Best First Cars with Low Running Costs — Dave Recommends

Finding the Right First Car

Choosing your first car is a significant milestone, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. You want something that’s reliable, affordable, and easy to drive, especially if you’re new to the road. In the current market, there are plenty of options that fit the bill, but not all of them will be kind to your wallet in terms of running costs. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or just someone looking to get behind the wheel for the first time, I’m here to help you navigate the maze of choices. Let’s dive into some of the Best First cars with low running costs that I’d recommend to my own kids.

Dave's Genuine Recommendations

Ford Fiesta

If I had to recommend one car to a new driver, it would be the Ford Fiesta. This little gem has been a favourite in the UK for years, and for good reason. The Fiesta is not only fun to drive, but it also boasts impressive fuel efficiency, often achieving around 50-60 mpg depending on the engine choice. The insurance groups are generally low, making it a budget-friendly option for young drivers.

What really sets the Fiesta apart is its handling. It’s nimble and responsive, which is perfect for city driving and those tricky first manoeuvres. Plus, the interior is surprisingly spacious for a small car, with a decent boot size for your shopping or luggage. You can typically find a well-maintained used Fiesta for around £7,000 to £10,000, which is a solid investment for a first car.

Volkswagen Polo

Next up is the Volkswagen Polo. This car is often seen as the more sophisticated sibling to the Fiesta. While it might come with a slightly higher price tag, the Polo is known for its build quality and comfort. It’s a bit more refined, making it an excellent choice for those who want a touch of class in their first car.

If you are weighing up alternatives, our guide to Best Small Automatic Cars for New Drivers UK covers similar ground from a different angle.

The Polo also offers great fuel economy, with many models achieving similar mpg figures to the Fiesta. The insurance groups are reasonable, especially for the smaller engines, which is a bonus for new drivers. You can expect to pay around £8,000 to £12,000 for a decent used model, but it’s worth it for the quality and longevity you get.

Toyota Yaris

For those who prioritise reliability above all else, the Toyota Yaris is a fantastic option. Known for its bulletproof reliability, the Yaris is a no-nonsense car that will get you from A to B without any fuss. It’s also very economical, often returning around 50-55 mpg, which is excellent for a first-time driver.

The Yaris is compact, making it perfect for city driving, and it comes with a good range of safety features that are essential for inexperienced drivers. Expect to pay between £6,000 and £9,000 for a used Yaris, which is a fair price for such a dependable vehicle.

You might also find our Best First SUVs and Crossovers for New Drivers guide useful alongside this one.

Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia might not be the first car that comes to mind, but it’s a hidden gem in the world of first cars. It offers a lot of space for passengers and luggage, which is a huge plus if you plan on taking friends or family along for the ride. The Fabia is also known for its low running costs, with many models achieving over 50 mpg.

Insurance is typically affordable, especially for the smaller engine variants, making it a sensible choice for young drivers. You can usually find a good used Fabia for around £5,000 to £8,000, which is a steal for the amount of practicality it offers.

Honda Jazz

Last but not least, the Honda Jazz is a versatile hatchback that’s perfect for new drivers. It’s incredibly spacious inside, with a flexible seating arrangement that allows for various configurations. The Jazz is also known for its reliability and low running costs, often achieving around 50-60 mpg.

We have covered related ground in our Cheapest Cars To Insure New Drivers guide, which is worth reading if this subject interests you.

While the Jazz might not be the most exciting car to drive, it makes up for it with practicality and comfort. Insurance costs are reasonable, especially for the smaller engines, and you can typically find a used model for around £7,000 to £10,000. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a dependable first car.

Insurance Reality

Now, let’s talk about one of the biggest concerns for new drivers: insurance. The reality is that insurance for young drivers can be quite steep, but there are ways to navigate this. Most first cars I’ve recommended fall into lower insurance groups, which can significantly reduce your premiums.

For example, the Ford Fiesta and the Skoda Fabia often sit in insurance groups 4-10, which is manageable for most 17-25 year-olds. You might expect to pay anywhere from £800 to £1,500 annually, depending on your driving history and location. However, it’s worth shopping around. Websites like AutoTrader can help you compare prices from different insurers.

You can check any car's full MOT history for free on GOV.UK before arranging a viewing.

Here are a few tips to help bring those premiums down:

• Add a Named Driver: If you can, add a more experienced driver to your policy. This can sometimes lower your premium, but make sure they’re genuinely going to drive the car.
• Choose a Smaller Engine: Opting for a car with a smaller engine can help keep insurance costs down. The lower the power, the lower the risk in the eyes of insurers.
• Consider a Black Box: While it’s not for everyone, a telematics policy that tracks your driving can lead to lower premiums if you’re a safe driver.

For more detailed tips on saving money on insurance, check out my guide on First Car Insurance Tips — How to Save Money.

Running Costs Breakdown

Understanding the monthly running costs of your first car is essential for budgeting. It’s not just about the purchase price; you need to consider fuel, insurance, road tax, and maintenance.

You can look up the exact insurance group for any car on Thatcham's website before getting quotes.

Fuel Costs

Let’s say you’re driving a Ford Fiesta that achieves around 55 mpg. If you’re driving about 600 miles a month, you’ll need roughly 10.9 gallons of petrol. At an average price of £1.40 per litre, that works out to about £70 a month for fuel.

Insurance

As mentioned earlier, insurance for a new driver can range from £800 to £1,500 annually. If we take an average of £1,200, that’s about £100 a month.

Road Tax

Road tax varies depending on the car’s emissions. For a small car like the Fiesta, you’re likely looking at around £150 annually, or about £12.50 a month. You can check the exact amount for your car using the GOV.UK road tax checker.

Maintenance

You should also budget for maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to set aside around £50 a month for servicing and unexpected repairs. This can vary, but it’s a safe estimate for most small cars.

Total Monthly Budget

Putting it all together, here’s a rough monthly budget for a first-time car owner:

• Fuel: £70
• Insurance: £100
• Road Tax: £12.50
• Maintenance: £50 Total: £232.50

This budget gives you a realistic idea of what to expect. Of course, these figures can vary based on your driving habits and the specific car you choose, but it’s a solid starting point.

Safety That Actually Matters

Safety is a top priority for new drivers, and it’s essential to choose a car that offers more than just a good Euro NCAP rating. Features like ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags are crucial, but there are other aspects to consider.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Many modern cars come equipped with advanced safety features that can help prevent accidents. Look for cars with features like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. These can be particularly helpful for inexperienced drivers who might struggle with parking or maintaining lane discipline.

Visibility

Good visibility is often overlooked but is vital for safety. Cars with larger windows and thinner pillars can help reduce blind spots, making it easier to see pedestrians and cyclists. The Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz both excel in this area, providing excellent visibility for new drivers.

Reliability

Lastly, choose a car known for its reliability. A breakdown can be not only inconvenient but also dangerous, especially for new drivers. Brands like Toyota and Honda have a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, which can give you peace of mind on the road.

Mistakes Dave Sees All the Time

As a used car expert, I’ve seen my fair share of first-time buyers make mistakes that could have been avoided. Here are a few common pitfalls:

The FCA has a useful guide to car finance that explains your rights and what to watch for.

Skipping the Test Drive

I can’t stress enough how important it is to test drive a car before buying it. Many new drivers fall in love with a car’s looks or features but forget to consider how it feels on the road. Always take the car for a spin to ensure it’s comfortable and suits your driving style.

Ignoring the Vehicle History

Another mistake is not checking the vehicle history. Always do a DVLA vehicle check to ensure the car hasn’t been in any serious accidents or has outstanding finance. This can save you from a world of trouble down the line.

Overlooking Running Costs

First-time buyers often focus solely on the purchase price and forget about running costs. Make sure you consider fuel efficiency, insurance, and maintenance when budgeting for your first car. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a car, but keeping an eye on the long-term costs is crucial.

Dave's Final Word

Buying your first car is an exciting journey, and I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options. Remember, the Best First car is one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and driving needs. Don’t rush the process; take your time to find the right vehicle for you.

If you’re still unsure, consider checking out my other guides, like the Best Small Cars for New Drivers — Dave Recommends or the Best First Cars Under £1500 — Dave Recommends. And remember, always check the car’s history and take it for a test drive before making a decision. Happy car hunting!