What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
What do I look for when buying my first car?
I am finally looking to buy my first car (having been driving my mothers for about 10ish months). I am particularly interested in the Peugeot 107 (or Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo.... all the same really). I would prefer a used car as my budget is £4500 max.
Is there any advice you would give when looking for a first car? What sort of things do I need to look out for, particularly with these makes?
Is there any advice you would give when looking for a first car? What sort of things do I need to look out for, particularly with these makes?
Asked on 21 July 2023 by Daisy
Answered by
David Ross
When choosing a first car one of the most important aspects is low running costs, particularly insurance. New drivers have the highest insurance premiums because they are less experienced, so we would recommend choosing a car with the lowest insurance group possible to minimise the insurance cost.
The cars you have suggested are ideal; the Peugeot 108, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo are all city cars with low insurance as well as low fuel and servicing costs. Other alternatives to look for include the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii and Volkswagen Up.
As with any used car, finding an example with a full service history is recommended, as this shows that the car has been maintained correctly by its previous owners and reduces the likelihood of problems in the future. If you are unsure about what to look for we would also suggest taking along a friend or family member who is mechanically-minded to help you when shopping around.
Once you have set your budget stick to it, and be sure to work out what your running costs will be including tax, insurance, fuel and servicing before taking the plunge.
The cars you have suggested are ideal; the Peugeot 108, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo are all city cars with low insurance as well as low fuel and servicing costs. Other alternatives to look for include the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii and Volkswagen Up.
As with any used car, finding an example with a full service history is recommended, as this shows that the car has been maintained correctly by its previous owners and reduces the likelihood of problems in the future. If you are unsure about what to look for we would also suggest taking along a friend or family member who is mechanically-minded to help you when shopping around.
Once you have set your budget stick to it, and be sure to work out what your running costs will be including tax, insurance, fuel and servicing before taking the plunge.
Similar questions
Can you suggest make and model for a first car for a newly qualified 18 year old driver? Low cost please, including insurance (say less than £5k).
What cars would you recommend for my 18 year old son? He's starting an apprenticeship this autumn and will need a reliable car to get there and back. The annual mileage will be approximately 18,500, most...
My daughter will be finishing university in June and wants help to buy her first car. She will be 22 and we just require a car thats reliable and cheap to insure.
How do we start please?
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Good standard specification for a low price, cheap to run and cheap to insure, surprisingly mature driving experience and capable out of town too.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Cheap to run, improved interior quality and refinement over previous C1, available with retractable fabric roof, decent at motorway speeds.
.jpg)
