Good First Cars – Things to Consider When Buying Your First Car

First off, a HUGE congrats to YOU on passing your driving test, it’s never an easy exam to get through no matter your age!

Buying your first car, perhaps as a young driver, is a milestone moment: it’s totally exciting, a little bit nerve-wracking and often full of questions. For many parents, it’s also a balancing act between keeping their teenage new driver safe and managing costs. Whether you’re a cautious mum or dad doing the research or a wide-eyed 17-year-old teenage dreaming of some magical freedom on four wheels, there are a few key things you’ll need to think about before signing on the dotted line.

Let’s look at the most important things to consider when buying your first car, with some practical suggestions to help steer you in the right direction.

1. Insurance Groups (Lower = Better)

One of the biggest shocks for first-time drivers (and their parents) is the cost of motor insurance. In the UK, cars are ranked in insurance groups from 1 to 50 – and the lower the number, the cheaper (in theory!) the premium. A sensible first car will usually fall in groups 1 to 10, so this is something to aim for especially if you want to avoid eye-watering insurance quotes.

Look for models with smaller engines, good safety ratings and wide availability of parts, these are the things insurers like to see.

2. Engine Size & Performance (Less is More!)

Being honest, most teens will dream of owning a classy sporty car that turns heads. But for a first car, smaller really is smarter. A 1.0 or 1.2-litre engine is plenty for getting from A to B safely, and it also helps keep insurance and fuel costs low.

A punchy little hatchback can feel quick enough for many, but without the extra power that can tempt newer drivers into trouble on the roads.

3. Safety First: Look for Modern Safety Features

New drivers generally face a greater chance of bumps and scrapes in the early months of having a full driving licence. So it’s worth choosing a first car with decent safety features like ABS, airbags and even stability control, if your budget allows.

You don’t need to buy a brand new car to get these features, many used cars from the last 5–10 years come fairly well equipped with modern safety features.

4. Running Costs & Reliability

You’re not just buying a car and paying for it, you’re also committing to paying car tax, fuel, replacement tyres as well as servicing and repairs too. That dream car won’t feel so dreamy if it’s constantly in the garage and hitting you big time in your wallet. Cars are not cheap to run!

Some reliable first car favourites our customers have recommended (in alphabetical order) and brought in to us for servicing include the:

The models of cars listed above are generally (in our experience) widely available, easy to service and cheaper to run.

5. Hatchbacks Not Your Thing? Alternatives Worth Considering

Most first-time drivers opt for a small hatchback, but it’s not your only option. If you’re after something with a bit more space or a different shape, consider:

• Skoda Roomster – Group 4 and up – aim for a smaller engine and lower trim spec to keep below Group 10
• BMW 2 Grand Tourer 216d 1.5 L diesel – firmly in Group 10 insurance
• Dacia Logan MCV estate – Groups 2–12, early and economy trims typically in Groups 2–10
• Toyota Auris (2007–2013) estate with 1.3 petrol: Insurance Group 6 – 2007–2013 base trims often lie in Group 9–10
• Small saloons like the Skoda Rapid and Seat Toledo, both highly practical and sometimes cheaper to insure than trendier hatchbacks!

Just make sure to carefully check the vehicle’s insurance group and its associated running costs before falling in love with it!

Cars you think would be fairly cheap to insure (but surprisingly aren’t):

• Audi A1 – Group 15+
• Honda Jazz – Group 13+
• Mini One – Group 14+
• Mazda 2 – Group 13+

6. Used vs New: What’s Best for a First Car?

There’s no right or wrong answer, but used cars often make the most sense financially, especially when a few parking dings are likely inevitable. The key is buying something that’s been well looked after with a solid service history.

If you’re buying privately, make sure you get it inspected or serviced early. A pre-purchase inspection can save hundreds down the line.

7. Set a Realistic Budget (and Stick to It)

It’s easy to get carried away, but remember the car is just one part of the cost. Factor in:

• Insurance
• Tax
• MOT & servicing
• Fuel
• Unexpected repairs

Set a budget that includes all of these – not just the sticker price – so there aren’t any nasty surprises once you’re on the road.

Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Drive Safe

The best first car isn’t necessary the flashiest or fastest (sorry to have to say that!). It’s the one that’s safest, more affordable, most reliable and gives you the confidence to get out and enjoy the road. Whether you’re helping your teen take their first motoring steps or you’re the new driver yourself, take your time, do the research and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

And if you’re local to Chepstow, come and have a chat with the team at Autocare Chepstow. We’re here to help you keep your first car running smoothly – and make sure it’s a joy for you to own, not a headache.