Choosing Your First Used Car Wisely
By Motor Match • 16/02/2024
For a first-time buyer, navigating through the sea of vehicles to can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, future drivers, for we have distilled the essence of used car wisdom into a road map tailored for you.
As a new driver, your primary concern should be the reliability of your new ride. Look for vehicles that have a reputation for longevity and have been well-maintained by their previous owners.
Before you even set foot in a dealership, know how much you're willing to spend. Factor in not just the purchase price, but also recurring costs like insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Vehicles registered before March 2017 often benefit from lower road tax rates, so keep an eye out for this in your search.
Let’s dive into a selection of the best-used first cars, catering to the practical and aspirational needs of the new driver.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a household name and for good reason. A used Ford Fiesta packs a punch with a range of nippy engines and its compact size makes it perfect for city life. Despite its small stature, the Fiesta's cabin is surprisingly spacious and well-designed, with a modern feel thanks to its updated technology features. It's no wonder this model consistently tops the charts as one of the UK's best-selling cars.
The Fiesta boasts low running costs due to its fuel-efficient engines, while insurance rates are also on the lower end for first-time car owners.
Vauxhall Corsa
If you're after something that's spacious, easy to use, and has a wide range of engine choices, the Vauxhall Corsa is a perfect contender. Its popularity means that finding a used model, often with low mileage, isn't a challenge. You'll likely get a lot of car for not a lot of money.
The Corsa has a reputation for reliability and running costs that won't break the bank, and insurance costs are among the lowest in its class, which is always a plus for first-time drivers.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is a stylish and incredibly popular choice for new drivers. Its quirky design and vibrant colour options make it an attractive proposition. Its incredibly compact and easy to park thanks to the City Steering feature, ideal for a new driver.
But what about the running costs? Fortunately, the 500 is available with several fuel-efficient engines, making it a great option for those keeping an eye on day-to-day expenses.
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo excels in comfort, cabin refinement, and driving dynamics, giving you a more sophisticated experience for your daily commutes. It’s also a car that generally holds its value, which can be advantageous when it comes time for an upgrade.
VW's track record for building durable cars benefits the Polo, which tends to hold up well even after years of use. Its engines, particularly the efficient TSI petrol units, keep fuel bills in check.
Selecting your first car is an exciting journey, and there’s a lot to consider. Whichever model you choose, remember to do your research, take test drives, and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to ensure you make a purchase that’s reliable, enjoyable, and right for you. Welcome to the road - happy driving!
You may also like…