The best first cars for new drivers 2025 - driven, rated and ranked
Step this way to discover our favourite frugal and reliable starter cars Looking for your first car but don’t just want a boring, middle-of-the-road econobox runaround? Then this list is for you. We’ve put together the best starter cars that are cheap to insure, reliable and abundantly easy to find on the second-hand market, yet still manage to have bags of personality and good looks. After years of driving, testing, scanning classifieds, and clicking through insurance quotes, we rate the VW Up as the best first car. It’s developed a cult classic following because of its ubiquity, ease of use and charmingly utilitarian and no-nonsense nature. Not into the VW? No problem. Every car on this list brings something special to the table - whether it’s size, speed, or style. From city cars to small SUVs, with an electric car thrown in for good measure, there’s something for everyone after a first car on this list.
Step this way to discover our favourite frugal and reliable starter cars
Looking for your first car but don’t just want a boring, middle-of-the-road econobox runaround? Then this list is for you.
We’ve put together the best starter cars that are cheap to insure, reliable and abundantly easy to find on the second-hand market, yet still manage to have bags of personality and good looks.
After years of driving, testing, scanning classifieds, and clicking through insurance quotes, we rate the VW Up as the best first car. It’s developed a cult classic following because of its ubiquity, ease of use and charmingly utilitarian and no-nonsense nature.
Not into the VW? No problem. Every car on this list brings something special to the table - whether it’s size, speed, or style. From city cars to small SUVs, with an electric car thrown in for good measure, there’s something for everyone after a first car on this list.
