Best first cars to buy in 2025: Top 10

Learning to drive may be daunting at first, but the send of freedom that comes from being able to jump in a car and head off in whichever direction you choose is huge. No longer relying on your parents for lifts is a bonus, too.

But before you attempt to pass your driving test, it’s a good idea to think about what your first car might be. You might want something cool to show off to your mates, but the harsh reality is that the cost of car insurance for new drivers will limit you to small, low-powered car.

Your first car needn’t be one to forget, however. There are lots of good first cars out there that can be safe, well-equipped, comfortable and fun to drive, while still being affordable to buy, tax, fuel and insure.

In our list of the best first cars we’ve pulled together used options for a variety of budgets, ranging from as little as £1,500 for a reliable starter car.  Crucially, all of these options are among the cheapest cars to insure on the market.

Best first cars 2025: the shortlist

• Nissan Micra (2003-2010)
• Toyota Aygo (2005-2011)
• Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)
• Volkswagen Up (2012-2023)
• Fiat 500 (2008-present)
• Vauxhall Corsa (2014-2018)
• Renault Clio (2013-2019)
• SEAT Ibiza (2008-2017)
• Kia Picanto (2011-2017)
• Hyundai i10 (2014-2019)

1. Nissan Micra (2003-2010)

Price: from £1,000   

Exciting. Sexy. These are two words you probably wouldn’t use to describe the Nissan Micra of the mid-to-late 2000s. But if you’re after a reliable, comfortable and (above all) cheap first car, this generation of Micra is an excellent place to start.

It’s a car once beloved by driving instructors for a reason: the Micra is easy to drive and park thanks to light controls and great visibility, while the best engine (the 80hp 1.2 litre petrol) is willing, frugal and cheap to insure. The interior is well-equipped and flexible thanks to a sliding rear seat bench, but above all the Micra is known for being almost bulletproof if looked after. 

2: Toyota Aygo (2005-2011)

Price: from £1,200

The Toyota Aygo is everything a first car should be: affordable to buy, cheap to insure, fun to drive and unlikely to leave you broken down at the side of the road. Its simple design also means it’s cheap to repair if you have a prang, while a lightweight body helps its modest yet willing 1.0-litre engine use very little fuel.

When shopping for an Aygo it’s also worth considering its sister cars: the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108. They’re the same car underneath, so you can buy the one you like the look of most.

3. Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)

Price: from £1,500

For decades the Ford Fiesta has been a go-to choice for many new drivers looking to hit the road, and for good reason. It ticks all the value boxes, being affordable to insure, fuel efficient and cheap to repair, while there are so many about that finding one for a good price is easy.

But the Fiesta is more than good on paper: it’s an absolute hoot to drive. Great steering and engaging handling makes every drive fun, and enables you to get the best out of its excellent 1.25 litre petrol engine. This generation also comes with a cabin that’s far less basic and cramped than old Fiestas.

4. Volkswagen Up (2012-2023)

Price: from £2,000

Like the Toyota Aygo, the brilliant Volkswagen Up shows how clever design still features on the smallest and cheapest cars on sale. It’s impressive use of space means for adults can squeeze in its compact body and still have room for a bit of luggage in the boot.

The Up’s range of talents are extensive: it’s fun to drive around town, surprisingly comfortable and refined on a motorway, well-made, safe (it was a five-star Euro NCAP car when first tested) reliable and one of the cheapest modern cars to run out there. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine doesn’t feel hopelessly underpowered, either. Also consider the Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii, which have slightly different designs but are the same car underneath.

5. Fiat 500 (2008-present)

Price: from £1,400

Sometimes an iconic car has an enduring presence – even a modern reinvention of an icon. The Fiat 500 is one of them, and even two decades on since its launch it’s a hugely popular car that shows no signs of disappearing.

A used one also makes an excellent first car. With plenty about you can pick one up for a low price, and while the 1.2-litre engine isn’t exactly fast it’s reliable and economical. Its tiny size makes it a doddle to park and manoeuvre, too, while the interior has a funky design – if not the space of larger cars in this list. Oh, and if your budget can stretch to it there's a convertible version, too.

6. Vauxhall Corsa (2014-2018)

Price: from £2,250

The Vauxhall Corsa is another well-established driving school favourite, and that in turn makes it an excellent choice for your first car. Easy to drive, cheap to run and surprisingly spacious, the Corsa also comes well-equipped as standard and offers a comfortable, refined driving experience.  

The 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines are smooth and quiet enough, while the Corsa is cheap to repair and unlikely to break the bank when it comes to insurance. If you’ve got tall mates, they’ll also appreciate the extra legroom in the back over some cars in this list, too.

7. Renault Clio (2013-2019)

Price: from £2,200

There are a lot of small cars that fit the bill as a first car for new drivers, but only a few do it with a real sense of style thrown in. The Renault Clio is one of them. A desirable French car since 1990, the Clio has long been the transport of choice for many young people building up their skills behind the wheel.

This generation is still charming to look at inside and out but also introduces a more grown-up driving experience. It’s proved reliable, too, and the 74hp 1.2 petrol engine is cheap to run and attainable on insurance, while all versions are well equipped and come with five doors – great for giving your friends a lift to college.

8. SEAT Ibiza (2008-2017)

Price: from £1,250

The SEAT Ibiza is a long-established small car that’s closely related to the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo. But the Ibiza has always been the favourite of the trio for younger drivers, and with its stylish design it’s not hard to see why.

The SEAT also has generally keener pricing in its corner, while still being affordable to run especially with the 1.0-litre petrol engine. Its modest performance might not make it feel as sporty as it looks, but it’s still enjoyable to drive, while also being well made and well equipped.

9. Kia Picanto (2011-2017)

Price: from £1,500

There are ‘cooler’ small cars out there if style matters most, but the Kia Picanto’s quietly smart design hides a small car with many talents: not least exceptionally low running costs and strong reliability.

The Picanto offers space for four adults (just), and an easy about-town driving experience thanks to great visibility and light controls. The 68hp 1.0 litre engine offers just enough performance for a first car, and makes the Picanto one of the cheapest cars to insure out there. Low repair costs and keen pricing are the icing on the cake

10. Hyundai i10 (2014-2018)

Price: from £2,250

The Hyundai i10 is closely related to the Picanto (above) but a new generation always came slightly earlier. The 2014-on i10 is an even more accomplished car than the Kia, with a more mature driving experience, more space and a nicer interior overall.

It’s fun to drive even with the least powerful engine, yet it’s comfortable and quiet enough to not feel out of its depth on the motorway. Combine that with good equipment levels, a great infotainment system and exceptional reliability and it’s well worth considering as your first car.

Best first car FAQs

What’s the best first car?

Some of the best first car choices for new drivers include the Nissan Micra, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Up.

What is the cheapest car to insure for 17-year-olds?

RAC Insurance data reveals that the Fiat 500 is likely to be the cheapest car to insure for 17-year-old drivers, with the city car receiving the lowest quotes on average of any car.

Should I get a newer or older first car?

It’s advisable to go for a newer, smaller first car for the same money as something older, that might be larger or have a more powerful engine.  This is because the newer the car the better condition it tends to be, while newer cars tend to have more safety features and lower insurance costs.