29 May 2024
Choosing your first car is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting task. As a new driver, you want a vehicle that prioritises safety, reliability, and affordability while being easy to handle and maintain. As a beginner, you’ll want to find the best car in order to master the basics.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key factors that make a car suitable for a first-time driver and showcase some of the best models available in the UK. From small hatchbacks to compact SUVs, we'll cover a range of vehicles that cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets. Whether you're a young driver looking for your first set of wheels or a parent seeking the perfect car for your teen, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
So, buckle up and join us as we explore the best cars for new drivers on the market today!
What makes a good first car?
When choosing a first car, several factors should be considered to ensure a safe, reliable, and practical vehicle as you begin your motoring journey. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Safety - Look for cars with high safety ratings and features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).
Affordability - Choose a car that fits your budget, considering the purchase price, fuel efficiency, insurance costs, and annual maintenance expenses.
Reliability - Opt for a car with a reputation for reliability to minimise the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.
Low insurance costs - New drivers often face higher insurance premiums, so choosing a car in a lower insurance group can help keep costs down.
Easy to drive - A good first car should be easy to manoeuvre, with light steering, good visibility, and a comfortable driving position.
Size - A smaller car can be easier to handle and park, which is beneficial for inexperienced drivers.
Fuel efficiency - Choose a car with good fuel economy to save money on running costs.
Resale value - Consider a car that holds its value well, as this can be advantageous when it's time to sell or trade-in when you want to upgrade.
Warranty - A car with a manufacturer's warranty can provide peace of mind and save money on potential repairs.
Technology - While not essential, features like a rearview camera, parking sensors, or a touchscreen infotainment system can make driving easier and more enjoyable for new drivers.
10 best cars for new drivers
As recommended by us here at Wilsons Epsom, here are our 10 best cars for new drivers in the UK when it comes to safety, affordability, reliability, and low insurance costs:
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
Fiat 500
Fiat Panda
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i20
Peugeot 108
Peugeot 208
Renault Clio
Renault Zoe
Dacia Duster
Price New: From £17,295 | Price Used: Around £10,000
The Dacia Duster is an excellent choice for first-time drivers. As a compact SUV, the Duster provides a raised driving position, which can boost confidence and visibility for inexperienced drivers. Despite its spacious interior and generous boot space, the Duster remains easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and is surprisingly fuel-efficient for its size.
The Duster's affordable price point makes it an attractive option for first-time car buyers wanting to purchase a brand-new car, without compromising on essential features or overall value. While it may not be the most stylish or high-tech vehicle on the market, the Dacia Duster's focus on simplicity, practicality, and affordability from new makes it a sensible and dependable choice for new drivers starting their motoring journey.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Dacia Duster car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Dacia Sandero
Price New: From £13,795 | Price Used: Around £7,500
The Dacia Sandero is another great choice for first-time drivers from the manufacturer, thanks to its unbeatable combination of affordability, practicality, and low running costs. As one of the most budget-friendly new cars on the market, the Sandero offers excellent value for money without compromising on essential features or reliability.
Despite its small size, the Sandero offers a surprisingly spacious interior and a decent-sized boot, making it practical for daily use and occasional longer trips. The car's simple design and straightforward technology also contribute to its ease of use, allowing first-time drivers to focus on developing their driving skills without being overwhelmed by complex features.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Dacia Sandero car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Fiat 500
Price New: From £16,800 | Price Used: Around £6,000
The much-loved Fiat 500 is a stylish and compact city car that makes an ideal choice for first-time drivers. With a retro-inspired design and customisable options, new drivers can express their personality, while its small dimensions make it incredibly easy to drive and park in tight spaces - making it ideal for town and city motoring. The Fiat 500's light steering and good visibility further contribute to its ease of driving.
Now available as a hybrid or fully electric option when purchased from new, used 500’s are extremely popular with first-time drivers. This is due to the car's range of efficient petrol engines and low-weight chassis which contribute to its excellent fuel economy, helping to keep running costs down for budget-conscious first-time drivers.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Fiat 500 car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Fiat Panda
Price New: From £14,750 | Price Used: Around £6,500
The Fiat Panda is a practical and affordable small car that is well-suited for first-time drivers. Its compact size and simple design make it very easy to drive, which is particularly beneficial for inexperienced motorists navigating narrow city streets or crowded parking areas. The Panda's tall boxy shape provides excellent visibility, allowing new drivers to feel more confident and aware of their surroundings.
The car's efficient petrol and mild-hybrid engines contribute to its low running costs, making it an economical choice for first-time drivers on a budget. With its emphasis on practicality, affordability, and simplicity, the Fiat Panda is a reliable and sensible choice for new drivers looking for a no-frills vehicle that can handle the demands of daily life.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Fiat Panda car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Hyundai i10
Price New: From £16,030 | Price Used: Around £6,950
The Hyundai i10 is an ideal choice for first-time drivers thanks to its blend of affordability, reliability, and practicality. This compact city car is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring light steering, good visibility, and nimble handling that instill confidence in inexperienced drivers.
The i10's small dimensions make it a breeze to navigate through busy city streets and park in tight spaces, reducing the stress often associated with driving in urban environments. Despite its size, the Hyundai i10 can comfortably seat four adults yet still has enough boot space for daily errands or weekend getaways.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Hyundai i10 car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Hyundai i20
Price New: From £21,520 | Price Used: Around £11,000
The Hyundai i20 is a stylish and well-equipped supermini that makes a great choice for new drivers. Although slightly bigger and more expensive than its i10 counterpart, this compact car offers a perfect balance of comfort, practicality, and affordability. The i20's smooth and easy-to-drive nature, combined with its responsive steering and good visibility, helps inexperienced drivers feel more in control and secure behind the wheel.
The car's efficient petrol and mild-hybrid engines provide a good blend of performance and fuel economy, helping to keep running costs low. What's more is that the Hyundai i20 is equipped with comprehensive safety features, including lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking, provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for new drivers.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Hyundai i20 car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Peugeot 108
Price Used: Around £9,000
Sadly discontinued as a new model, the Peugeot 108 still proves a popular second-hand choice with new drivers. Not only is the model incredibly compact but it is cheap to run and insure too. The 108 is a fantastic little city car and is ideal for on-street parking and navigating multi-storey car parks too.
On the used car market, the Peugeot 108 is great value for money and won’t break the bank of Mum and Dad either! Because the 108 has been discontinued, the model is really holding its worth at resale so it could prove to be a good investment when it’s time to upgrade to a bigger motor.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Peugeot 108 car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Peugeot 208
Price New: From £18,270 | Price Used: Around £10,000
Originally it was the small but perfectly formed Peugeot 108 that proved most popular with new drivers but now the model has been discontinued, first-time drivers are choosing the redesigned Peugeot 208 as their car of choice. A charming and practical city car, the 208 (which is also available as an electric) not only looks good but is fun to drive too.
As a small-sized hatchback, its compact dimensions and lightweight body make it incredibly easy to drive through busy city streets and park in tight spaces - ideal if you’ve only recently passed your driving test. From new the Peugeot 208 may be pricier than other options we’ve listed but you sure do get a lot for your money.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Peugeot 208 car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Renault Clio
Price New: From £17,995 | Price Used: Around £9,000
The Renault Clio is a popular and well-established supermini that as a full-hybrid when purchased new, appeals to the more eco-conscious new drivers. The Clio's smooth handling, light steering, and good all-round visibility create a relaxed and reassuring driving experience that helps inexperienced drivers feel more in control.
Despite its compact size, the Clio boasts a spacious and well-designed interior with room for five passengers and a generous boot space. The car's advanced infotainment system and smartphone connectivity keep new drivers entertained and informed, while its comprehensive suite of safety features provides an extra layer of protection.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Renault Clio car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
Renault Zoe
Price Used: From £5,000 to £20,000
Another popular model with first-time car buyers, the Renault Zoe was recently discontinued as a new model but continues to thrive on the used car market. If you’re hoping to ‘go green’ then the Zoe is available as a fully electric battery-powered model which is ideal for London-based city driving.
There’s no need to worry about EV range anxiety either as the small but mighty Renault Zoe can achieve up to 200 miles on a full charge - more than enough miles for the daily (or even weekly!) drive. Over three generations of design, the Zoe is Renault's most successful electric car to date and new drivers are bound to pick up a second-hand bargain.
In stock now at Wilsons: Discover the Renault Zoe car at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey and book a test drive today.
FAQs and Answers
We hope our article about the best cars for beginners has helped in your search for a first-time motor. In the section below, we answer your most frequently asked questions relating to the best cars for new drivers and what you need to know as a beginner behind the wheel…
What is the best new car for a beginner driver?
Due to its affordable price from new and popular hatchback styling, the Dacia Sandero is winning hearts and minds as the best new car for first-time drivers. As a modern-looking city car, the Sandero is a very appealing model and has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.
What is the best second-hand car for a beginner to drive?
Standing the test of time, the Renault Clio repeatedly tops the charts when it comes to an ideal second-hand car for new drivers. It is a fantastic all-round motor with a relatively low power output yet a surprisingly good performance making it a perfect choice for beginners.
What is the most common first car in the UK?
The Ford Fiesta has consistently been one of the most common first car purchases in the UK for many years. This popularity can be attributed to several factors such as affordability, safety, low insurance costs, ease of driving, and reliability. However, in July 2023, Ford ceased production of its popular Fiesta model, so the car is only available second-hand.
How much is the average first car in the UK?
The average cost of a first car in the UK varies depending on several factors, such as the make and model, age, mileage, and condition of the vehicle. However, the average price for a first car is typically between £3,000 and £8,000. New drivers often opt for used cars as their first vehicle to keep costs down. According to data from the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the average value of cars owned by individuals aged 17-25 is approximately £4,000.
What is a realistic budget for a first car?
For first-time car buyers, a budget between £4,000 and £8,000 is often considered realistic. This price range typically allows you to find a reliable, safe, and relatively modern used car that suits your needs. While it's tempting to spend more on your first car, it's essential to be financially responsible and choose a vehicle that fits comfortably within your budget.
Which car insurance is best for first-time drivers?
Some insurance providers that tend to offer competitive rates and good coverage for first-time drivers include Direct Line, Admiral, Hastings Direct, LV, and Aviva. When shopping for car insurance as a first-time driver make sure you compare quotes, consider black box or telematics insurance, choose a policy with the right level of coverage for your needs, and look for policies with added benefits, such as breakdown cover or windscreen protection.
How old should your first car be?
As a general guideline, a car that is between 3-8 years old could strike a good balance between safety, reliability, affordability, and insurance costs for a first-time driver. When buying a used car, regardless of its age, it's essential to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic and to review its service history to ensure it has been well-maintained.
How powerful should a first car be?
When choosing your first car, it's generally recommended to opt for a vehicle with a modest power output. As a new driver, your primary focus should be on safety, reliability, and ease of driving, rather than high performance. As a general guideline, a car with a power output between 70-120 horsepower (HP) is often suitable for a first-time driver, and anything under 1.5 litres is recommended.
New and used cars for first-time drivers
Are you searching for your first-ever car? Then look no further than our Wilsons Epsom multi-franchise dealership in Surrey. We are the go-to destination for first-time drivers looking for new and used cars that perfectly suit their needs and budgets.
As one of the largest and most respected car dealerships in the South of England, we offer an extensive selection of cars that are ideal for beginners. We proudly stock popular brands such as Dacia, Fiat, Hyundai, Peugeot, and Renault, which are known for their affordability, reliability, and ease of driving.
Our friendly sales team is dedicated to helping new drivers navigate the car-buying process, offering expert advice and guidance to ensure they find the ideal vehicle for their lifestyle and financial situation. We look forward to welcoming you soon!