Latest news with #firstcar
Auto Express
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Help! I need a small, nimble first car for £7,000
Dear Auto Express, I need a first car that's small, nimble and easy to drive. My budget is £7,000. What can I get that's safe and relatively modern? - Jamie Fern, E-mail Passing your practical driving test is a significant moment for anybody. Once you're torn up your L-plates, the only barrier between you and a new level of freedom is finding your first car. Advertisement - Article continues below Of course, being a newly qualified driver, you'll probably be on the lookout for something which is small enough to help you to gain confidence when navigating narrow streets or tight carparks, while also being cheap to insure and run. Typically, the Citroen C1 has ruled the roost among new drivers. If you aren't drawn by its cute styling, you might be convinced by its dependable three-cylinder engine, which it shares with its Toyota Aygo relative. It's not the most sumptuous city car, but some colourful personalisation options do spice up the cabin. The SEAT Mii is the Spanish brand's twist on the Volkswagen up!, making it by default one of the most complete small cars you can buy. It boasts great build quality, grown-up handling and a surprisingly spacious cabin. The styling might be too conservative for some, though. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The same can't be said for the quirky Renault Twingo. Being rear-engined and rear-wheel drive, the French city car is the reverse of its two competitors here, and this layout gives the Twingo fantastic manoeuvrability in cities. Here's our expert pick for three of the best first cars available for £7,000, together with links to buy them through our Find a Car service… For: Solid build, slick dynamics, roomy Solid build, slick dynamics, roomy Against: Plain design, fiddly parcel shelf Advertisement - Article continues below Stubby dimensions, short overhangs and clean detailing give the SEAT Mii a pleasant if not distinctive look. From behind the wheel, the Mii is hard to beat. It shares a platform with the Volkswagen up! so the handling is crisp and it's surprisingly enjoyable to drive. The ride is supple, too, and wind and tyre noise are well suppressed for this class of car. The most powerful 74bhp version offers solid performance for town driving and the three-cylinder engine feels peppy enough. A 60,000-mile 2019 Mii falls well within budget. None of these models is especially plush inside, but the SEAT gets closest to providing the feel of a bigger class of car. The dashboard layout is user-friendly, the switchgear is sturdy and the hard plastics feel durable rather than terribly cheap. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The Mii is also surprisingly spacious, with more accommodating rear seats than the Citroen and a respectable 251-litre boot. Lower-spec SE models are equipped with alloy wheels, electric front windows, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel as standard. A DAB radio can also be specified, along with a dashboard-mounted navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity. See our used SEAT Mii deals For: Tight turning circle, rear seat space, robust interior Tight turning circle, rear seat space, robust interior Against: Vague steering, small boot Advertisement - Article continues below With its engine over the rear axle and powering the rear wheels, the Twingo's set-up is closer to a Porsche 911 than it is to most other hatches or city cars. The design is unique, with rounded surfaces, tiny overhangs and a sloping glass tailgate. By relocating the engine and freeing up space at the front of the car, the Renault Twingo has a turning circle to rival a London Taxi. There's lots of body roll and the Renault tends to fidget over bumpy roads, but although wind noise builds at higher speeds, it's comfy enough. You can get a 2016 Renault Twingo with 20,000-miles on the clock for under £7,000. Renault added splashes of colour inside the Twingo to lift the ambience, with coloured accents on the steering wheel and air vents. It may not be as well screwed together as the SEAT, but the cabin feels solid and durable on the whole. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Visibility is great, too, and standard equipment includes a DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB connection. The standard stereo is a six-speaker set-up, but some models also feature a subwoofer for punchier sound. There's plenty of space in the rear, even for four adults, although the rear-engined Twingo has the smallest boot in this company, at a mere 188 litres. Advertisement - Article continues below See our used Renault Twingo deals For: Distinctive looks, easy to drive, affordable Distinctive looks, easy to drive, affordable Against: Cheap interior, tight rear seats Closely related to the Toyota Aygo, the Citroen C1 uses that car's running gear. However, while it does its best to maximise the space inside, and has a glass rear hatch that makes it look more distinctive than the SEAT, the driving experience isn't quite on the same level. Its 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor is shared with the Aygo, and can feel out of its depth on a motorway, because it's short of punch even compared with its rivals here. It's fine around town, though, and the C1 is very easy to drive, with light controls. For £7,000, you can bag a 2018 Citroen C1 that's covered 26,000 miles. Like Renault, Citroen offers a variety of coloured panels and trims to add a dash of personalisation to the cabin of its city car. However, material quality isn't up to the best in the class, and the layout of the controls isn't as intuitive as the SEAT's interior. Still, all versions offered for sale other than the entry-level C1 Touch received a seven-inch touchscreen that's equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the higher-grade models; this is useful because the standard interface isn't particularly slick compared with its rivals'. Unfortunately, while the C1's boot is bigger than the Twingo's, the rear seats are very tight for taller adults to squeeze into. Those approaching six feet tall will be short on head and legroom. See our used Citroen C1 deals Did you know you can sell your car with Auto Express? Get the highest bid from our network of over 5,500 dealers and we'll do the rest. Click here to try Auto Express Sell My Car now ... Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3… New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
Telegraph
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
What's the best first car with an automatic gearbox?
Dear Alex, My 18-year-old grandson hopes to take his driving test later this summer and I have offered to buy his first car. I have a budget of £5,000. It will have to be an automatic and in a low insurance group. I have heard horror stories about wet timing belts, so a conventional timing belt or chain is preferable. What makes and models would you recommend? Should we buy from a large car supermarket or a smaller dealer? – PK Dear PK, Answering your last question first, it really depends. Generally speaking, my best experiences with dealers have been with smaller independent outfits run by sensible, smart traders who buy good stock and can therefore be relaxed and let the cars sell themselves. That said, I've also been to small independents with poor-quality stock, staffed by pushy salespeople. And I've met great salespeople at car supermarkets, although the pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap business model can mean that these companies may take less care over the quality of cars they stock. So you're going to have to take each dealer – and each car – as it comes, judging on the professionalism of the first and the quality of the second. The good news is that for £5,000 it's still fairly easy to avoid the wet belt problem. Normally I'd point you toward a Toyota Yaris, but the MultiMode automatic transmissions on the second-generation cars (2005-2013) within this budget are known to be troublesome. So instead I'd suggest the Hyundai i20. First-generation cars (2008-2014) are pretty mechanically robust and their old-fashioned torque converter automatic gearboxes don't seem to pose many problems. Look for a pre-facelift example like the 2010 1.4 Comfort I found with only 56,000 miles and a full main dealer history for £4,195 – giving you a bit of change to put towards your grandson's insurance. However, automatic i20s of that age are few and far between, so if you struggle to find one you could look at the ubiquitous Vauxhall Corsa. Of course, the Corsa is an obvious choice as a first car, but not without reason: the fourth-generation model (called Corsa D, made from 2006-2014) matches your budget is well built, roomy and pretty comfortable. Automatic versions tend not to suffer from any particular maladies; the traditional torque converter item fitted to 1.4-litre engines is better than the Easytronic set-up used with 1.2-litre units, though. Electrical gremlins are not uncommon with the Corsa range as a whole, so check the electrics carefully. Your money gets you a smart-looking facelifted 2012 Exclusiv with a full Vauxhall dealer history and a scant 47,000 miles.
UAE Moments
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
10 Best Cars for First-Time Buyers in 2025
Looking for your affordable 2025 first car? Driving around the city for the first time is thrilling, but you need something reliable, safe, and easy to maintain. This first-time car buyer guide 2025 highlights the top beginner cars 2025 —from compact hatchbacks and city-friendly compact SUVs to hybrid models that are perfect for eco-aware young drivers. We've considered fuel efficiency, insurance costs, and modern tech to help you find a cheap reliable new car 2025 that fits your vibe. How We Chose These Cars Affordability & Ownership Cost We focused on vehicles under $25K— best beginner cars under $25k —with low upkeep. Think fuel savings, modest insurance, and minimal depreciation. These rides are meant to be as easy on your wallet as they are fun to drive. Safety Ratings & Reliability Your first ride should be trustworthy. Every pick earned top safety scores and comes with a reputation for long-term reliability. That means peace of mind every time you hit the road. City-Friendly Tech & Style From 2025 compact hatchback first car options to city-friendly compact SUVs, these models offer easy parking, modern infotainment, and features tailored for urban life—all while looking sharp. 2025 Top 10 First-Time Buyer Cars 1. Toyota Corolla A classic choice, the Corolla delivers excellent mileage (up to 40 mpg), standard safety tech, and minimal maintenance. It's a fuel-efficient new driver car and a go-to for affordability. 2. Honda Civic The Civic blends sporty styling with reliability. It's fuel efficient and boasts high resale value—ideal for those seeking a dependable best used car for first timer. 3. Hyundai Kona This city-friendly compact SUV offers both gas and EV options, bold looks, and advanced safety features. It's a top choice for urban dwellers looking for a crossover feel. 4. Kia Seltos With roomy interiors and tech-rich trim, the Seltos is a practical, stylish, and affordable SUV—great for first-timers wanting space without hefty costs. 5. Mazda CX-30 The CX-30 brings premium cabin quality and agile handling to the table. It's a compact crossover that feels upscale without the upsized price tag. 6. Volkswagen Polo A 2025 compact hatchback first car, the Polo offers efficiency, solid safety, and a classy, minimalist interior—perfect for city streets. 7. Nissan Kicks The lively Kicks serves up personality, good fuel economy, and a crossover stance—ideal for those who want something fun yet functional. 8. Ford Puma 9. Skoda Fabia Flat-out practical, the Fabia is simple, spacious, and reliable. It's understated but effective—a solid pick for sensible drivers. 10. Suzuki Swift The Swift is light, nimble, and extremely fuel-efficient—perfect for zipping through tight city streets and parking with ease. Comparison Table & Specs Model MSRP MPG / Range Safety Rating Insurance Tier Body Type Corolla ~$24K Up to 40 mpg 5-star Low Compact Sedan Civic ~$25K 32–36 mpg 5-star Medium Sedan/Hatchback Kona ~$23K 30 mpg / 200 mi EV 5-star Low–Medium Subcompact SUV Seltos ~$24K 28–32 mpg 5-star Medium Compact SUV CX‑30 ~$25K 28–32 mpg 5-star Medium Crossover Polo ~$20K 35–40 mpg 5-star Low–Medium Hatchback Kicks ~$22K 28–32 mpg 4–5 star Low–Medium Subcompact SUV Puma ~$23K 30–36 mpg 5-star Medium Compact SUV Fabia ~$19K 35–40 mpg 5-star Low Hatchback Swift ~$18K 35–40 mpg 4-star Low Hatchback First-Time Buyer Tips Insurance Expectations Expect rates 15–25% higher as a young driver. Stick with low insurance cars for teens like Swift, Polo, or Corolla to keep costs down. Avoiding Depreciation Traps Choose models with steady resale—Civic, Corolla, and compact SUVs hold value well compared to trendier but fast-depreciating alternatives. When to Consider Certified Pre-Owned A cheap reliable new car 2025 may sound ideal, but a certified pre-owned car under $25K offers added warranties and inspection checks without a full new-car premium. Financing & Budgeting Advice Plan beyond the sticker price—factor in insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking. Whether financing or leasing, a good down payment and low APR are key. For first-timers, consider entry level hybrid cars to offset fuel costs and get eco perks. Quick Takeaways Under $25K, high value and low-cost ownership Top safety scores, ideal for safe new driver cars Compact hatchbacks and SUVs perfect for urban life EV and hybrid picks offer long-term savings Watch insurance rates and depreciation CPO options add peace of mind Choose the ride that matches your style and city needs Stepping into your first car in 2025? Go for a ride that balances affordability, safety, and city-readiness. Whether you choose a top beginner car 2025 like Corolla or Civic, or cruise in a compact SUV, you'll have a reliable and stylish companion. Don't forget to test drive, calculate total costs, and explore CPO deals. Drive smart—your journey starts now. FAQs Which are the cheapest reliable cars 2025 for newbies? Models like Swift, Fabia, and Corolla offer dependable performance without the hefty price tag. Is the Kona EV a good first car? Yes—it's a strong entry level hybrid for city drivers with great range and lower fuel costs. Are compact SUVs better than hatchbacks for city use? Yes— city-friendly compact SUVs like Seltos and Kona offer visibility and cargo space while still fitting tight spaces. How much higher is insurance for teen drivers? Typically 15–25% higher—choosing low insurance cars for teens helps you save significantly. Is certified pre-owned worth it for first-timers? Absolutely—CPO offers warranty protection and vetting, giving you a cheap reliable new car 2025 feel without full price.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How much does it cost to become a driver in the UK?
It's 90 years since the driving test became compulsory in the UK. Back then it cost just 37.5p to sit the test, and around two thirds of people passed. Now it costs £23 for the theory test, £62 for a practical test on a weekday and £75 at the weekend — and fewer than half of people pass. But the cost of multiple tests is far from the only cost of getting on the road. It starts pretty cheaply, with £34 for the provisional licence, but then the costs start mounting. On average you need 45 hours of driving lessons and 22 hours of practice before you're prepared for your practical test. Assuming you know somebody who is prepared to take you out, 45 hours of lessons at a typical cost of £45 will set you back £2,025. If you need more lessons or they're pricier in your area, it'll cost even more than that. Once you've passed, you need to buy the car. On average people's first cars cost £5,500. Then there's insurance — the cheapest models can be covered for about £1,500, but beware, because you can easily find yourself facing a bill of around £2,500 for something that doesn't feel particularly fast or risky. Read more: How getting ahead on your tax return can help cut your tax bill Add on £195 for the standard rate of car tax, and before you've driven a single mile — and accounted for petrol, servicing and the MOT — it will have set you back £10,352. It means you need to consider how to cut the costs. These are in such high demand that there's not much haggling to be had, but check whether you can get a discount for block bookings. It's also worth considering the balance of official lessons and private practice. If you have a friend or relative who is a calm and confident driver, they may be prepared to take you out more in order to save on lessons. There are a variety of techniques that can help you negotiate a good deal when buying a second-hand car. Research the going rate before you start, so you know what's reasonable. Check the car's condition — if there are dings and scratches you can use this as leverage for a lower cost. Consider the deal you'll accept, and be prepared to walk away if they won't go low enough. If you get within touching distance of what you consider to be fair, you can ask for them to throw in a service or MOT to make up the difference. Picking the right car is key, so take the time to check what it'll cost to insure before you buy. There's no point picking up a bargain that costs thousands of pounds extra every year in insurance. Check if you can save money by adding a second named driver. This is very different from insuring it in someone else's name and adding yourself second — that's called fronting and is illegal. Putting an older and more experienced person on the insurance as a second driver can still shave hundreds or even thousands of pounds off the cost. Including it in a multi-car policy with other reliable drivers in the same household can also help. You could also consider a telematics policy, where you have a "black box" in the car monitoring your driving. If you drive carefully at safer times of day this can lower your costs — although riskier driving could see your premiums rise significantly — and you could even have the policy more: Real cost of a 2025 summer holiday as families priced out or fined How to tell if you're rich Who wears the financial trousers in your relationship?Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How much does it cost to become a driver in the UK?
It's 90 years since the driving test became compulsory in the UK. Back then it cost just 37.5p to sit the test, and around two thirds of people passed. Now it costs £23 for the theory test, £62 for a practical test on a weekday and £75 at the weekend — and fewer than half of people pass. But the cost of multiple tests is far from the only cost of getting on the road. It starts pretty cheaply, with £34 for the provisional licence, but then the costs start mounting. On average you need 45 hours of driving lessons and 22 hours of practice before you're prepared for your practical test. Assuming you know somebody who is prepared to take you out, 45 hours of lessons at a typical cost of £45 will set you back £2,025. If you need more lessons or they're pricier in your area, it'll cost even more than that. Once you've passed, you need to buy the car. On average people's first cars cost £5,500. Then there's insurance — the cheapest models can be covered for about £1,500, but beware, because you can easily find yourself facing a bill of around £2,500 for something that doesn't feel particularly fast or risky. Read more: How getting ahead on your tax return can help cut your tax bill Add on £195 for the standard rate of car tax, and before you've driven a single mile — and accounted for petrol, servicing and the MOT — it will have set you back £10,352. It means you need to consider how to cut the costs. These are in such high demand that there's not much haggling to be had, but check whether you can get a discount for block bookings. It's also worth considering the balance of official lessons and private practice. If you have a friend or relative who is a calm and confident driver, they may be prepared to take you out more in order to save on lessons. There are a variety of techniques that can help you negotiate a good deal when buying a second-hand car. Research the going rate before you start, so you know what's reasonable. Check the car's condition — if there are dings and scratches you can use this as leverage for a lower cost. Consider the deal you'll accept, and be prepared to walk away if they won't go low enough. If you get within touching distance of what you consider to be fair, you can ask for them to throw in a service or MOT to make up the difference. Picking the right car is key, so take the time to check what it'll cost to insure before you buy. There's no point picking up a bargain that costs thousands of pounds extra every year in insurance. Check if you can save money by adding a second named driver. This is very different from insuring it in someone else's name and adding yourself second — that's called fronting and is illegal. Putting an older and more experienced person on the insurance as a second driver can still shave hundreds or even thousands of pounds off the cost. Including it in a multi-car policy with other reliable drivers in the same household can also help. You could also consider a telematics policy, where you have a "black box" in the car monitoring your driving. If you drive carefully at safer times of day this can lower your costs — although riskier driving could see your premiums rise significantly — and you could even have the policy more: Real cost of a 2025 summer holiday as families priced out or fined How to tell if you're rich Who wears the financial trousers in your relationship?Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
