Looking For Your First Car? You Can’t Go Wrong With Out Top 10

Your first car should be reliable, affordable and easy to drive. Whether you're after something small and nippy or solid and safe, choosing the right vehicle can make or break your experience, especially when you're just starting out on the road.

To help you out, we’ve pulled together our list of the top 10 most reliable cars for new drivers, all with a great reputation for reliability and relatively low running costs. If you’re on the hunt for a new car and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

First, as we always do, let’s cover some of the basics.

Can A First Time Driver Get A Car On Finance?

New drivers can get a car on finance if their credit rating is up to scratch and they don’t have any adverse history. Remember, whether you’re a new driver or experience doesn’t matter, it’s your financial history that determines your acceptance for finance.

Lenders, including dealerships and third party finance providers will consider a number of factors including your deposit, other financial history, age, income and affordability.

One thing to keep in mind though, car finance is only available to people over 18, which means if you’re lucky enough to have passed your test earlier (from 17 onwards), you’ll have to wait.

How Much Should You Spend On A First Car?

How much you spend is personal preference. As with any car purchase, it’s sensible to stick to your budget and not overstretch yourself with monthly repayments.

A lot of people recommend buying new, for peace of mind, when you’re first driving, but we’d say it’s definitely worth looking at used too. As cars depreciate between 15-35% in their first year, you could pick up a nearly new model for a bargain price.

It’s also worth remembering that young drivers are most likely to have an accident, so a used car might make sense as you’re not going to lose as much money if

The Top 10 Most Reliable Cars For First-Time Drivers

Toyota Yaris

A long-time favourite with drivers of all ages, the Yaris has earned its reputation for durability and low running costs. It's simple to drive, easy to park, and packed with safety features.

Although it might not be the most ‘exciting’ on our list, Toyota’s strong track record for reliability puts this car right at the top of our list for new drivers.

• Insurance group: 2–14 depending on model
• Average new price: £18,000+
• Used price: from £6,000–£10,000 for older models

Hyundai i10

If you’re looking for something compact and practical, the Hyundai i10 is a brilliant first car.

It’s cheap to run, offers a surprisingly roomy cabin for its size, and comes with a reassuring 5-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

• Insurance group: 1–4
• Average new price: £13,000–£16,000
• Used price: from £4,000+

Kia Picanto

The Picanto is a great option for learners and first-time drivers. It’s reliable, affordable, and surprisingly refined for a city car. Kia’s impressive 7-year warranty makes it even more appealing if you're buying new or nearly new.

• Insurance group: 3–10
• Average new price: £13,000–£15,500
• Used price: between £5,000–£12,000

Skoda Fabia

Solid and dependable, the Fabia is a great value hatchback that’s ideal for everyday driving. Its VW Group underpinnings mean you get reliability and refinement without the premium price tag.

Albeit with a little less ‘street cred’.

• Insurance group: 4–7
• Average new price: £14,000+
• Used price: from £4,000 upwards

Volkswagen Polo

If you want something that feels a little more grown-up, the Polo ticks all the boxes. It offers great build quality, comfort, and a reassuring driving experience, all backed up by VW’s excellent safety and reliability record.

• Insurance group: 1–9 (entry-level)
• Average new price: £17,000–£21,000
• Used price: £5,000–£15,000

Toyota Aygo / Aygo X

Tiny but tough, the Aygo is perfect for city drivers or those looking for a compact, reliable first car. It’s got great fuel economy, distinctive styling, and a low cost of ownership.

• Insurance group: 1–4
• Average new price (Aygo X): £16,000
• Used price: from £3,000–£8,000

Fiat 500

Stylish and compact, the Fiat 500 has been a favourite with first-time drivers for years (with 3,000,000 third-generation models sold worldwide). There are plenty of options out there when it comes to the 500, so you’ll have no trouble finding something to reflect your personality.

While it might not be the roomiest option (and definitely a little underpowered), it’s easy to manoeuvre and cheap to run, making it ideal for short trips or city living.

• Insurance group: 9–15
• Average new price: £17,000+
• Used price: from £3,000–£7,000

Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta is one of the most popular small cars in the UK and with good reason. It’s great to drive, widely available, and spare parts are cheap and easy to find. A great all-rounder with strong reliability ratings.

• Insurance group: 7–10
• Average new price: £17,000–£21,000
• Used price: from £4,000+

Sadly, there is a downside to the ever popular Ford Fiesta, it’s a regular target for thieves, often making the Top 10 Most Stolen Cars list.

Suzuki Swift

Fun to drive and well-equipped, the Swift is a brilliant first car with low running costs and excellent fuel economy. Its sporty styling appeals to younger drivers too.

• Insurance group: 7–10
• Average new price: £17,500
• Used price: from £5,000–£10,000

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is often praised for being the UK’s cheapest new car, but it’s also surprisingly robust and well-equipped.

If you're not too fussed about premium badges or fancy extras, this is a seriously smart choice.

• Insurance group: 8–10
• Average new price: £13,000
• Used price: from £6,000–£12,000

Our Final Word

Your first car is a big deal; it needs to be safe, reliable, and affordable.

All the cars above tick those boxes, giving you peace of mind while you learn the ropes.

Always consider ongoing running costs, insurance, and long-term reliability before making your decision, and don’t be afraid to take a few for a test drive before committing.

We hope our list helps you get closer to a decision. It might be worth checking out our Essential Tips For First Time Care Buyers too, it has plenty of tips for keeping safe when you finally hit the open road.

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