Best Cars For Learner Drivers
Buying your first car is a huge milestone in life — and it's an investment no one can afford to get wrong. The best vehicles for a first-time driver are a mix of practicality, comfort, and safety - hatchbacks for sale come to mind.
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Ideally, you want a car that’s easy to drive and easy on your wallet too. But the sheer number of options out there can make for an overwhelming car-buying experience. That's why we've created this list of top beginner-friendly cars to help you choose the perfect hatchback car.
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Let’s get started!
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Choosing a first car is a rite of passage for any youngster. It's also a process that can take a lot of time and effort – both of which are in short supply when you're a busy teenager. The good news is that there are a few key points to keep in mind when you're choosing the first car – points that will not only help with your decision-making but also save you from ending up with a proper banger that’ll embarrass anyone sitting in it. Here are four traits that no beginner-friendly car must be without:
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Safe to drive
Not all cars crash the same. Not what you want to hear before you start driving, but safety is important! And since you’ll likely be buying a used car as your first one, you must know the basics.
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For starters, airbags and anti-lock brakes (also called ABS). These are pretty self-explanatory and almost all cars built in the last 20 years have them. With airbags, you’ll want to look for cars that have a driver as well as a passenger airbag. ABS stops your wheels from locking up in emergency braking situations, helping to prevent accidents.
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Next up we have electronic stability (also called ESC) and traction control. These are two separate systems that work to prevent skidding and sliding. They also improve traction on the road.
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For ESC and traction control, many modern cars have both. Some will have one and others will have none (typically older, cheaper vehicles). You’re safer in a car that has at least one of these systems in place.
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Durable and easy to maintain
You want your first car to be a machine that you can trust to get you through the next few years without regular trips to your local garage. So settling on something with a little more durability and longevity makes total sense. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road with a steaming bonnet and a panicked look on your face. It pays to pay a little more for your first ride.
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Fashionable and fun
A car's appeal is also an important consideration when buying your first one. Let’s be honest, certain cars don’t exactly exude sex appeal. Unfortunately for you though, style and quality often come hand in hand with price tags to match.
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But don’t fret, because certain models can give you the best of both worlds. Comfort with style and even speed, at a reasonable price. Furthermore, if you’re into pimping your ride, a simple selection of wheels can make a huge difference to the aesthetic of your vehicle. From cast to flow-formed and forged alloy wheels, the possibilities are endless.
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Low-cost insurance
Finding affordable insurance is one of the biggest hurdles for any new young driver. Most new drivers will be limited to certain vehicle models for their first car, simply because insurance becomes prohibitively expensive. Insurance pricing works with insurance groups. Faster, more expensive cars tend to be in a higher group, though safety features also play a big role.
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The best cars for learners
Here are the top three cars for learner drivers that strike a great balance between style, comfort and affordability.
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Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is one of Britain's best-selling cars of all time. It’s the perfect beginner's vehicle. With their small economical engines that pack a surprising punch. The 1.0 litre EcoBoost model is the most impressive, as you’re getting speed along with the economy. Plus, the Fiesta is packed full of safety features, including Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Aid, and Cruise Control, making driving an absolute breeze.
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Volkswagen Polo
The VW Polo has been in production since 1975. It hasn’t changed all too much since then, and for good reason. The Polo is great for first-time drivers because it’s an affordable and cheap-to-run hatchback for sale with a well-built interior and impressive safety features. We’re talking about Volkswagen here, a German brand with a great car-building reputation.
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While the polo isn’t the most exciting thing to look at, the price is certainly an attractive factor. You can pick up a decent used model less than 10 years old with low mileage for around £4000.
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Toyota Aygo
Cheap and cheerful, the 1.0-litre Toyota Aygo is a fantastic choice for anyone who's just started driving or for those seeking a super-cheap runabout that won't cost a tonne to keep on the road.
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Aygo comes with a long warranty when bought new — five years to be exact. Some used Aygo models also come with Toyota's 'Relax' warranty that can cover any model up to 10 years old or 160,000 kilometres if the car is serviced at a main dealer.
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Aygo's compact engine and size mean you won't have to worry about high insurance premiums. Its excellent fuel economy is another major selling point. You can get your hands on a with low miles and a full-service history for a very good price.
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Do your due diligence
Passing your test and getting your first car is an exciting life milestone. But it can also be a scary and confusing time, given the options out there on the market. Ultimately, your choice of car will depend on your budget and personal preferences. Taking some time to do some research is imperative.
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