Best Cars For First Time Drivers
Have you just passed your driving test? Entering the world of driving is an exciting time, with increased freedom and independence. However, with the abundance of options for first time drivers it can be a daunting process.
That’s why It’s important to consider key factors like reliability, insurance costs, fuel efficiency, safety and the ease of driving. At Birchwood Motor Centre, we’re here to help find the best cars for first time drivers! Let’s dive in…
Best Used Cars for First-Time Drivers (Top Recommendations)
To help find the best first car for you, it’s important to look at a range of vehicles. To ensure you make the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cars for first time drivers based on safety, cost, handling, and practicality.
#1 Ford Fiesta
Many drivers consider the Ford Fiesta to be one of the best cars for first time drivers. The Ford Fiesta is known for its excellent handling ability and reliability. Here are some key characteristics that make it a strong contender:
Strong safety records (five-star Euro NCAP rating)
Affordable insurance (group 2)
Fuel Efficient
Easy to handle
Browse our range of Ford Fiesta cars.
#2 Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo also stands out as one of the best first cars to consider for new drivers. The Volkswagen Polo is renowned for German reliability and has a quality build. But what else helps to make it stand out?
Comfortable and practical interior
Strong safety records (five-star Euro NCAP rating)
Easy to handle
Fuel Efficient (50 mpg)
Affordable insurance (group 1)
Browse our range of Volkswagen Polo cars.
#3 Vauxhall Corsa
Popular among first time drivers is the Vauxhall Corsa due to the nature of its practicality and cheap insurance. Having an affordable vehicle can leave you with leftover money for other parts of your life; this makes the Corsa one of the best cars for first time drivers. Other reasons to consider a Vauxhall Corsa:
Easy to handle
Suitable for urban driving
Reasonable insurance rates (group 10-26)
Fuel Efficient (49-60 mpg)
High safety records (four-star Euro NCAP rating)
Browse our range of Vauxhall Corsa cars.
#4 Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris also qualifies as one of the best first cars, due its ease of driving, high reliability and its exceptional fuel economy. Many drivers also choose the Toyota Yaris because it is:
Highly reliable
Fuel efficient (60-80 mpg)
Compact but spacious enough for everyday use
Low insurance group (group 3-8)
Browse our range of Toyota Yaris cars.
#5 Hyundai i10
For new drivers looking for a compact run-around suitable for city driving and something that easily fits into tight car parking spaces, the Hyundai i10 is the vehicle for you. But what else makes it a suitable vehicle for a first-time driver?
Compact and easy to manoeuvre
Good visibility
Affordable insurance (group 1-10)
Fuel Efficient (51-55 mpg)
Browse our range of Hyundai i10 cars.
#6 Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is a strong option to consider when trying to find the best car for a first time buyer. With its reliability, good fuel economy and cheap running costs, it’s a desirable contender for a new driver and the stylish exterior and interior is a bonus. Here are some other added features:
Strong reliability
Practical for city driving
Affordable insurance (group 4-8)
Fuel efficient (49-55 mpg)
High safety records (four-star Euro NCAP rating)
Browse our range of Kia Picanto cars.
#7 Skoda Fabia
Are you a new driver requiring more space? The Skoda Fabia could be the car for you. The Skoda Fabia boasts a generous boot capacity of 380 litres, which expands to 1,190 litres with the rear seats folded down. So, if you need a spacious interior, this could be the best first car for you. Other reasons why you should consider the Skoda Fabia:
Practical interior
High safety records (five-star Euro NCAP rating)
Fuel efficient (52-56 mpg)
Lower insurance premiums (group 1-18)
Browse our range of Skoda Fabia cars.
#8 Seat Ibiza
The Seat Ibiza balances style with practicality, with a reliable performance record and a 5-star Euro NCAP, ensuring that you can drive confidently with one of the best first cars.
Sporty styling
Reliable performance
High safety records (five-star Euro NCAP rating)
Reasonable insurance costs (group 2-29)
Browse our range of Seat Ibiza cars.
#9 Nissan Micra
When trying to find the best car for first time drivers, it’s important to ensure that the vehicle is easy to handle and keeps you safe while driving, this is why the Nissan Micra is one to consider. Other factors that will leave you driving away confidently includes:
Ideal for urban environments
Easy to handle
Economic engine
High Safety Records (five-star Euro NCAP rating)
Competitive insurance rate (group 6)
Browse our range of Nissan Micra cars.
#10 Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a more stylish option to consider when looking for your first car. Whilst being stylish, it also hosts a range of features that make this one of the best cars for a first time driver including:
Affordable insurance (group 10)
High Safety Records (five-star Euro NCAP rating)
Highly reliable
Stylish and comfortable
Browse our range of Renault Clio cars.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Car
Choosing the best first car for you is a very important decision that requires a lot of consideration. Here are some things to consider when buying your first car to ensure that it’s the perfect one for you:
Insurance Group and Affordability
Owning a car involves more than just the purchase price—remember to factor in insurance, tax, and maintenance.
Cars all have an insurance group and range between 1-50, with category 1 being the cheapest insurance group as they are considered a lower risk and category 50 being the most expensive. It can also be helpful to get insurance quotes before purchasing a vehicle.
Strong Safety and Reliability
Having a safe and reliable car is crucial for first time drivers, it provides peace of mind and can offer extra safety in accidents. All vehicles undergo safety tests and get a Euro NCAP safety rating, these ratings help buyers to compare vehicles easily ensuring they get the safest choice for their needs.
Fuel Economy and Running Cost
With the increasing cost of fuel in the UK, having a car with good fuel economy is valuable. A car’s MPG indicates how many miles the vehicle can do per gallon, so the higher the MPG of a vehicle the more fuel efficient it is.
Researching a car’s running cost can also help to indicate any other outgoings that might be necessary to keep the car operating.
Handling and Ease of Driving
When choosing the best car for a first time driver, the easier it is to handle, the easier it will be in helping to improve your confidence on the road. You can research vehicle handling, but at Birchwood Motor Centre we recommend booking a test drive to ensure your next car is perfect for you.
Explore Used Cars in Essex Today
At Birchwood Motor Centre, we provide a service you can trust with a wide selection of quality used cars. Visit us today in Essex or browse online to find the best first cars available. Once you’ve found the car that’s right for you, contact our excellent team to book a test drive and discuss our flexible finance options. Our team is ready to support all new drivers and provide personal advice to make sure you drive away with the best used car for you.Find your first car today!