Your guide to your first car

Navigating the path to your first car can be exciting and a little daunting. We are here to help you make informed decisions, ensuring you drive away with confidence and peace of mind.

Choosing your first car with confidence

Choosing your first car is a significant milestone, and it's essential to get it right. Our guidance helps you understand what to look for in a reliable and affordable vehicle. We cover everything from vehicle types suitable for new drivers to crucial considerations like fuel economy and safety ratings. This section is designed to empower learner drivers and newly qualified drivers, as well as their families, to select a car that fits their needs and budget, avoiding common pitfalls and unexpected costs.

Crawford School of Motoring's Top 10 First Cars

Volkswagen Polo (1.0)

Why it's a great first car

  • Premium feel and build quality
  • Comfortable and refined
  • Reliable when well maintained
  • Low insurance on 1.0 models
  • Excellent resale value

SEAT Ibiza (1.0 MPI / 1.0 TSI)

Why it's a great first car

  • Sporty styling that appeals to young drivers
  • Shares many parts with the Polo
  • Fun to drive
  • Economical engines
  • Affordable to maintain

Toyota Yaris (1.33 Petrol)

Why it's a great first car

Outstanding reputation for reliability

  • Low running costs
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Holds its value well

Tip: Avoid the older MMT automatic gearbox.

Skoda Fabia (1.0 MPI)

Why it's a great first car

  • Exceptional value for money
  • Reliable Volkswagen mechanicals
  • Spacious interior
  • Cheap servicing
  • Easy to insure

Ford Fiesta (1.25 or 1.1 Petrol)

Why it's a great first car

  • Great handling
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Huge choice on the used market
  • Inexpensive parts

Tip: Be careful when choosing 1.0 EcoBoost models—check the service history carefully.

Suzuki Swift

Why it's a great first car

  • Reliable
  • Lightweight and enjoyable to drive
  • Cheap to run
  • Strong reliability record

Hyundai i20

Why it's a great first car

  • Modern styling
  • Dependable
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Good equipment levels

Vauxhall Corsa

Why it's a great first car

  • One of the UK's most popular first cars
  • Widely available
  • Affordable repairs
  • Good choice of engines

Renault Clio

Why it's a great first car

  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • Efficient petrol engines
  • Good safety equipment

Peugeot 208

Why it's a great first car

  • Modern interior
  • Comfortable ride
  • Economical engines
  • Attractive styling

One final piece of advice I always give learners: buy the best-maintained example you can afford. A car with a full service history, regular maintenance and a clean MOT record is usually a much better purchase than a newer or flashier car that's been neglected.