What’s the cheapest first car to insure in the UK?

Cars like the Ford Ka, Vauxhall Corsa and Hyundai i10 usually sit in lower insurance groups, making them cheaper to insure for new drivers.

Are cheap used cars reliable?

Yes, as long as you buy from a trusted dealer. At Motor Match, every used car is thoroughly checked before sale, so you can drive away with confidence.

Should I buy from a dealer or privately?

Buying from a dealer like Motor Match gives you extra reassurance, as cars are inspected, come with warranty options and you’ll have support if anything goes wrong.

What’s the best small car for motorway driving?

The VW Polo and Toyota Yaris both feel comfortable and stable at higher speeds, making them great options if you’ll be mixing city driving with motorway journeys.

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Best Affordable First Cars for New Drivers in 2025

By Motor Match • 01/09/2025

Passing your driving test is such an exciting milestone and one of the first things you’ll want to do is get behind the wheel of your very own car.

Affordable cars for new drivers

Passing your driving test is such an exciting milestone and one of the first things you’ll want to do is get behind the wheel of your very own car. When sticking to a specific budget, there are still plenty of brilliant options out there that are affordable, reliable and ideal for new drivers.

We’ve rounded up some of the best first cars for new drivers, whether you’re after something cheap to insure, fuel efficient for commuting, or just a small car that’s easy to park, we’ve got you covered.

What makes a great first car?

When you’re shopping for your first set of wheels, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Low insurance group - cheaper to insure, which is especially important for younger drivers.
Fuel efficiency - the more miles you get per gallon, the more money you’ll save in the long run.
Practicality - compact cars make city driving and parking much easier.
Safety features - airbags, stability control and even parking sensors all help boost confidence.
Low running costs - from servicing to road tax, the right first car should be affordable to own.

Top 5 Best First Cars

Ford Fiesta

The UK’s best-selling small car for a reason. The Fiesta is fun to drive, cheap to insure and parts are easy to find, which helps keep maintenance costs low. With plenty of choice available, you’ll easily find a Fiesta that’s perfect for learning the ropes.

Vauxhall Corsa

Compact, affordable and easy to drive, it’s no surprise the Corsa is one of the most popular first cars in the UK. It’s in a low insurance group and is available with economical petrol engines that keep fuel costs down.

Volkswagen Polo

A slightly more premium feel without the big price tag. The VW Polo is well built, reliable and comfortable for both short and long journeys. It’s also one of the safest small cars you can buy in this price range.

Hyundai i10

If you’re looking for something modern and easy to run, the Hyundai i10 is a brilliant choice. It’s small enough for city driving but surprisingly spacious inside. With excellent fuel economy and low servicing costs, it’s ideal for first time drivers.

Toyota Yaris

Famed for its reliability, the Toyota Yaris is a first car you can depend on. It’s affordable to run, practical for everyday use and holds its value well, so it’s a smart investment too.

What about insurance and running costs?

One of the biggest expenses for new drivers is insurance, luckily many of the cars above fall into low insurance groups, which helps keep premiums more manageable.

Other running costs to consider:

Fuel economy - many small cars average 45-60mpg.
Road tax - older models may cost a little more, but many newer small cars are very cheap to tax.
Servicing and repairs - cars like the Fiesta and Corsa have widely available parts, keeping repair bills down.

At Motor Match, we make sure all of our used cars are checked and prepared to the highest standard, giving you peace of mind that you’re buying a safe and reliable first car.

Safety and technology to look out for

Even on a budget, you don’t have to compromise on safety. Look out for features like:

· Multiple airbags

· ABS and stability control

· ISOFIX child seat mounts

· Parking sensors or reversing cameras (great for new drivers!)

· Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity for safe, hands-free driving

Start your journey today

We’re all about making your first car buying experience as simple and stress free as possible. Whether you’re buying for yourself or helping your son or daughter find their perfect first car, our friendly team will guide you through the process.

We’ve got a fantastic range of used cars across our dealerships, all prepared to a high standard. You’ll find cars that are affordable, reliable and perfect for building your confidence on the road.

If you’re ready to find your first used car, why not take a look at our latest stock? With plenty of affordable options, you’re bound to find one that’s right for you.

Search our latest used car stock today

Category: Buying a Car

Tags: affordable-cars, first-car, new-drivers