Kia Picanto - Available for £6,000

Kia’s Picanto is a fantastic choice for new drivers due to its compact size and low insurance group. It’s especially appealing if you need an automatic, as the auto gearbox has received excellent reviews.

Unlike many cars of this size that use semi-automated gearboxes, the Picanto features a more reliable traditional automatic paired with a lively 1.25L engine.

For around £6,000, you can get a 2015 model with electric windows, climate control, and the sought-after automatic gearbox. Plus, Kia’s service plans offer added peace of mind that it’s been well-maintained.

16. Honda Jazz - Available for £6,500

If reliability is your top priority, consider the Honda Jazz. Its 1.4 engine is a timing chain-driven model with no cambelts to replace and achieves over 40 mpg.

For around £6,500, you can find a well-equipped, tidy 2014 Honda Jazz with a CVT gearbox. While it may take some getting used to compared to a traditional automatic, it's dependable and offers a refined driving experience.

The Jazz features smart design elements like folding seats and handy storage, making it a compact yet spacious option for transporting four adults.

17. Peugeot 108 - Available for £4,500

The Peugeot 108 is a smart choice for new drivers, particularly those seeking an automatic transmission. Its compact size makes it easy to handle and park, ideal for urban driving. 

What makes this even better is that the 108 offers a smooth automatic drive option that simplifies gear changes, enhancing driving comfort and ease. This feature is especially beneficial for new drivers who may find manual gear changes challenging. 

Used prices typically range from £4,000 to £5,000, making it an affordable option for those seeking both practicality and style.

What to look for in a first car

When car shopping, start by identifying your basic needs.

Got a big dog? You'll need a spacious boot. Often transport multiple passengers? A 5-door car will be more practical than a 3-door.

Here are some other features to keep in mind when shopping a new first car:

Safety features

Buying used cars can be trickier than new ones, so it’s important to check safety features before you buy. Most cars from 2010 onwards have at least 4 airbags, ABS, and traction control, but older or basic models might not. 

Look up the car's NCAP rating on EuroNCAP.com, ensuring you select the correct model year. While NCAP ratings are updated annually, comparing cars of similar ages will help you assess their safety."

Insurance

Car insurance for new drivers can be steep, with 17-year-olds paying an average of over £1,000. To find the most affordable options, it’s wise to check insurance costs for different cars.

We recommend using comparison sites like Go Compare or Confused.com to see how various makes and models stack up.

Reliability

No matter how long you’ve been driving, a reliable car is always better. Once you find a car you like, research common faults and reliability issues online.

Forums like Honest John and the Reliability Index are great places to start.

Running costs

With petrol prices as high as they are, selecting a car that’s cheap to run is always a smart move, use a site such as AutoTrader to compare:

• Fuel economy
• VED rates (road tax)
• Depreciation

Longevity

Lastly, a car that stands the test of time is always a nice bonus. Read reviews and check whether your potential car has common faults or needs lots of maintenance work. 

Of course, all cars need regular servicing. However, some might not be as durable as others.

Repairs and servicing for the best first cars

Regular service and maintenance are important for keeping your car safe. They can also save you money in the long run, which is particularly important when you’ve just bought your first car.

Split the cost of repairs and servicing into interest-free monthly payments at 1,000s of reliable repairers nationwide.

The bottom line

Choosing your first car is an exciting step, and finding the right one can make all the difference in your driving career—especially as a new learner! 

Whether you prioritise affordability, reliability, or specific features, plenty of excellent options are available for new drivers. Remember to consider your needs, check safety features, and compare insurance costs to ensure you make the best decision. 

Happy car hunting, and stay safe on the road!

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