Farmer’s grand-daughter

If you had a 17 year old grand-daughter who lived out in the country (in Northumberland actually) and who had just passed her test and was hell-bent on buying a small used car with a budget of say £3,000 (give or take a bit), which 3 cars would you suggest she consider please?

Asked on 9 January 2010 by T.C., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 or Toyota Aygo. All basically the same car, but lowest for insurance, CO2 and general running costs. Insurance may be a problem. For Northumberland, NFU Mutual might be best. Government needs to intervene over the high cost of young peoples insurance where premiums of £2,000 - £5,000 are leading 30% of kids to drive uninsured. If a maximum premium of £1,000pa for cars up to Insurance Group 3 was imposed, then the ‘cost’ to other drivers would not be any greater than the amount they bear from 30% of kids driving uninsured.
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