7 of the best used cars for new drivers UK News

Driving tests have resumed after months of delays and cancellations, and a wave of new drivers are hitting the road after finally getting their licenses.

Many of these new drivers will be looking for their first car, but with such a large market, it can be difficult to choose a suitable model.

While we all love a brand new engine, for many newbies a used vehicle is a more affordable option, especially when you factor in insurance and other running costs. We spoke to James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars, to get his advice on the best used cars for new drivers as well as advice on buying your first car.

This VW is practical and fun to drive, while its engine size makes it inexpensive. It is above all a city car and ideal for driving around narrow streets, but it is just as fun to drive on the highways. It has earned the maximum five stars on the Euro NCAP rating and comes with a number of safety features such as driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes.

With smaller and less powerful engines, the Fabia is among the cheapest to insure and is one of the most spacious superminis on the market. It meets the very important five-star safety rating, while enjoying good fuel economy, keeping running costs low. Features that may appeal to young drivers include the two USB ports on the back, allowing their friends to keep phones charged on long trips.

Corsas have been a must-have first car for new drivers for many years, but there’s a reason for it. It is a solid all-rounder, ideal for city centers and open road driving, while offering excellent value for money. It is a robust and reliable vehicle, also offering good fuel economy.

The Fiesta is one of the best-selling cars in the UK, with its driving experience always a highlight. Ford has perfected the art of making an inexperienced driver feel at home behind the wheel. The new models even come with an innovation called MyKey, offering a key that parents can code to activate a number of behavior-related settings, such as a maximum speed, a seat belt reminder, and even a maximum volume for the stereo.

This car is very versatile, attractively priced, and safety is a highlight – with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Ford Fiestas are still the most obvious choice if you’re looking for the best supermini to drive, but the Clio offers a comfortable experience and is easy to drive around tight corners in a city center.

The Swift is very cost effective to use and feels roomy for such a small car. It performs especially well on shorter trips to stores or around city centers, thanks to its light steering and tight turning radius. However, it’s a bit noisier on the highway than the likes of the Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta, and therefore may not be as well suited to drivers who regularly need to cover longer distances.

This car is one of the cheapest to insure, and the new mid-range models are loaded with tech that will appeal to young drivers. It’s a comfortable ride, even over the deepest potholes. While it’s well suited for city driving, it certainly doesn’t feel out of place on a highway.

Beginner drivers looking for their first car should complete the same checks recommended for all buyers. These include checking that the service history is up to date, researching the cost of auto tax, finding the next MOT date, and reviewing the vehicle’s history. You should also check the car for any mechanical or electrical damage or faults and if you are unsure about doing so, consider a professional inspection. It may also be worth taking out a third-party warranty, depending on the age and value of the car.

Young drivers tend to pay more for their insurance. Therefore, before committing to a certain model, you should get a quote on the cost of its insurance and compare it with other models.

Younger and younger drivers are at greater risk of having a road accident, so take the time to check the car’s Euro NCAP safety rating, which will tell you how well it will protect you in the worst case.

Finally, buyers should make sure they feel comfortable behind the wheel. Take the car for a test drive, listen to the rattles and check that there are no indicator lights on the dashboard.