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
Editor’s choice: MINI Hatchback (2001-2009)
De facto fun car for young folk
An effective design that managed to retain links to the 1959-2001 original, and has aged particularly well, the MINI is still a great-looking small car that can meet the needs of sporty, edgy and cute aesthetics easily.
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
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Ford StreetKa (2003-2006)
Fun and funky convertible
The StreetKa is a cheap, fun two-seater roadster that you do need to buy with care, as rust can take hold in the floor and sills, but rewards with entertaining handling, open-top thrills and remarkably cheap insurance for a convertible. It’s not that practical, but you’ll have a constant smile.
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
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Volvo C30 (2007-2012)
Scandi-chic coupe
For the more mature young driver, the Volvo C30 has a sensible, safety inspired image despite the sporty three-door coupe profile. Most of the higher-end models will be prohibitively expensive to insure, but the entry-level economy-focused 109hp 1.6-litre DRIVe diesel is as affordable as a MINI, but far more practical.
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
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SEAT Ibiza (2008-2017)
Clever and well-priced supermini
The latest version of the SEAT Ibiza has won multiple ‘best first car titles’ and the older versions are similarly appealing, blending sensible hatchback design with a sporty edge.
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
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Ford Fiesta (2002-2008)
Reliable and easy-to-use supermini
The Ford Fiesta Mk6 (confusingly also considered the fifth generation) launched in 2002 and marked a major leap forward in quality, design and handling for the small Ford. It’s a practical car too, with upright seating and generous interior space. As with all Fords, pay attention to any signs of rust repairs in the MOT history or visible on the bodywork.
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
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Vauxhall Astra (1998-2005)
Very cheap motoring
You’ll find a lot of Astra for your budget – low mileage 1.6-litre petrol models in good, clean condition offer the best value. Handling is neutral, and build quality is generally good, though the interior is a little basic. Estate versions can carry an incredible amount of stuff, too.
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
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Toyota Corolla (2002-2006)
Reassuringly reliable
The Corolla name is synonymous with reliability and this model remains a fantastic budget buy. It’s better to drive than you might expect of a car that is known for being sensible too. Find one with a recent and comprehensive service history and it should provide years of reliable driving.
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
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Citroen C3 Picasso (2009-2017)
Funky mini MPV
If you’d prefer something lower mileage and newer, the Citroen C3 Picasso is a comfortable, practical and jazzy box on wheels.
It’s better to drive and quieter than a Citroen Berlingo and loads of different options were available when it was new – which means there are plenty of different colour variations on the used market.
Read our full Citroen C3 Picasso review
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Ford S-Max (2006-2014)
Proof that MPVs can be sporty
The original sporty MPV, the S-Max is a seven-seater with high driving and passenger positions, great visibility and loads of boot space.
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
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Toyota Verso (2009-2018)
Dull but big and cheap
Essentially a bigger, more practical Corolla. Used examples of the Verso are easily found below £5,000 with good history, and like other Toyotas, offer brilliant reliability and low running costs, if not much driving enjoyment.
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
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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.
