Top Eight Second-Hand Cars for Your Teen’s First Drive

After enduring driving lessons and finally obtaining that coveted license, the anticipation of cruising in your first car can be exhilarating. However, the dream of a classic 1960s Ford Mustang convertible might need to be tempered with reality. With expenses for fuel, road tax, servicing, and MOT, many new drivers find themselves opting for more affordable options or inherited vehicles. A major hurdle, often overshadowed by the excitement, is the expense of insurance which can deter young drivers from flashy or sporty models until they accumulate some driving history and a no-claims bonus. Moreover, many insurance providers may require young drivers to have a black box — a monitoring device — installed to qualify for coverage. But there’s no need to stress; starting with a manageable vehicle is a great approach. A useful guideline is: if you can spin the tires, you may have chosen too powerful a car. For more tips, refer to our buying guide.

Buying Process

Most prospective car buyers begin their journey on car sales websites, leading them to either private sellers or dealerships. These platforms often provide essential tips for navigating the purchasing process. Generally, buyers feel more secure when purchasing from dealers, as they’re less likely to disappear with your money. It is crucial, however, to thoroughly vet the car’s history and condition – having a mechanic inspect the vehicle can be invaluable. Organizations like the AA offer detailed reports after evaluating the car, which can highlight minor issues that might allow you to negotiate a better price. Additionally, the AA conducts HPI checks to confirm the car’s history, ensuring it hasn’t been stolen, imported, or written off by insurers.

Traditionally, purchasing from dealerships involved two payment options: cash or instalments, which are now referred to as financing. While dealers may offer credit, older vehicles may not qualify. The increasingly popular personal contract purchase (PCP) agreements are typically not available for vehicles over eight or nine years old at the end of the contract. Hire purchase agreements can extend longer, up to 15 years or more, depending on the dealership. If you decide to buy from a private seller, be prepared to pay the whole amount upfront. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of the sale — ensure that the person selling the car has the rightful ownership before making any cash transactions.

Ensuring Safety

The vehicles listed on the right received top safety marks during their release, but due to advancements in automotive safety, they’d likely score lower today. As safety technology continues to evolve, it’s a challenge to keep up unless you’re frequently changing cars. It’s advisable to steer clear of models like the 2005-09 Chevrolet Matiz hatchback, which was rated poorly for safety upon its debut. Also, be cautious of quadricycles, such as the Citroën Ami or Nissan Silence nanocar, which do not adhere to the same safety standards as standard cars.

Insurance Costs

To give you an idea of insurance expenses, we consulted with a price-comparison platform to compile a list of some of the most economical vehicles to own. The data reflects purchasing prices, insurance rates, and the all-important style factor. These quotes pertain to a 20-year-old first-time driver who is a full-time student living with parents in Milton Keynes, with the car parked in the parent’s driveway.

The insurance estimates include a black box, which monitors driving patterns like speed and braking, allowing insurers to reward safe driving with reduced premiums. As time passes and you gain experience, insurance costs tend to decrease. There’s a common saying that by the time you can afford to insure your dream car, you might not be as interested in it anymore.

Top Eight Second-Hand Cars for New Drivers

Fiat 500

Model year: 2009
Price: £2,000 – £4,500
Insurance: £1,036.48
Cool Rating: ★★★☆☆
This modern update of Fiat’s classic Cinquecento is not only adorable but also easy to maneuver in urban environments. It’s a great starter car, though the rear seating isn’t ideal for adults.

Renault Clio Dynamique

Model year: 2010
Price: under £5,000
Insurance: £1,231.35
Cool Rating: ★★★☆☆
Marketed to a younger audience in the ’90s, the Renault Clio remains a popular choice for first-time buyers, with ample availability across the UK. Opting for a petrol variant is recommended over diesel.

Kia Picanto 1 1.0

Model year: 2012
Price: £2,000 – £5,000
Insurance: £1,262.40
Cool Rating: ★★☆☆☆
The Kia Picanto is compact, agile, and well-equipped, offering a stylish aesthetic compared to other budget cars, focusing on reliability rather than legacy.

VW Polo Match 1.2

Model year: 2009
Price: £1,500 – £3,500
Insurance: £1,270.13
Cool Rating: ★★★★☆
This automobile offers a great balance of comfort, fuel economy, and a quieter engine compared to other similar models, making it a strong contender for a first vehicle.

Seat Mii 1.0 S 3-door

Model year: 2012
Price: £2,000 – £5,000
Insurance: £1,309.01
Cool Rating: ★★★☆☆
While it excels in short trips and city driving, the compact design isn’t ideal for longer journeys. Its simplicity makes it a solid choice for a first car, still widely available on the used market.

Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style

Model year: 2009
Price: £2,000 – £4,000
Insurance: £1,392.45
Cool Rating: ★★★☆☆
This widely loved hatchback offers an engaging driving experience, particularly with the economical turbo engine option. It was a bestseller in the UK for many years.

Skoda Citigo-e iV SE

Model year: 2020
Price: £8,500 – £11,500
Insurance: £1,544
Cool Rating: ★★★★☆
For those considering an electric option, the Citigo offers practicality with a 160-mile range, ideal for eco-conscious drivers who commute an average of 20 miles daily.

Mini One 1.6 3-door

Model year: 2012
Price: £2,000 – £4,000
Insurance: £1,563.24
Cool Rating: ★★★★☆
This model has more room than its predecessor, providing a blend of compactness and performance that’s budget-friendly, although it may carry a higher insurance rate.