Buying your first car is a rite of passage. Even if it’s actually mum and dad who are buying it. At the top of your list is possibly a Porsche 911; perhaps a VW Golf; maybe even something unusual like an ice-cream van. But in reality, you need something that is cheap to buy and insure, has low running costs, and is safe and easy to handle. Whatever you go for, make sure you get a car check, such as an RAC Car Passport, to confirm the history of the vehicle, helping you to make the right decision.
Here are the RAC’s top five cars for first time buyers, as well as some extra ideas:
Ford Fiesta
You won’t find a top five small car list without this contemporary classic on it. Yes, that might mean that you’re likely to pull up next to one in a car park more than once, but it’s reassuring to know it’s so widely trusted. The Ford Fiesta might have a higher price tag when compared to similar cars from other brands, and even within the Ford family, but your money buys you more space and a well-rounded car. The latest model comes with a stylish chrome grille that gives it an edge over its rivals, and the interior is also smart too. You can pick up a 2003 1.25 LX three-door with about 50,000 miles on the clock from as little as £2,000.
VW Polo
What 17-year-old doesn’t want the kudos that comes with driving a VW? So why not take a VW Polo for a test drive. It’s clever, cute and very well put together. It’s extremely reliable, too. You’ll need about £2,000 to get your hands on a 2003 1.4 three-door with about 47,000 miles on the clock…
Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa remains one of Britain’s best-selling cars. The latest model is a real pleasure to look at but even pre-2006 cars look great. Its engines might not be that strong, but they are economical and have plenty of space for a couple of friends and their bags… road trip anyone? Prices start at £3,500.
Renault Clio
Stylish, chic and a good little mover… what else would you expect from the home of Chanel, Brigitte Bardot and Eric Cantona? This basic hatchback is a great place to start your motoring career as they’re cheap to run, insure and tax, which is all that matters when you’re 17 or a student and relying largely on the bank of mum and dad. You can pick up a 2008 model for around £3,000.
Toyota Yaris
For an economical drive, look no further than this tiny little engine, which takes sips of fuel to save you money. For approximately £2,500 you’ll get a 3-door 2005 model, which has good handling, a high level of safety equipment and efficient engines.
Not quite making the top five list but worth a test drive for first time buyers is the Skoda Citigo, which has a 5-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP and an engine that is more than capable of a motorway cruise without being expensive to insure or run.
If you want to stand out from the crowd a bit, you should consider the second-generation Suzuki Swift, which offers more driving fun than most of its rivals at this price and folding rear seats – ideal for hauling all your stuff back from uni. The Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Fox and Fiat Panda are all also very popular and reasonably priced choices for first time buyers.
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