Best Cheap Used Cars for New Drivers UK

Buying your first car is exciting—but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially with costs like insurance, road tax, and maintenance to consider. For young drivers and students in the UK, the goal is to find a reliable, budget-friendly car that’s cheap to run and easy to insure.

Here’s a guide to the best affordable used cars for first-time drivers in 2025, focusing on low insurance groups, tax savings, and dependable performance.

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1. Toyota Aygo (2014–2021)

The Toyota Aygo is a brilliant choice for new drivers. It’s stylish, compact, and extremely economical. Most versions come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, which sits in insurance group 1 or 2, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK.

• Insurance Group: 1–3
• Road Tax: £0 to £20 (for older models)
• MPG: Up to 68 mpg
• Why it’s great: Cheap to run, ultra-reliable, and easy to drive

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2. Ford Fiesta (2009–2017)

The Ford Fiesta is the UK’s best-selling car for a reason. It’s a solid all-rounder, offering a smooth drive, good safety features, and plenty of spare parts, keeping repair costs low. Models with the 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.25 petrol engine are ideal for younger drivers.

• Insurance Group: 3–6
• Road Tax: £0–£30 (depending on engine)
• MPG: Up to 65 mpg
• Why it’s great: Widely available, fun to drive, strong resale value

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3. Hyundai i10 (2014–2020)

The i10 is a small car with a big reputation for reliability. It’s surprisingly roomy inside for its size and boasts one of the lowest average costs for ownership. It’s also a top pick in the low-insurance category.

• Insurance Group: 2–5
• Road Tax: £20–£30
• MPG: Up to 60 mpg
• Why it’s great: Reliable, cheap to run, and excellent value for money

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4. Volkswagen Up! (2012–2021)

The VW Up! is a premium-feeling city car that combines great fuel economy with classy design. It’s easy to park and comfortable for daily use. The 1.0-litre models are especially insurance-friendly and perfect for learners or first-time drivers.

• Insurance Group: 1–4
• Road Tax: £0–£30
• MPG: Up to 64 mpg
• Why it’s great: High-quality interior, low insurance, compact and fun

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5. Vauxhall Corsa (2015–2019)

A familiar name on UK roads, the Corsa is often a go-to for first cars. With a wide range of models, it’s easy to find a version that fits your budget. Look for the 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol versions in lower insurance groups.

• Insurance Group: 3–7
• Road Tax: £30
• MPG: Up to 55 mpg
• Why it’s great: Affordable parts, easy to maintain, and widely available

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Tips for First-Time Buyers

If you’re just starting out, here are a few extra tips to keep running costs down:

• ✅ Use comparison tools to check insurance costs before buying
• ✅ Look for cars with full service history to avoid future repairs
• ✅ Choose manual transmission for better control and lower prices
• ✅ Consider older models from before 2017 for cheaper road tax

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Final Thoughts

For new or young drivers in the UK, a reliable and affordable used car doesn’t have to break the bank. Models like the Toyota Aygo, Hyundai i10, and Ford Fiesta offer a great balance of low running costs, solid safety features, and overall driving ease.

Before making a purchase, always check the insurance group, MOT history, and running costs. With the right research, your first car can be a smart step toward freedom, confidence, and fun on the road.