JUST passed your driving test? It’s time to get a car.
We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re doing it on your own.
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Don’t worry! At Sun Motors, we’re going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers.
When comparing the best used first cars, we’ve weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs.
The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds.
You want to hit the road, so let’s start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers.
Top 5 best used cars for new drivers
Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We’ve selected small cars with solid engines and engineering.
They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they’re a great place to start on your car owning career.
Cheapest to insure: Ford KA
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MODEL: Ford KA
Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it’s the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium.
It’s cheap to insure, but is it any good?
Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It’s economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you’re highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself.
You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k.
Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia
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The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last.
The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that’s also in a low insurance group, meaning it’s cheap to insure.
Driving is more fun than you’d imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride.
We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible.
Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model.
German precision: VW Polo
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OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they’re not identical twins.
The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish.
The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks.
You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500.
Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500
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When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that’s as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it’s a surprisingly good drive.
The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road.
There’s not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it’s an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget.
Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers.
Money-no-object: Mini
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Who doesn’t want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it.
The ‘modern’ MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors.
When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it’s a fantastic car to drive and own.)
There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000.
MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don’t be put off by a model that’s done over 100k.
Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that’s a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform.
What is the best car for a new driver?
Personally, I’d go for a Dacia Sandero – because that’s what I drive. But I’m old.
If I were a first time car buyer, I’d try and find the perfect middle ground. That’s going to be a great looking car that’s fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up.
My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia.
If you can, take one out for a drive. It’s surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history.
Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy
Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price.
When buying from Sun Motors, you’re dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed.
Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles.
Why would you buy from anywhere else?
New driver car buying FAQs
Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I’m a first-time driver?
Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you’re over 18.
If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history.
Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance.
Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel!
How much is insurance for a new driver?
New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake.
The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value.
Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don’t ever buy a car without knowing how much it’ll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise.
What size engine can a new driver drive uk?
If you’ve passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it.
Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car.
What to look for when buying a used car for the first time
Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here.
- Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won’t share this information.
- Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done.
- Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small.
- Size – Don’t get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents.
- Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car.
Are used cars as safe as new cars?
Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.