Best First Cars

It can be hard to find out what is the best car for you. Everybody is looking for something slightly different and it’s not long before you freeze with so many choices. Let’s put you back in the driver’s seat of easy decision-making with 8 recommendations that you can’t go wrong with as a first car! 

Best First Hyundai Cars

The Hyundai fleet is vast, ranging from technological SUVs to electric race cars. This does not mean that first-time drivers have been ignored though. In fact, the Hyundai i10 has all the features needed as a first car. As a great all-rounder, the i10 is a forgiving car with good interior space for first-time drivers. Its 1L engine variant packs a good punch and is cheap to buy and run, while the low insurance bracket means you won’t be burning holes in your pocket.

If you are looking for a little more space or a bigger engine, you can’t go wrong with the Hyundai i20. This is a well-designed car which is very spacious and makes long journeys very manageable. The i20’s powerful engine doesn’t take the insurance high and always remains in your control with its great handling. Check out our YouTube overview of the i20 here!

Best First Vauxhall Cars

This wouldn’t be a best first car list without mentioning the Vauxhall Corsa. As one of Britain’s favourite hatchbacks, the Corsa has won multiple awards for reliability and efficiency. They are a cheap buy, but if you have a higher budget, the newer models and higher trims have really shone over the recent years. The Corsa has a great safety rating, is fun to drive, and is certainly worth exploring as a first-time driver.

The Vauxhall Adam should also be mentioned here. This is a well-built and stylish three-door car that is great for cities and urban settings. The Adam is inexpensive to insure and is aimed at style-oriented drivers. This could just be the exact car you are looking for! 

Best First Peugeot Cars

The Peugeot 208 is a spacious supermini with incredibly cheap parts. This means that maintenance and insurance remain low on the 208. This French car focuses strongly on safety which makes it perfect for first-time drivers. The Peugeot 208 also has an appealing look and there are plenty of trim levels and efficient engine options to suit your needs.

As a great student car, the Peugeot 107 might be the choice for you if you are looking for another Peugeot option from the 208. This is a reliable and incredibly cheap car if you are looking to save money upfront and in the long run. Perfect for those in the ‘get me from A to B’ mindset! 

Best First Suzuki Cars

Deceptively compact, the brightly designed Suzuki Ignis has been carefully optimised for interior space so that passengers have plenty of breathing room. The compact dimensions give it manoeuvrability in any environment, and it is a pleasant and efficient drive as a first car. The Suzuki Ignis is perfect for those first-time drivers who want to pack a little more in for their hobbies.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Suzuki Swift. This takes a step further in its youthful looks from the Ignis by showing off a sporty body and shark-nose front end. The Swift gets good miles per gallon and packs a good punch yet stays grounded in its safety features. It has excellent handling and even better visibility if those are your criteria as a first-time driver.

Quick Tips on Buying your First Car

Before we go, here are some quick tips on buying your first car. Feel free to also browse our new and used car stock if one of the cars mentioned here sparks your interest!

“How old should your first car be?”

Try and go for a model as close to new as you can afford as you can save money on insurance, fuel, and maintenance in the long run. If the car has been well maintained, the age should not be of concern (unless it was built a decade(s) ago!).

“How to buy first car?”

  1. Understand your budget and consider insurance, tax, and maintenance costs.
  2. Browse for cars which fit your needs and wants (including those in this list!)
  3. Make a list of a few potential cars that work for you.
  4. Evaluate each by the trustworthiness of the person selling, the history of each vehicle, public opinions, and the running costs of each vehicle.
  5. When you have shortened your list, test-drive the candidates, and look for any faults.
  6. If you have found a car to buy, double-check all the documents first to make sure everything is in order.