Motoring Today
Ranked from live UK stock

Best used cars for first-time drivers

Ranked for new drivers by low price and small, cheaper-to-insure engines from live stock.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

What are the best used cars for a first car?

Based on live UK dealer stock on Motoring Today, top picks for “Best used cars for a first car” right now include Vauxhall Corsa, Dacia Sandero, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Ford Fiesta. Each ranking is generated from cars actually for sale today, not a static list, so it stays current as stock changes.

Vauxhall Corsa
from £1,700 · 1.2L
Dacia Sandero
from £2,700 · 0.9L
Ford Focus
from £2,900 · 1.0L
Vauxhall Astra
from £3,295 · 1.4L
01

Full ranking

Refreshes automatically as live dealer stock changes.

  1. 1Vauxhall Corsafrom £1,700 · 1.2L
  2. 2Dacia Sanderofrom £2,700 · 0.9L
  3. 3Ford Focusfrom £2,900 · 1.0L
  4. 4Vauxhall Astrafrom £3,295 · 1.4L
  5. 5Ford Fiestafrom £4,995 · 1.0L
  6. 6Renault Capturfrom £3,591 · 1.5L
  7. 7BMW 1 Seriesfrom £3,495 · 1.5L
  8. 8Fiat 500from £5,495 · 1.0L
  9. 9Citroën C3from £5,109 · 1.2L
  10. 10Vauxhall Mokkafrom £4,495 · 1.4L
  11. 11Fiat 500xfrom £3,995 · 1.6L
  12. 12Kia Sportagefrom £4,499 · 1.6L

This list is compiled automatically from cars currently for sale through approved UK dealers on Motoring Today and refreshes as stock changes. Rankings use data we already hold — price, running costs, CO₂, MOT history and body type — never sponsored placement. Always check the individual car's full details before buying.

Related rankings & top picks

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  • Ranked from live dealer stock
  • Updates as stock changes
  • 12 models ranked