Congratulations! We see that shiny new licence in your hand combined with a youthful glow and can only assume you’ve recently passed your test. Since you’ve arrived on this page, too, is it safe to suppose that you’re in the market for a new car?
Whilst we wouldn’t want to put a dampener on the excitement, we should say this; passing your test is one thing, but getting in the driving seat of your first set of wheels is a whole different lane. If you’re fortunate to be within the 17 to 25-year-old age bracket, then there are age-specific considerations to think about when buying a new car. Insurance can be sky high, and then there’s your chosen vehicle’s reliability score to consider, too.
Considering the latter, young drivers can often get caught out by style over substance, prioritising a glamorous number over something more reliable, and who can blame them? When you’re weighing up a clapped out banger vs a stylish fuel-guzzler, then we all know which one is preferable!
Hold that thought, however; acceleration and aesthetics shouldn’t be the only thing you think about here. To help you out with your decision, here’s our rundown of 7 cars we think are ideal for young drivers.
But Firstly…
We can’t give you our top picks before we give you some pointers; that would be irresponsible of us. And, hypocritical, considering we’re going to be extolling the virtues of responsible purchasing and driving for the rest of the article!
As a young or new driver, your lack of experience will count against you when it comes to insuring your vehicle as an under 25. But you need to get on the motoring ladder somehow to accrue that valuable no-claims that gives you discounts on your premium later on. To make your money go further, it’s worth considering having a black box fitted.
Yes, some of the younger generation are blessed with parents who can foot the bill of an extra car. But for those of you who are out on your own, we’d recommend buying the safest car possible. To do this, you need to look out for smaller vehicles that come with the highest rating from Euro NCAP.
Although the idea of splashing out more cash may not be appealing, buying a new car rather than a second hand one will mean it’s inherently safer. New vehicles come with more advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes and standard-fit electronic stability control, and often represent a more worthwhile investment in the long run.
Now that’s out the way, let’s have a look at our top pick of the best and worst cars for young drivers.
The Ideal Cars For Young Drivers
Practical, enjoyable to drive and scoring big points for affordability; smaller cars are an excellent option for younger drivers (yep, we know it’s boring, but we promised to be responsible!). Although the electric vehicle industry is booming, there’s still a lot to be said for typical, tried and tested ‘first car’ models, such as these…
Volkswagen Up
Incorporating the classic, punchy VW style that we all know and love, the Volkswagen Up has scooped up a bunch of awards in its time, including What Car? Car of the Year in 2012 and the Auto Express City Car of the Year in 2020.
One of the last surviving models still available in petrol, the Up is a wise move if you want a sturdy, practical and reliable car to get you from A to B.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a fantastic option for young drivers, combining reliability with affordability. Known for its excellent fuel efficiency and low running costs, the Yaris is a practical choice for those looking to save money on petrol and maintenance.
The latest models come equipped with advanced safety features such as lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and pre-collision systems, making it a safe bet for new drivers. Additionally, the Yaris offers a comfortable and spacious interior, ensuring a pleasant driving experience whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on a road trip.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta has been topping the UK’s sales chart for over a decade. Stylish and brilliant to drive, it’s an excellent choice for drivers wanting to build up their confidence on the roads. Available in a spectrum of colours, engine sizes, and the sought after Ecoboost 1.0 litre petrol edition, there’s a lot to like.
Maining a Fiesta is famously straightforward, too. Routine tasks like oil changes and brake inspections, and checking transmission fluid on the Ford Fiesta are a simple process, ensuring your car runs smoothly and efficiently, and the whole thing is as low-maintenance as possible.
Hyundai i10
With its striking palette of colours and array of onboard safety features, the Hyundai i10 is worth a look. Incredibly affordable and cheap to run, the i10 offers a sterling amount of interior space for such a small car.
Nippy, easy to park and perfect for city driving, the i10 may well be the answer to all your purchasing doubts. It’s relatively practical too, as it can hold up to five passengers (a little tight, admittedly!) with ample room for luggage in the boot. A Hyundai i30, which is easy to drive, is also worth considering.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is another excellent choice for young drivers, offering a blend of style, performance, and practicality. The Clio’s sleek design and vibrant colour options make it an attractive option for those who want a car that stands out. It’s also packed with modern technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system, smartphone integration, and various driver assistance features like parking sensors and cruise control.
The Clio’s efficient engines and low insurance group ratings make it a cost-effective option, while its agile handling and compact size make it perfect for city driving and navigating tight spaces.
Kia Picanto
Sporting a seven-year warranty, excellent handling and boasting great value for your money, you’d be hard pressed to find a more suitable vehicle. Dinky city cars are hard to come by these days, especially with electric vehicles like the latest Fiat 500 dominating the showroom floor.
With its roomy boot space and fun driving experience, you’d be silly not to take a look. Not now, not now! Eyes back on the road! Phew.
…& Some Cars Less Suited To Young Drivers
Although the fastest, sportiest vehicle may look appealing, you’re more likely to feel the pinch on your bank balance. Higher fuel costs and more time spent at the garage aren’t enjoyable, that’s for sure. With that in mind, here are the cars we’d personally avoid as a young driver…
Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S is a fun and sporty car, but its higher insurance group and running costs can be a challenge for young drivers. While it offers a thrilling driving experience, the focus on performance over practicality might not be the best fit for someone just starting out.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch that delivers impressive performance and handling. However, its powerful engine and sporty nature come with higher insurance premiums and fuel costs. For a young driver, the Golf GTI might be more car than necessary, both in terms of power and expense.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is known for its rally-inspired performance and all-wheel-drive capabilities. While it’s a thrilling car to drive, the WRX’s high insurance premiums, fuel costs, and maintenance requirements can be a significant burden for young drivers. For new drivers, its performance-oriented nature might also be too much.
Now you’ve cast an eye over our top picks, what will your new set of wheels look like?