Step this way to discover our favourite frugal and reliable starter cars
Buying your first car is one of the most exciting things you’ll do in your driving career. Representing freedom and the open road, these often humble and lower-powered machines often last longer in the memory and your affections than more exotic stuff that comes later.
Even so, that doesn’t mean your first set of wheels should be a boring, middle-of-the-road econobox runaround? To prove it, we’ve put together the best starter cars that manage to have bags of personality, are great to drive, have the latest tech and, in some cases, even boast good looks. Crucially for worried parents, they also pack plenty of safety kit.
Of course, when you’re starting out on a driving journey you still want a car that’s cheap to insure, reliable and and shouldn’t break the bank to service. Our testing team has run the rule of hundreds of suitable candidates, ensuring you’ll be getting the best possible machine for your first solo sorties on the public road.
Every car on this list brings something special to the table – whether it’s size, speed, or style. From city cars to small SUVs, with an electric car thrown in for good measure, there’s something for everyone after a first car on this list.
