So you’ve passed your test! Congratulations. But now comes the pain of trying to find the perfect first car that doesn’t require you taking out a whole mortgage to afford. With the cars appearing on the market today with price tags with numbers containing more 0’s than your bank account sees in a year, it can be difficult to find the right one!
Should you go for a Renault or a Nissan? A Honda or a Volkswagen? Luckily, we’ve taken a look at some of the best brands and the cars they have to offer that could be well within your budget!
Nissan Micra
Nissan cars are notorious for being good for new drivers, and none more so than the Micra. This model in particular has always been popular with young drivers, not least because of its affordability and ease to drive nature. They’re relatively small cars that can ooze drivability if in good condition, so what’s not to love?
You’ll even find that the insurance on one of these models is pretty low! – thought it all depends on which year’s model you opt for. For those on a really tight budget, you can get an ’02 or ’03 model for as little as £350 if you look in the right places!
Hyundai i10
Hyundai are another good brand to go for if you’re looking for low insurance, especially where the i10 is concerned. This model is compact and easy to park for those who might still struggle a little, and is especially perfect for city-dwellers. Whether you live in the city or just travel to the city for work or university, this model is the perfect choice. It’s cheap to run, and it certainly has a more timeless style!
Ford KA
Ford has always been known as one of the most reliable and probably well-known car brands still trading in the UK today. The KA is a previous generation of the KA+, but for those on a bit of a budget it’s perfect. It’s a compact car, perfect for city driving just like the Hyundai and is well known for being new-driver-friendly! It’s easy to drive and fairly cheap to repair, and you can even get a model anything from three to six years old that could turn out to be well within your budget for a great car.
Vauxhall Corsa
Ever since its first release, the Vauxhall Corsa has been a favourite among new drivers. You could pick up a 2010 model for as little as £3,000 that’s covered less than 50,000 miles and considering it’s timeless design, there’s no need to feel self-conscious about an older car!
It feels great to drive, is easy to manoeuvre and for new drivers, there’s even the fact it doesn’t cost too much to insure or repair in the case you have an accident! Some of the hatchback models tend to be cheaper.
Some brands and models come cheaper than others, but before you grab for the cheapest model, it’s important to investigate just what you can get for your money. Some cars have better drivability in cities, which might not be good for countryside towns, and vice versa. Only you will know what you need, so do your research, and happy car-hunting!