You passed your test — congrats. But choosing your first used car isn't about style points or horsepower; it's about low running costs, cheap insurance, easy maintenance and not getting stuck with a lemon.
You passed your test — congrats. But choosing your first used car isn't about style points or horsepower; it's about low running costs, cheap insurance, easy maintenance and not getting stuck with a lemon. In January 2026 the market has plenty of sensible options that fit those hard criteria. Before you go to see any car you're interested in, do a vehicle history check (registration lookup) so you can spot MOT patterns, finance issues, mileage anomalies and red flags upfront — for a quick consolidated history check go here: https://carpeep.co.uk/
Why people pick it: Longtime UK favourite with tons of used examples and low parts costs. Reasonably cheap to insure in many trims. You'll find plenty of used Fiestas on sites like AutoTrader.
Pros: Fun to drive and simple mechanics on many petrol variants. Great parts and garage support everywhere.
Cons (what you really need to know): Stay well away from any Fiesta with the 1.0 EcoBoost wet-belt engine unless you have confirmed service history on the timing setup. This design uses a timing belt submerged in engine oil (a wet belt). If it starts shedding material or failing, it can clog oil pickups and lead to serious engine damage — not just a simple belt change. Avoid 2012–late-2010s 1.0 EcoBoost Fiestas unless you can prove the belt and oil were maintained on a tight schedule. Later Fiestas with the mild-hybrid 1.0 EcoBoost use a timing chain, which removes this catastrophic risk — but always verify the exact engine before you buy.
Bottom line: A brilliant first car if you're choosing a safe engine variant with good documentation and a clean history check first.
Why consider it: Very easy to live with, cheap to run and usually sits in the lowest insurance groups for small petrol cars. The RAC regularly lists the i10 among the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers.
Pros: Economical, reliable and simple; great for city and daily all-round driving.
Cons: Basic features on older models and not brilliant on motorways.
Bottom line: One of the most predictable, low-stress first cars you can get without weird quirks.
Why it's a fit: Similar to the i10 in economy and insurance, often with a slightly more polished interior.
Pros: Cheap to run and insure, simple to maintain.
Cons: Ride quality isn't as refined as bigger cars.
Bottom line: A safe city-focused first car with low ownership costs.
Why it works: Slightly larger hatchback but still easy to insure and keep going.
Pros: Roomier than the smallest cars; lots of spares around.
Cons: Condition varies a lot — a washed-out service history can cost you later.
Bottom line: Good all-around choice if you pick a well-maintained example.
Why some go for it: More refined feel and better cabin than basic city cars.
Pros: Comfortable on longer trips, solid build.
Cons: Slightly higher insurance and purchase costs than smallest hatchbacks.
Bottom line: A step up in comfort if your budget and insurance quotes allow.
Why this trio makes sense: Tiny, economical, super cheap to insure and easy to park — ideal for learners and new drivers.
Pros: Low running costs and typically very low insurance.
Cons: Basic comfort and slower on major dual carriageways.
Bottom line: Best if your daily use is local and you want bills kept minimal.
EVs are far more common on the used market now — including affordable older Leafs, Zoe and others — but for most first-time buyers they're still a trickier proposition in 2026 because:
If you do have reliable home charging and can confirm battery health, an EV can be a great choice — just not the simplest default first car for most budgets yet. For more detailed guidance on buying used electric cars, AutoTrader's EV guides offer practical advice.
Here's a realistic checklist every first-time buyer should go through:
| Model | Typical 2026 Used Price | Insurance Friendliness | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta (safe engines) | £3k–£8k | Medium | Good parts & handling; avoid wet belt engines |
| Hyundai i10 | £4k–£8k | Very Good | Simple, cheap to own |
| Kia Picanto | £4k–£8k | Very Good | Affordable first car |
| Vauxhall Corsa | £3k–£7k | Good | Roomier but variable condition |
| VW Polo | £4k–£8k | Medium | Comfortable, slightly higher cost |
| Aygo/C1/107 | £1.5k–£5k | Excellent | Cheapest running costs |
Your first used car is about predictability and peace of mind — not thrills. Pick something that's well maintained, easy to insure, and in good condition, and verify its history before you spend time or money on it. With the right preparation you'll avoid the common traps that make "cheap" cars unexpectedly expensive.
No hype — just the real factors that matter to new drivers getting on the road in 2026.
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