10 Best Used Cars for New Drivers
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Learning to drive a car is an important milestone in life. After you complete the lessons, pass the theory test and successfully pass the practical exam, you will finally get to the good part - getting your first set of wheels.
However, choosing your first car can seem like a daunting task. You have so many things to think about, including how much it will cost, how you plan to use the car, and which one will best suit your needs. With all that in mind, here is our guide to the top 10 first cars you can buy.
1. Ford Fiesta
No wonder the Ford Fiesta has been the best selling car in the UK for many years now. It looks great, is available with smart tech like voice control and a heated windshield (perfect for freezing mornings), and is just as fun to drive as some sports cars. Really. It's perfect for novice drivers because it feels confident on the road and inspires confidence when you're behind the wheel, even if you've just passed your test.
You can choose from a wide range of models, including many with a small engine that gives you enough power to get you out of an intersection safely, but which won't cost a new driver a fortune to insure. For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend the popular 100 hp version of the 1.0 liter petrol engine.
Disadvantages? Well, it's hard to stand out in the UK's most popular car. And while the running costs are very reasonable, there are more affordable cars to buy and insure. All in all, the Fiesta is a great choice for your first car.
Read our Ford Fiesta review
2. Volkswagen Polo
Some of the cars on this list are in the affordable part of the market, and there's a lot to be said for that. But if you want something a little more premium, check out the Volkswagen Polo. You can pay a little more for it, but the Polo still gives you good value for money, with a high quality interior and low running costs thanks to some very efficient engines.
It's a pleasure to ride, with an emphasis on comfort rather than outright enjoyment, making it very light. The trunk is a good size, and versions from 2017 have a large touchscreen that you can connect to your smartphone for entertainment or navigation. In addition, all models are equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic braking, which can help you avoid a collision.
Read our Volkswagen Polo review.
3. Nissan Mikra
The latest version of the Nissan Micra was released in 2017, and it continues to be at the forefront of modern cars, offering many features and technologies to make your journeys easier. All models allow you to stream music via Bluetooth and have USB connectors for charging devices.
In addition, you can choose a Micra with a 0.9-litre or 1.0-litre petrol engine, making it very economical when it comes to insurance. Oh, and the safety organization EuroNCAP has given it a top five-star rating - all Micras come with automatic emergency braking to keep you and those around you safer.
Read our review of the Nissan Micra.
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4. Vauxhall Corsa
For many new buyers, the Vauxhall Corsa has long been the standard alternative to the Ford Fiesta. Now, while you now have a lot more choice than those two familiar hatchbacks, the little Vauxhall still deserves attention. This is a very affordable used purchase and the running costs are also very reasonable. Since a completely new version was released in 2019, you can now get the previous generation model (pictured) even cheaper.
Insuring multiple versions is very beneficial, especially the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre models, which are available in several different trim levels. The Corsa until 2019 comes in a sporty three-door version, or there's a five-door model that makes it easier for your friends or family to get in or out of the rear seats.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa review.
5. Skoda Fabia Estate.
If you need as much luggage space as possible, check out the Skoda Fabia station wagon. We like it because it's the only car of its size available as a station wagon and it has a huge trunk compared to others on this list. If you need to carry a lot of gear or even a large dog, the extra space and higher trunk can make all the difference.
All Fabias have very low maintenance costs. Small engines provide excellent fuel economy and most models have a low insurance group rating. Choose the S trim level with the 1.0-litre MPI engine for the lowest insurance premiums.
Read our Skoda Fabia review.
6. Volkswagen Ap
You may notice that the Volkswagen Up looks a lot like the other two small city cars, the Seat Mii and the Skoda Citigo. That's because it's essentially the same car - all made by the Volkswagen Group. Of these three, we think the VW will suit you best because it has the most stylish look and you will have a wide range of models to choose from. It costs a bit more than a Seat or Skoda, but the Up still delivers very low running costs, significant fuel economy, and very low insurance group ratings.
While the Up is smaller than cars like the Ford Fiesta, there's room for you and three passengers in the cabin, as well as a surprisingly practical trunk. The Up's compact dimensions make it easy to fit into the smallest parking space, yet it handles smoothly at speed, making it a handy motorway cruiser.
7. Seat Ibiza
If you want a bit of a sporty vibe but the Fiesta is too mainstream for you, take a look at the Seat Ibiza. The latest version of this Spanish hatchback was released in 2017, so it is still quite modern in terms of interior technology and design.
If you opt for the 1.0-litre petrol engine, you will pay very little for insurance, although all models are well priced and excellent value for money. The entry-level S model is the most affordable, but we recommend looking at models with SE technology for added features such as alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and a touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Read our Seat Ibiza review
8. Dacia Sandero
You might not think the Dacia Sandero is the coolest car on this list, but when you look at how many cars you get for your money, nothing else can match it. For the purchase price and the cost of insurance, the Sandero is an absolute bargain and it has a huge amount of space inside. It is comfortable and pleasant to ride, whether you are driving in the city or driving on the motorway.
It's not fancy or flashy, but the Sandero is a very modern car for the price of something much older. If you want your hard earned money to go as far as possible, this is definitely worth considering.
9. Renault Zoe
If you want to be one step ahead, the all-electric, zero-emission Renault Zoe could be the car for you. It's one of the most affordable all-electric cars around, and its small size makes it easy to maneuver around town. Charging it with electricity will be much more cost-effective than filling it up with petrol or diesel, but make sure you consider the logistics of finding a charging point and remember that it will cost you more to insure than similar ones. small gasoline powered vehicles.
If it suits your lifestyle, the Zoe makes a great first car. It's loaded with safety features, easy to drive and, like most electric vehicles, quiet and surprisingly nimble. The interior looks elegant and futuristic and offers enough space for four people and their luggage.
Read our Renault Zoe review.
10. Fiat 500
Fiat 500 has one important feature - style. Released way back in 2007, few cars still capture your heart quite like the 500, thanks to its funky retro design and, when new, tons of ways to personalize it. This means there are countless versions of the 500 on sale, making it less likely that someone will have one just like you.
Is this the best car on this list? Objectively no. There are other cars that are more practical, comfortable and pleasant to drive. But while it's a soulful purchase, it still needs to be cost-effective to insure it, give you good fuel economy, and put a smile on your face every time you look at it.
Read our Fiat 500 review
There are many quality Used cars to choose from at Cazoo and now you can get a new or used car with Kazu's subscription. Just use the search feature to find what you like and then buy, fund or subscribe to it online. You can order delivery to your door or pick up in the nearest Cazoo Customer Service Center.
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