Top Cars for First-Time Buyers

What Makes a Good First Car?

Price is typically the top consideration when buying your first car. But safety should be high on the list as well — see if its crash test scores and key safety equipment are up there. After that, consider whether you can afford to drive and maintain the car, including fuel, insurance and servicing. Size matters as well — make sure it fits in your garage or parking space. Stylishness, reliability and fun have a say as well — you want it to be a car in which you feel good sitting behind the wheel, after all. Choosing a new versus used vehicle will influence your options even more, with trade-offs on both sides of the equation.

Best New Cars For New Drivers

New cars are reassuring, with full warranties and the most up-to-date technology. City driving calls for budget-friendly, compact and easy-to-handle cars, the reason for which choosing models like the Kia Picanto and Suzuki Swift makes complete sense. The Toyota Corolla is another best-seller thanks to its legendary reliability and resale value — plus solid fuel economy. If you want something a bit sportier, the Mazda 3 offers style, safety and excellent handling. Hyundai i30, Coming in at a relatively low entry price with inexpensive servicing, the i30 provides great value for cash. If you're looking for something a bit more premium, the Volkswagen Polo will offer you comfort and more features while still retaining that laughably low ANCAP rating, 5 stars.

Ten Best Used Cars for New Drivers

For buyers on a tighter budget, however, the used market has many good options. The Mazda 2 is a gem—small, efficient, fun. Smart options include the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent, both reliable and with low running costs. Holden Barina — not at all a sexy car, but gives decent features for a bargain price. Volkswagen Up! is also ideal for cramped city quarters and delivers surprising safety for its size. Another popular one is the Ford Fiesta (the one from 2013 onwards) with its fuel economy, safety, mixing smart looks.

Key Features to Look For

No matter if you’re shopping new or used, safety should be of the utmost importance. Try to aim for 5-Star ANCAP safety rated vehicles, consider features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, Reversing Cameras. You can also unveil a lot on accident protection with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Side Curtain Airbags. Conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, plus a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, make things easier, especially for new drivers. Leather seats can look stunning, but they can be expensive to get in and out of while cloth seats are versatile, warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. Vehicles fitted with lower profile tyres will appear sportier, however running costs will increase with a shorter wear life and a more expensive replacement.

Ownership Cost and Practical Considerations

First-time buyers need to look beyond the sticker price — the running costs are important as well. Long warranties and capped-price servicing from brands help you budget your upkeep costs. Opt for vehicles with service intervals of 12 months and confirm if roadside assistance is part of the package. Want to keep your weekly spend heavy slurping, per-use charges low?42 When it finally went into production was the Renault Clio, the Renault Megane and the Ford Focus a fit, for example. Insurance also ranks among new drivers’ biggest expenses, so it can be wise to get insurance quotes for various models before making a decision. And of course, always test drive, and if a car’s used, have it mechanically inspected before purchase to avoid nasty surprises.