What Makes a Good First Car?

When you pass your driving test, the world opens up and you can go pretty much anywhere you fancy. But in what car? Choosing your first car is a rite of passage for new drivers, and it’s important to make the right decision, for your finances, your confidence, and your street cred! 

In this article, we’ll be looking at what makes a good first car, and exploring some of the best first cars that you can get your hands on. 

What makes a good first car? 

There’s an abundance of choice out there, and it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices when you first pass your test. However, there are a few universal characteristics that all first cars will have. So what makes a good first car? 

Affordable to buy 

If you’ve just shelled out for lessons and a test, you’re unlikely to have a big budget for the purchase of your first car. Finding an affordable model that’s still going to serve you well as a first-time motorist will help you get out on the roads quicker - otherwise, you could be looking at months of saving! 

If you want to invest in a more expensive model, this can often be made possible through car finance. 

Cheap to run 

Keep in mind that it’s not just the initial purchase price that you need to budget for - there’s tax, insurance, repairs and maintenance to consider too. Smaller cars with less powerful engines are more likely to cost you less in insurance and tax, particularly if they’re used models. 

Simple to understand 

When you’ve only just got to grips with the main controls, being blinded by science in the cabin of your first car is going to confuse things for you. A car with a well-laid-out interior, where everything is clear and ready to use, will enable you to build your confidence with the essentials of driving. 

Easy to park

By far one of the most daunting aspects of learning to drive is moving the car to where you want it accurately and without hitting anything around you. A car with a short wheelbase that you can reverse park with ease will enable you to master manoeuvres like a professional in no time 

What are the best first cars? 

Now that you’ve got your first car checklist, it’s time to take a look at some of the top candidates…

Kia Picanto 

The peppy Picanto is a firm favourite amongst buyers of both new and used models - and it’s no wonder! Low running costs and attractive purchase prices pair with easy manoeuvrability and a comfortable cabin to make it a perfect choice for a first car. 

Nissan Micra 

The Micra has undergone a facelift in recent years, but its new good looks haven’t come at the cost of its excellent reputation as a great first car. Your best bet is a used model, many of which come with 1.0-litre petrol engines, which can mean some serious savings at the pumps. 

Mazda2 

Cute, compact, and with a decent range of features on board, choosing the Mazda2 as your four-wheeled friend once you pass your test will make you so glad that you learned to drive. Premium upgrades are available even on many used models if you’re feeling fancy! 

Ford Ka 

Remember when the Ka seemed to be everyone’s first car? They look a little different now compared to their original guise, but it’s still much-loved amongst those with a new licence. It’s cheap to run, easy to park, and everything’s set up inside fuss-free. It’s ideal! 

Hyundai i10 

As another small hatchback, the Hyundai i10 provides first-time drivers with everything they need to begin their motoring journey confidently, without confusing controls or miles of boot space to worry about. It’s a reliable and economical option, and there are many used models currently on the market. 

Find your first car at EMG 

It’s our pleasure to help new drivers find their first car, and with so many different options available at EMG, we’ve got you covered, whatever your budget and lifestyle. If you’re set on having a brand new car, you can browse the selection here, or take a look at our used models, of which there are over 500, all offering fantastic value for money.