What practical first car do you recommend?
I'm late 30s and looking to buy my first car following recent pass. I need something bigger than the normal 'first cars' recommended.
It needs boot space for a German shepherd, should be easy to access for aging parents and accommodate 2 children in the back (no car seats). I do daily town driving and occasional motorway travel. I'm 5ft so I'd prefer a higher driving position but my partner is 6ft so needs leg room. Feel like I'm searching for a unicorn and overwhelmed with choice.
It needs to be lowish insurance group, five seats, manual, mid-large boot and a reliable, practical, good all rounder. For the right car I can stretch to £12k but I'd be more comfortable paying less.
It needs boot space for a German shepherd, should be easy to access for aging parents and accommodate 2 children in the back (no car seats). I do daily town driving and occasional motorway travel. I'm 5ft so I'd prefer a higher driving position but my partner is 6ft so needs leg room. Feel like I'm searching for a unicorn and overwhelmed with choice.
It needs to be lowish insurance group, five seats, manual, mid-large boot and a reliable, practical, good all rounder. For the right car I can stretch to £12k but I'd be more comfortable paying less.
Asked on 12 June 2025 by Emily
Answered by
Matt Robinson
Judging by your requirements, a small-to-mid-size SUV would probably be best, perhaps a Skoda Karoq. These have a roomy boot and, in some specs, 'Varioflex' seating which can be slid, tilted or even removed should you need to make it more roomy for your German shepherd! The smaller engines shouldn't be too expensive to insure, but it's always worth getting lots of quotes before proceeding.
Tags:
first cars
buying advice
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