For many people in the UK, delays to driving tests and the rising cost of motoring has become a barrier to independence; in rural and sprawling suburban areas there’s often little alternative to driving. We can’t assist with the driving test, but we can help you by providing this list of the best used cars for new drivers.
There is an overwhelming variety of models available secondhand, and while it’s a daunting task to pick the right one, it does mean there will be a car to suit your needs – and your style. Minimising the stress of owning your first car is almost as important as reducing the worries of those initial solo trips.
Parkers has gathered together the best used cars to help build confidence on the road and keep costs low. You can search our used cars for sale to find the model you’ve chosen at the best price, and read full reviews for in-depth knowledge.
Before travelling to view a car, remember to check the MoT history free online, check insurance quotes before viewing cars to save a wasted trip and use comparison sites such as Mustard.co.uk.
Best used cars for new drivers
De facto fun car for young folk
A wide range of colours and accessories will make picking your ideal MINI a long process, but it’s going to be out there somewhere. Better yet, the power of the regular 1.6-litre MINI One is not enough to worry the fun, safe-handling chassis, so you’ll get plenty of experience without risking your new licence.
Read our full MINI Hatchback review
Fun and funky convertible
Look for models with a hardtop for extra security and comfort in winter driving; they also have optional heated windscreens.
Read our full Ford SteetKa review
Scandi-chic coupe
We’d recommend the 1.6-litre petrol R-Design for a blend of modern looks, neat handling and affordable insurance. It’s also very good on winding roads. Parents will love it for the safety record, and teenagers looking to be taken seriously will find Volvo’s image contributes to a great first impression.
Read our full Volvo C30 review
Clever and well-priced supermini
Compared with the other cars in this group the Ibiza is a little anonymous, but it is also the best value while still offering some visual interest. There are plenty of sporty styling upgrades to be found, too, but ensure any insurance quote you get includes modifications if buying an altered Ibiza.
Read our full SEAT Ibiza review
Reliable and easy-to-use supermini
If you need more space you could also consider the Ford Fusion. It’s a taller, roomier version of the Fiesta with wide-opening doors.
Read our full Ford Fiesta review
Very cheap motoring
If you’re struggling to find models of this vintage for sale the 5th generation Astra is also very affordable and includes versions such as the sporty three-door Astra VXR and the hardtop convertible TwinTop. Avoid diesel models.
Read our full Vauxhall Astra review
Reassuringly reliable
Or if you want something a little larger, the Toyota Avensis is also worth seeking out; newer examples are still providing sterling service as taxis in many British towns, though for that reason we’d pay extra attention to the mileage history.
Read our full Toyota Corolla review
Funky mini MPV
Or if you want something a little larger, the Toyota Avensis is also worth seeking out; newer examples are still providing sterling service as taxis in many British towns, though for that reason we’d pay extra attention to the mileage history.
Read our full Toyota Corolla review
Proof that MPVs can be sporty
It’s also very reasonable to insure, and has a dynamic image far removed from the Ford Galaxy. Post 2010 facelift models are worth looking out for, but if you need a family car rather than a mere supermini and don’t want to feel like you’re driving a van, the S-Max is stylish and rewarding.
Read our full Ford S-Max review
Dull but big and cheap
Five individual rear seats can be folded flat or deployed without fuss or effort, and there’s plenty of storage for all the family’s toys and gadgets. A relatively unpopular model new, it’s worth taking the time to track one down.
Read our full Toyota Verso review
Is buying an older car good for the environment?
Fundamentally, keeping any manufactured item in use for longer is the most ecologically sound approach. But it depends on how many miles you do, what conditions you drive in, and what your priorities are. If you do longer journeys (over 30 minutes running) on high speed roads and maintain your car well, the emissions from a catalysed, 1993-onwards unleaded model are not significantly worse than the modern equivalent. An older diesel, however, is far worse in terms of particulates and NOx.
Particulates are not just a concern for tailpipes, so choosing an older, lighter car reduces the impact from tyre wear, road wear and braking materials. Since 2001 average car weight has risen by 15%, but small car weight has risen over 20%.
If you do a lot of short journeys in congested traffic, the newer the car, the better it will be for the environment. Even if you replace a twenty year old diesel with a brand new electric car it could be 10-15 years before the impact of making the new car is offset by the reduced emissions.
Where possible, keeping your existing car well maintained and serviced until it is genuinely beyond reasonable repair is the most pragmatic, environmentally friendly and cost effective option, whether than is a newly-acquired car or a secondhand one.
*Source – Department of Transport/National Travel Survey
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