The feeling of owning your first car can be just as special as passing your test.
Tentatively driving it off the forecourt and back to its new home, getting some pictures for social media and driving it aimlessly for the sheer fun of it.
Whether you’re a teenager looking to impress your mates or an adult who’s just learnt how to drive looking for a reliable car to get them to work and back, the vehicle for a first-time driver should be exciting but without breaking the bank.
To help you choose amongst the most reliable cars that still deliver on excitement, our team of used car experts have put together a list of the 5 best used cars for first-time drivers in 2021. Take a look at the list below and happy driving!
Volkswagen UP
Perhaps not as attractive as some of the other cars on our list if style is your priority, the VW Up! delivers an exhilarating driving experience to make up for any shortcomings in the looks department. But there are a few other gems as well: it is priced well in the used car market and the fuel economy will save you lots at the petrol station. Did we mention it’s pretty reliable? So if you need a car for your job then the Up! shouldn’t let you down. Overall, a used Volkswagen UP is an excellent choice for a first-time driver.
Skoda Fabia
The super stylish third generation Skoda Fabia is a car that has a lot going for it, and very little flaws. It comes in hatchback and estate versions depending on your needs, with both versions being spacious and coming with great features such as cruise control. They’re also built superbly and won’t crumble on impact, the key to easing those first-day driving jitters. The price tag is acceptable as a first car, and you’ll save up on fuelling needs as well.
Toyota Aygo
A nearly new Toyota Aygo is a must have for those wanting the coolest hatchback around, and would be one of our top choices for teenagers driving their first car. With an iconic X on the front and available in many packages, the various options in terms of trims, colours, alloy wheels and designs will delight new drivers and give them an extensive range to choose from. Moving on from the aesthetics, a selling point that makes the Toyota Aygo one of the best used cars for first-time drivers is the low emissions it produces, thus saving you on tax.
Ford Fiesta
A used Ford Fiesta needs no introduction: it’s one of the best hatchbacks to grace Britain in the past two decades and an iconic vehicle for first-time drivers. Its current generation drives excellently and will cost you pennies to run. The Fiesta can also carry you and your mates with a lot of comfort and style.
Like the aforementioned Aygo, it comes in several variants and should you pick a higher trim, you can get goodies like navigation, sensors and ventilated seats. With the option to pick a coupe version, it’s got something for every type of audience (and budget).
Suzuki Swift
The nearly new Suzuki Swift has always been one of the best-looking hatchbacks available on the market. This is what makes it a treat for users to customise it with aftermarket upgrades. The car is quite large and spacious, plus it has nice engine options to choose from.
The Swift is fun to drive and has a commanding driver’s position. Like the Fiesta, it can be a hot hatch or a family car; all up to the driver and many of the Fiesta’s features are also available in this Suzuki model.
So there you have it, the best used cars for first-time drivers. Ready to get behind the wheel? Then visit Cargiant for the best used cars in the UK. Still on the lookout for some motoring advice? Why not check out our blog - you might be interested in our list of the The 10 Most Reliable Cars or Top 5 Hybrids