What Are The Best Cars For First Time Drivers?

You’ll always remember it: your first-ever car. As well as making sure it’s credible when you’re asked in the future about what it was, your first car needs to suit your new-to-the-roads driving ability, and your budget. After months of driving lessons, it’s likely you’ll be looking for an affordable first car.

Working out what to look for in your first car will help narrow down your search; here are the qualities of the best cars for first-time drivers… 

Cheap to buy 

Learning to drive is no cheap thing to do, and after months of expensive lessons, not to mention the cost of your test, you’ll hardly want to shell out a lot for your first car. Car finance may be an option that saves you having to pay an entire lump sum for your car (instead you can pay it off in instalments). 

Regardless, the initial purchase price will still need to be low in order to be affordable, even if you choose to pay monthly. 

Economical 

Affordability doesn’t stop at the purchase price; the cost of running a car on an ongoing basis needs to be reasonable too. Choosing smaller, cheaper cars will keep the cost of things like tax and insurance low - the bigger the engine and more expensive the car itself, the bigger a risk it is to insurers, so the higher your premiums. A smaller engine will help keep fuel costs low too!  

Small and nippy 

Although you’ve just passed your test, your confidence out and about on your own could probably still do with some building, and that’s going to be harder in a bigger car that’s more difficult to maneuver. Not only are smaller cars more likely to cost you less, but they’ll also have you reverse-parking in the supermarket like a pro. 

Reliable 

Nothing puts a dampener on your new found freedom like a breakdown at the side of the road - it can be a pretty scary thing to happen. Cars that are renowned for mechanical problems are best avoided by first-time drivers. Experienced motorists might be happy to take the risk, but for first time drivers, it’s best to go with the tried and tested runarounds. 

So what are some ideal cars for those that have just passed their test? Here are some examples of top cars for first-time drivers…

Ford KA

The Ford KA has long been the first car of choice, and even as it has evolved visually and mechanically, it’s still a firm favourite amongst first-time drivers. It’s affordable, easy to drive, and it’s unlikely to let you down.

Fiat 500 

This first car comes with a generous dollop of style, and with good safety ratings, it’s a good bet too. If your first car needs to regularly transport passengers, the Fiat 500 is a car to consider; it’s deceptively spacious inside. 

Hyundai i10 

As a practical city car, the i10 is a natural choice for first-time drivers. Dinky dimensions and a peppy engine make it fun to drive as well as being super practical, and thanks to a smaller engine, it’s cheap to run. 

Renault Twingo 

Cute and compact, the Renault Twingo is a first car with personality, with well-laid-out controls inside that just make sense to new drivers. Twingos are reasonably priced and cheap to run, ticking the budget boxes on your search for the perfect first car. 

Peugeot 208

If you want your first car to still have a fair few cool features on board, you can’t go far wrong with a Peugeot 208. Modern examples have all the practicality and fuel economy you’d want from a first car, alongside driver conveniences like smartphone integration and parking sensors. 

Find your first car at Carlingo 

We’re proud to offer the full spectrum of cars here at Carlingo, from big family SUVs to the small hatchbacks favoured by first time drivers. If you’ve just passed your test and you’re looking to hit the road in something good, make Carlingo your first port of call. Browse online today.