Buying your first car

Buying your first car

Buying your first car can be a daunting experience. But whether you’re looking for a car that looks good, is fun to drive, easy to park or that’s just cheap to insure, there’s a first car to suit everybody’s wants and needs.






From the classy VW Golf to the ubiquitous Vauxhall Corsa, here are our top ten first cars for under £1,500.

Ford Focus | Peugeot 206 | Volkswagen Golf | Ford Ka | Volkswagen Polo
Seat Ibiza | Vauxhall Corsa | Ford Fiesta | Toyota Yaris | Renault Clio

Full gallery: first cars for £1,500


First cars for £1,500
Ford Focus



Ford FocusThe Ford Focus made a huge impact in the UK when it was introduced in 1998. With its evergreen looks, range of punchy engines and plenty of choice on the used car market, it’s an obvious choice for anybody on a budget.

A revised Focus was introduced in 2001 with a new grille and sleeker bumpers – this version is more desirable so you might have to shop around to find the one that’s right for you.

Avoid under-powered 1.4-litre petrol versions and opt for the 1.6-litre engine – this offers a good mix of performance and efficiency, as well as reasonable insurance costs.

As you would expect, reliability is generally good but there have been reports of suspension issues, especially on higher mileage models. Make sure the electrics all work as they should and if it’s an automatic, check that each gear engages smoothly and easily.

Our pick: 2000 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec (Insurance group: 6)

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Peugeot 206

Peugeot 206The Peugeot 206 is one of the best-looking superminis around. Its popularity as a new car means there is plenty of choice on the used car market, with prices starting from as little as £400.

Though the 206 has one of the worst driving positions in its class, it does have a good range of engines to choose from, reasonable cabin- and boot-space and a design that’s aged well, despite a life-span of more than 10 years without significant change.

Fuel economy is generally good, with most petrols capable of at least 40mpg while diesel versions should top 50mpg. Avoid entry-level models as they are very poorly equipped.

Things to look out for include the electrics, as central locking failure is common. But there are more than 5,700 used Peugeot 206s for sale on Auto Trader so shop around to find the right one for you.

Our pick: 2001 Peugeot 206 1.1 LX (Insurance group: 3)

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Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen GolfThe Mark IV Volkswagen Golf – introduced in 1997 and replaced in 2006 – is an obvious choice for anybody looking for a reliable, spacious and comfortable hatchback. They hold their value very well so you’ll be looking at a slightly older version to stick within the £1,500 budget.

The choice of engines may be a little confusing but the best bet are the 1.9-litre TDI diesel and punchy yet frugal 1.6-litre petrol versions. Cabin and trim quality is good but you might need to shop around to get the equipment levels you want – SE models come with air conditioning and front and rear electric windows.

Used values are strong thanks to VW’s image and its legendary build quality. Running costs are very low as are repair bills. Although reliability is generally good, make sure you check that yours has been well looked after – check all electrical equipment work as they should.

Our pick: 2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 SE (Insurance group: 6)

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Ford Ka

Ford KaThe Ford Ka – the manufacturer’s quirky-looking baby – has become somewhat of an icon since its launch in 1996. Its combination of characterful design, fun handling and low running costs have proved particularly popular with new drivers.

The 1.3-litre engine offers decent power but is rough and not particularly economical. Overall the whole package feels very old compared to newer rivals but if it’s fun, affordable mobility you’re after, the Ka is an excellent choice.

Mechanically the Ka is very reliable and strong, but look out for possible suspension issues, so bounce each corner and listen for any clunking noises. With more than 4,000 used Ford Kas for sale on Auto Trader you can afford to shop around for your perfect car.

Our pick: 2003 Ford Ka 1.3i Collection (Insurance group: 3)

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Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen PoloThe Volkswagen Polo is an obvious choice for anybody in the market for a reliable and good-looking supermini. Polos hold their value very well so you’ll be looking at a slightly older version to stick within the £1,500 budget.

Choose from:
• 1994 – 2002
This version of the Polo may not be the most fun to drive and the smaller petrol engines are underpowered. But running costs are reasonable, it’s comfortable to drive and it’s reliable. We’d choose either the eager 1.4 16v petrol or the super frugal, if slightly noisy 1.4 TDI diesel.
• 2002 – 2005
You’ll have to hunt around if you want a post-2002 Polo within this budget. But it is a safe bet, with a cushy ride, sleek if dull interior, VW build-quality and a range of petrol and diesel engines. Gearboxes are a known weakness so ensure gears engage smoothly and easily.

Used values are strong thanks to the little VW’s image and its legendary build quality. Running costs are very low as are repair bills. And while there are few better built superminis out there, make sure you check that yours has been well looked after.

Our pick: 2001 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 SE (Insurance group: 6)

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Seat Ibiza

Seat IbizaThe Seat Ibiza has become increasingly popular in the UK, thanks to its youthful good-looks, strong engines and build-quality.

Choose from:
• 1999 – 2002
The pre-2002 may lack the curvy good-looks we’ve become to expect from the Spanish car maker but it is very well-built, spacious and comes with a decent choice of engines. It’s also quite rare which makes it a highly desirable first car.
• 2002 – 2006
The new model introduced in 2002 gained a stylish new look, a range of punchy engines and a sporty, if rather firm ride. Best of all, every model comes well-equipped – SE models even come with alloy wheels. Opt for the powerful yet frugal 1.2-litre petrol and you can expect to return 50mpg.

Reliability is generally good but there have been reports of transmission or electrical faults so make sure you check any potential buy thoroughly.

Our pick: 2002 Seat Ibiza 1.2-litre 12v SE 5dr (Insurance group: 3)

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Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall CorsaWith more than 1.7 million searches on Auto Trader last month, the Vauxhall Corsa is the most searched for used supermini.

There are two main types of Corsa available in this budget – if you want a newer model you might have to opt for a higher mileage, under-powered 1-litre engine or lower trim level.
• Pre 2000
There is a wide range of engines – from an underpowered 1-litre three-cylinder up to a brisk 1.8-litre unit in the sporty SRI – and there’s plenty of choice available from as little as £200
• 2000-2006
A new better-looking Corsa was introduced in 2000. This version benefits from a good sized boot, plenty of room for four adults and a range of economical engines. There have been reports of steering rack problems so make sure you check for smooth steering, with no unusual noises, before handing over your money.

There are plenty to choose from, keeping prices down and parts costs low. Expect to pay a premium for more practical five-door versions and better-equipped models.

Our pick: 2001 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 16v Club 5dr (Insurance group: 2)

Find a used Vauxhall Corsa>>

Ford Fiesta

Ford FiestaThere’s a reason the Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular cars in the UK: it’s well-built, good-looking and fun. Whether you’re more concerned about reliability or space and looks, there’s a Fiesta to suit your needs:

• 1995 – 2002
A 10 to 15-year-old Fiesta is one of the cheapest cars to run but it’s still fun to drive, has a generous boot and plenty of choice. They may not be the plushest of cars but there are bargains to be had, from as little as £200. Check any potential buy thoroughly – its popularity as a first car means neglect is common.
• 2002 – 2008
In 2002 the Fiesta gained a sleeker look, extra room and new frugal engines. It benefits from a strong reliability record, good handling and a comfortable ride. Most petrol engines are capable of at least 40mpg, while diesels stretch to 60mpg. You’ll have to opt for a model with a higher mileage to stick within the £1,500 budget but there are plenty of deals to be had.

Our pick: 2001 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec (Insurance group: 6)

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Toyota Yaris

Toyota YarisThe Toyota Yaris’ pert styling, low running costs and bulletproof reliability have kept its used prices higher than some of its rivals, but it’s still possible to find a decent one for the money. It was introduced in 1999, redesigned in 2003 and replaced in 2005 – and you’ll be looking at an earlier model for this budget.

The interior is even more unusual than the exterior, with a large digital read-out dominating the centre of the dash, with plenty of useful cubby holes dotted around. Rear seat and boot space is tight, and it’s not as practical as some of its competitors.

The engines run like clockwork and overall running costs are very low. The only major reliability gripes are with the transmission – gearboxes can become whiney, while clutches wear quickly if the car spends most of its time in stop-start traffic.

Our pick: 2000 Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVTi GS 5dr (Insurance group: 5)

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Renault Clio

Renault ClioThe evergreen Renault Clio – introduced in 1998, refreshed in 2001 and replaced in 2005 – is stylish, well-equipped and cheap to run. Taller occupants will find the interior slightly cramped and the driving position is uncomfortable no matter what your size.

The revised version introduced in 2001 is the best bet, with its range of new engines, added equipment and an improved interior. There are plenty to choose from so you should be able to find your ideal car.

Make sure common electrical and suspension issues have been fixed under the manufacturer’s warranty, which should be recorded in the service history.

Our pick: 2001 Renault Clio 1.2 16v Expression (Insurance group: 3)