You just passed your driving test, did you or a loved one? Finding the appropriate first car for newly certified drivers can be a challenge. The time has arrived to head out to the forecourt, and the anticipation is naturally strong after months of lusting after that license.
There are a few things beginners should keep in mind on a practical level. The greatest cars for new drivers are those that are also safe, easy to drive, and affordablenot just in terms of pricing and running costs, but also in terms of how much it will cost to get insurance as a first-time driver. Style will undoubtedly be high on your list of requirements.
For new drivers, purchasing a secondhand automobile is a great way to get a great deal. It may be worthwhile to have the vehicle you’re interested in subjected to a pre-purchase inspection. Although these checks will have have been performed on any vehicle purchased from an AA-approved dealer, you can still use this service even if you purchase your vehicle from a different source.
You can feel more at ease regarding the car’s mechanical condition thanks to our vehicle inspections. We may also provide you with a car data check. This verifies the car’s mileage, the number of prior owners, if it has been stolen or involved in an accident, and whether there is any outstanding debt on the vehicle.
Check to see if the vehicles you are considering have any active safety systems, such as electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) (ESC). These could aid in reducing traffic collisions. The Euro NCAP safety ratings are a valuable resource as well, but keep in mind that the test has evolved through time, making it impossible to directly compare vehicles of different ages.
Have you given premiums for insurance any thought? You should check which insurance category your selected car is in if you want to save money. Every automobile is a part of one of 50 different “groups.” The cost of insurance typically decreases as the number decreases. All of the vehicles we’ve suggested are often in cheaper insurance classes, although the specific model will determine this.
Only to a certain extent can lower insurance costs be achieved with the best automobiles for new drivers. You will almost certainly pay more for insurance if you lack expertise and a “No Claims Bonus” than experienced drivers. It can end up costing you more in some circumstances than the vehicle itself.
How much will you have to pay in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)? It can increase the cost of operating an automobile. It is also known as a car tax. The age of the vehicle will determine how much you have to pay because the VED system has altered a few times over the past 20 years. The car’s CO2 emissions or list price at launch could also be important considerations.
The good news is that you might not have to pay any VED on the proper vehicle. However, some automobiles could run you up to $570 annually, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting.
The MOT status of the vehicle you’re thinking of purchasing is another factor to take into account. If it is three years old or older, it must undergo testing every year to make sure it satisfies the requirements for roadworthiness and emissions. The vehicle information service offered by the DVLA allows you to look up the status of any vehicle.
We are aware that there are many considerations to make when purchasing a car for the first time, but it is always preferable to be ready. In light of this, the following are our top 10 picks for new drivers’ first cars:
The Vauxhall Corsa, one of the most well-liked small cars available, offers everything a new driver is searching for in a small, fashionable vehicle. It’s a cool automobile to drive in the town or city center because it’s compact, responsive, and energetic.
The Corsa is a cheap car that costs around 11,000 when fresh new and comes in a variety of engine sizes for efficient driving. purchasing used? For less than $5,000, it’s simple to find a five-year-old Corsa with fewer than 50,000 kilometers on the odometer.
sleek, enjoyable, and useful
The Renault Clio is an excellent vehicle for beginning drivers. It has a sporty design, economical and small engine sizes, and great features like automatic headlights and wipers, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The Clio is a dependable performer and a good choice for those who care about appearance. If your budget allows for it, you may purchase a 2014 Expression+ equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the Renault Bass Reflex sound system, cruise control, and a speed limiter for $6,000.
The Ford Fiesta is one of the greatest used vehicles for novice drivers because it is the UK’s all-time best-selling vehicle. Safety-conscious parents can restrict the music level and top speed of the car with the unique MyKey technology, which was debuted in 2012.
Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and an optional autobrake are other features of more recent versions.
Fiestas built after 2008 have received five stars in Euro NCAP tests, highlighting its reputation for safety (based on the tests at the time). This car, a 2015 1.25 Studio with only 30,000 km, offers excellent value for the price of about 5,500.
The finest vehicles for novice drivers are not always compact hatchbacks. If you’re looking for something a little larger, a used Nissan Qashqai can be a great option. It’s really useful for road trips, festivals, and pet owners.
Depending on how you drive it, of course, a Qashqai can be relatively affordable to run thanks to its different variants’ 1.2 or 1.5-litre diesel or petrol engines. It won’t cost the earth to buy either, with used Qashqais from under 6,000 that are five years old.
New drivers frequently choose the VW Polo. Your Polo is not only dependable; it also appeals to the driver who is concerned with their image. This has a lot more to offer, even though some of its competitors in its class may look more impressive.
With a “S” variant, the Polo offers comfort and safety features like automatic emergency braking, manual air conditioning, electric front windows, and ABS.
Another benefit of the Polo is its fuel economy. For instance, the official economy of a 1.0 TSI 95 BlueMotion is 67 mpg, whereas that of a 1.4 TDI is 74.3 mpg. There are undoubtedly bargains to be found under 7,000 when the time comes to buy.
For new drivers wishing to enter the luxury market right away, the Audi A3 is a wonderful first vehicle. It is a sophisticated compact with a sleek exterior and a well-designed interior. Its compact size makes it ideal for city and urban drivers, and it is well constructed and fun to drive.
The automobile is excellent for the price as well. Used 2014 Audi A3s with roughly 7,000 miles on them are available if you don’t mind a few extra miles on the odometer. It’s remarkably effective as well, providing good fuel economy, minimal CO2 emissions, as well as fairly priced insurance costs.
The popularity of the Fiat 500 has been on the rise since its 2007 redesign. Its recognizable, vintage style appeals to novice drivers of all ages, especially those who want to make an impression when driving around town.
There is a 500L variant available for individuals who want 5 doors and more room in the back. The 500 and 500L both guarantee outstanding fuel efficiency and minimal operating expenses. A used 5-year-old model will be simple to obtain in the 4,0005,000 price range as well.
The Toyota Yaris is an easy-to-maintain vehicle that is more than capable of withstanding the test of time, making it by far one of the best used vehicles for beginning drivers in terms of value. The Yaris has a number of appealing qualities, including a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, excellent reliability, and ease of operation.
Because of its fuel effectiveness, running costs are not too expensive. One of the least expensive cars to insure is the 1.0-liter Yaris, which is classified as Insurance Group 3. For a five-year-old model with a respectable amount of miles on the odometer, budget roughly $6,000.
VW earns a second spot in our top 10 with the Golf, a premium first vehicle for beginning drivers. The VW range’s step-up from the Polo features excellent refinements and dependability. Remember that it’s a little bit heavier than other first cars and that insurance rates are more than for other models, but that fuel expenses are acceptable compared to other choices.
At the lower end of the pricing range, some used VW Golfs from 2014 onward may have more than 100,000 miles on them. But don’t be deterred by this. Golfs are quite reliable and will continue to operate for many years.
The Ford Focus is one of the most well-liked cars on the road, second only to its smaller brother in terms of popularity, and it is safer and more rational than a Fiesta. The Focus handles well, is smooth to drive, and boasts good official fuel efficiency figures. The 1.0T EcoBoost 100 estimates up to 65.7 mpg.
Since the Focus has been so well-liked since its release, there are many opportunities to get a great deal on a secondhand car. A 3-year-old Focus with ABS, an Auto-Start-Stop System, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, and a heated windscreen may be found if your budget can go up to $8,000.
With so many reliable vehicles for novice drivers on the market, be sure to browse our collection of used vehicles to find out what’s available in your region. Don’t forget that when you purchase from one of our approved dealers, you receive a year of free breakdown protection as well as the assurance that your vehicle has undergone a mechanical inspection.
In This Article...
Is an Audi a reliable vehicle for a teen?
The mid-size Audi A3 has solid crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA as well as above-average dependability, emergency handling, and braking performance ratings from Consumer Reports all of which are required for novice drivers.
Is buying an Audi worthwhile?
The luxury and sophistication associated with the Audi name are typically very expensive. Although purchasing a new Audi may be a wise investment, not everyone wants to pay new-Audi costs. However, you don’t have to buy a new Audi to receive a decent Audi because it is one of the top luxury manufacturers available.
Which car is best as a first car? What brand, model, style?
The plethora of options might be perplexing and overwhelming when selecting a decent first car. What is the best brand? What type? Which automobile is the cheapest? Which insurance fee is lower? Which vehicle has the best fuel efficiency? Which one is most preferred by other drivers who are purchasing their first vehicle?
Our Recommendations
Despite the fact that we are aware there is no single “You should start by looking at a new or used Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Scion iC/xB/tC, or Mazda3 to find the ideal first car that suits everyone’s likes and budget. These are a few of the most well-liked “new drivers are now selecting their first vehicles.
Considering that these cars offer almost all of the qualities that novice drivers strive for in a first car:
- Cheap to purchase
- Costly to operate and maintain
- Very trustworthy
- excellent work
- good fuel economy
- Fun and simple to drive
- decent style
- safe with many of security measures
- Cost-effective insurance
- elevated resale values
If you can afford one of these brand-new models, there are excellent prices available right now thanks to amazing customer incentives from the auto industry, including rebates, low-interest loans, and exclusive lease offers.
Prices for previously owned models of the aforementioned vehicles are relatively affordable if you are unable to purchase a brand-new vehicle. Purchase the newest model with the lowest mileage that you can afford.
Don’t purchase any vehicle with more than average miles for its age, even if some manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and other Japanese brands, are typically quite dependable. The average annual mileage is thought to be around 15,000 miles. For instance, if an automobile is four years old and has more than 60,000 miles on it, wait to buy it until a professional has properly inspected it.
Other Recommendations for Best First Car
The Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima (4-cyl), Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado trucks, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Subaru Forester are additional excellent options for an affordable first car. All of these cars have proven reliability records, are practical, and have affordable insurance rates.
The Scion FR-S and its nearly identical twin, the Subaru BRZ, are two sporty new automobiles that are popular as first cars.
You might want to think about a Lexus ES, Acura TSX, Mercedes C-Class (4-cyl), Audi A4, and Infiniti G in a higher price bracket (now Q). These vehicles have a little higher purchase price and insurance costs, but their resale value is higher and their operating costs are lower.
Are Audis costly to maintain?
Additionally, CARCHEX contracts have affordable prices. The terms for bumper-to-bumper protection on a 2017 Honda CR-V with 45,000 kilometers are as follows:
FAQ: Audi Maintenance Cost
Audis are expensive to maintain as vehicles. The average annual cost of an Audi repair, according to RepairPal, is $987. This is significantly more than the $652 average across all brands. Because Audis are luxury automobiles and employ pricey speciality parts, their routine maintenance expenses are also probably a little more than those of most other types.
If maintained properly, almost any car, even an Audi, may last for many years. Audi owners claim to have kept their cars for up to 150,000 miles.
Audi automobiles do not include maintenance for nothing. Customers can, however, purchase Audi prepaid maintenance contracts. Some Audi dealers might provide free vehicle maintenance protection.