Best first car - UK

[JW_00]

So shortly I'll be taking driving lessons and hopefully getting my first car. I live in the UK and I'm aware that with the insurance prices over here, finding a decent car is a challenge. But I'm looking for something that isn't going to break the bank. Any ideas? It's obviously going to have to have a small displacement, relatively cheap insurance and purchasing price. Thanks a bunch

[GreatGranny]

Any of the small hatchbacks will be similar insurance.

Or go smaller such as the Up, Argo etc

We bought a 2003 206 for my daughter to learn in.
Chose the 1.4 as it has a little bit more shove than the 1.1 but similar running costs.
Cost me £500 and has A/C, ew, auto wipers, alloys etc..

[ZX10R NIN]

Spend £500-1000 get something like the above & you should be okay.

[MrOrange]

How about leasing a Citroen C1. Tiny deposit and under £100 a month - brand new car with a warranty for about the same cost as a decent night out. I imagine the insurance is pretty cheap.

https://www.contracthireandleasing.com/personal/ca...

[ZX10R NIN]

I always say no to this as it's a first car so when they bend it they have to repair it unless they claim which will cripple them insurance wise.

[Big GT]

MrOrange said:

How about leasing a Citroen C1. Tiny deposit and under £100 a month - brand new car with a warranty for about the same cost as a decent night out. I imagine the insurance is pretty cheap.

https://www.contracthireandleasing.com/personal/ca...

These are good deals but maybe as your 2nd 3rd car. At this age your best getting a car you don't mind having an 'indecent' in. Then after 6 - 12 month save up and step up.

[Regiment]

Big GT said:

These are good deals but maybe as your 2nd 3rd car. At this age your best getting a car you don't mind having an 'indecent' in. Then after 6 - 12 month save up and step up.

An "indecent" in? Sounds sexual.

[alec.e]

I agree, buy something cheap for the first car and upgrade from there. I bashed my first car a few times, but have avoided mishaps mostly since then.

[jamiebae]

C1, 107, Aygo - reliable, plentiful and ultra cheap to run. Alternatively look at a Suzuki Alto or Nissan Pixo which will do the same job but be 5 door only and a little cheaper for the same age and miles.

Check insurance costs before buying though, otherwise you could be in for a nasty surprise - there are some small cars with tiny engines but extremely expensive insurance out there.

[Meridius]

2004-5 Honda Civic Sport. Cheap, reliable, a bit better than a tin can C1 or Aygo.

[jamiebae]

Meridius said:

2004-5 Honda Civic Sport. Cheap, reliable, a bit better than a tin can C1 or Aygo.

Also staggeringly expensive for a 17 year old to insure in the vast majority of cases.