What is the best used car for a first-time driver?

For a first car, insurance cost usually matters more than the car itself. A new driver's premium can easily exceed the price of the car, so the sensible approach is to work backwards from insurance groups rather than starting with a model you like.

What to prioritise:

• A low insurance group — groups 1 to 10 keep premiums manageable. Check the exact trim, as a sportier version of the same model can sit several groups higher.
• A small petrol engine — typically 1.0 to 1.2 litres. Cheap to insure, cheap to run, and plenty for learning.
• A good safety rating — look for a solid Euro NCAP score.
• Cheap, widely available parts — mainstream models are far less expensive to maintain than premium badges.
• Small dimensions — easier to park and less expensive to repair when a wheel meets a kerb, which it will.

Popular choices that consistently tick those boxes include the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Aygo, Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto. Any of these in a modest trim with a small petrol engine is a sound first car.

Two practical tips. Adding an experienced named driver can reduce a premium, but the main driver must be the person who actually drives the car most — misrepresenting that is insurance fraud and invalidates cover. And a telematics or black box policy often cuts costs substantially for a careful new driver.

Avoid modified cars, anything with a large engine, and premium German models — the purchase price can look tempting, but insurance and maintenance rarely are.