Buying your first car is a milestone in every driver's life. That first taste of car ownership is freeing, exciting, and exhilarating, allowing you to not only experience true freedom, but also to select a vehicle that expresses your personality or meets your specific demands.
It is, however, not without cost. Insurance isn't cheap, and if you buy secondhand, there's a good chance you'll end up with a lemon that will cost you more to repair than it cost you to buy. But if you choose wisely, your first car will be one you'll cherish – and one that will keep a particular place in your heart for many years.
The Nissan Micra's looks aren't for everyone, but underneath its rounded edges comes a car that's similarly rounded. It's simple to drive and well-built, and the engines are both powerful and efficient. Meanwhile, there's plenty of room inside, as well as a clever sliding rear seat that lets you modify the mix of back legroom and boot space. Most importantly, the Micra has a stellar record for dependability, so it should be trouble-free.
Meanwhile, there's plenty of room inside, as well as a clever sliding rear seat that lets you modify the mix of back legroom and boot space. Most importantly, the Micra has a stellar record for dependability, so it should be trouble-free.
It's difficult to think of a better first automobile than the Ford Ka. It's not only ridiculously cheap to buy and run, but it's also ridiculously simple to fix when something goes wrong. It's also a breeze to drive because to the light controls and small proportions. But it's also a lot of fun to drive, and it's surprisingly comfy and quiet while doing so.
True, with only four seats and three doors, you'll have a hard time fitting all of your friends in the rear, and the boot is cramped. However, there are few cheap'n'cheery used cars that are quite as inexpensive, or indeed, as cheerful.
The Skoda Fabia is one of the most practical first automobiles you can buy. It's tough, dependable, safe, and capacious. OK, it's not the coolest thing on four wheels, and driving it isn't particularly thrilling, but it's nevertheless enjoyable, with superb ride comfort and precise controls that make manoeuvring simple.
With plenty of space in the back seats and a spacious cargo, it's a first car that should be able to handle any situation.
The Renault Clio is one of the best first cars you can buy for £1000, and so it goes at the £2000 mark, too, with this slightly newer and lower mileage model we found. Not only is it a particularly safe small car, having scored five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests when it was launched, but it also feels upmarket inside and rides extremely comfortably.
You also get a lot of toys, and the light steering makes it comfortable to drive. Prices are also inexpensive, making it a great deal. Electrical issues can arise again, although the majority of defects are inexpensive and simple to repair.
The Volkswagen Polo has always been regarded as one of the most upscale little vehicles, and the current model is no exception. As a result, values are high, and you won't get as much car for your money. However, if you can live with a lower specification, you'll receive a better interior, better build quality, and a more pleasant, grown-up-feeling driving experience.
As long as you stick with a petrol, manual car, Polos should be tough and durable, with relatively few reliability difficulties.
The Vauxhall Corsa is a great value even at this price. Because it's such a good deal, you'll get a newer, better-equipped car for your money than most of its competitors; moreover, the features that make the Corsa so appealing at £2000 still apply.
Its luxurious cabin, smooth ride, and generous cargo room continue to impress. It isn't as much fun to drive or as high-quality as some of its competitors, but it is a highly capable all-arounder.