What's the best first car to buy that's also fun?

I'm looking to buy my first fun car as a 24 year old graduate with a budget of £5-6k. I'm looking for a petrol, manual, hatchback ideally but an estate body is not an issue. I'd like space in the back for a suitcase and pedal bicycle. I've had a Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost and that's fun but not pokey enough! I was thinking of a circa 2010 MINI Cooper S but worried about the reliability. I'm an engineering graduate so mechanically minded but can't really afford plenty of big bills for a couple of years!

Asked on 10 February 2023 by Alex Fulton

Answered by Dan Powell

When buying a used car, it's important to note that the vehicle's repair and servicing costs will always reflect the car's price when new (and not today at £6000 or £5000).

If you want to avoid hefty bills, avoid premium cars (these are very expensive to fix and maintain). I would recommend the Suzuki Swift Sport - it's very reliable, cheap to run and great fun to drive: www.honestjohn.co.uk/suzuki/swift/2010/

Tags: buying fun cars first cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Select a few terms below

Similar questions

What can I buy for £10k that's FUN?

Great website and I love reading your advice every week. Having spent far too much on a house extension, I can no longer buy the 981 Cayman I desire. I wonder what your thoughts are for fast manual...

I am looking at spending £2/3k only on a weekend fun car. Mercedes SLK or MGF/TF

I have just sold my Triumph Spitfire and am looking for something more recent for a weekend fun car. I am only looking at spending up to £3k and wonder whether an SLK or MGF/TF would be the better option....

Which will be more fun to drive?

I am trading up from a Jazz owned from new. I want a comfortable auto SUV with good boot space that will be trouble free over 6 plus years. I also want to enjoy driving it approx 6000 miles a year many...

Related models