Buying
Best first car for new drivers UK — cheap to insure, run and fix
The best first car for a new driver in the UK: how insurance groups work, what to look for, ways to cut young driver insurance and whether a black box is worth it.
The best first car for a new driver is a small, low-powered petrol hatchback with a small engine, good security and a low insurance group. Look for insurance groups 1 to 10, a petrol engine of about 1.0 to 1.2 litres, and a car that is cheap to repair. Insurance is often the biggest cost for a young driver, so check the group before you fall in love with a car.
What are insurance groups?
Every car sold in the UK is rated in an insurance group from 1 (cheapest) to 50 (most expensive). The rating tells insurers how risky the car is likely to be to insure. It is one of several things that set your price. Your age, postcode, driving history and how you use the car also matter.
Insurers look at:
- Engine size and power. A small, weaker engine usually means a lower group.
- Repair cost. Cheap, easy-to-find parts help.
- Security. Immobilisers, alarms and tracking lower the theft risk.
- Value. A cheaper car costs less to replace.
- Safety. Good crash protection can help.
Groups are set by an industry body, not by each insurer. You can find a car's group in its handbook, from the seller, or on an insurance quote form when you enter the registration.
What is the best first car for a new driver?
There is no single best car. The right one is a small car with a low group that you can afford to run and repair. These types of car usually work well:
| Type | Why it suits a new driver | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Small petrol hatchback (1.0–1.2 litre) | Low groups, cheap parts, easy to park | Weak power on motorways |
| Small city car | Often the lowest groups and running costs | Fewer safety features on older models |
| Small hybrid | Good fuel economy | Battery age on older cars |
| Small electric car | Low running costs, no exhaust | Some are in higher groups; see our used electric car guide |
Do not use the table as a shopping list. Check the actual group of the exact model, engine and year, because groups vary a lot inside one model range. A 1.0 petrol version of a car can sit many groups below a sporty version of the same car.
Petrol is usually the safest choice for short trips. Diesel engines can develop costly problems on short journeys. Our petrol vs diesel vs hybrid guide explains this in more detail.
What makes a car cheap to run and fix?
Insurance is only one bill. Add these before you decide:
- Car tax. It depends on the age and emissions of the car. See car tax bands explained.
- Fuel. Small engines usually use less.
- Servicing and parts. Common models have cheap parts and many independent garages.
- Tyres. Small wheels are cheaper to replace.
- MOT. A car over three years old needs an MOT every year. Check its history first. Our MOT history guide shows how.
A cheap car with a poor MOT record is not cheap. Repeated advisories on rust, suspension or brakes usually mean bills to come. If a car does fail, read what to do if your car fails its MOT.
How can new drivers lower their insurance?
There are no tricks, but these steps can make a real difference:
- Get quotes for several cars before you buy. Ask for the price by registration or model. A difference of a few groups can change the premium a lot.
- Pick a low group and a small engine. This is the biggest choice you control.
- Compare prices on comparison sites and direct with insurers. Some insurers do not appear on all sites.
- Consider a telematics (black box) policy. See the next section.
- Raise your voluntary excess only if you can afford to pay it after a claim.
- Park off the road. A garage or private drive can lower the price.
- Pay annually if you can. Monthly payments usually include interest.
- Take an approved extra driving course if the insurer offers a discount for it. Ask before you pay.
- Be honest. Wrong details can void a claim. Do not list yourself as a named driver on a parent's car just to get a lower price. This is called fronting and is illegal.
Building a no-claims record over the years also lowers the price. Ask each insurer how they treat it.
Is a black box policy worth it?
Telematics (black box) policies can reduce premiums for young drivers. A box, plug-in device or phone app records how you drive. It usually checks speed, braking, cornering, time of day and mileage. Safe driving can lower your price, and some insurers review it during the year.
A black box can be worth it if:
- you drive carefully and mostly in daylight,
- your standard quotes are very high,
- you accept being monitored.
It may not suit you if:
- you often drive late at night, when scores are usually worse,
- you drive long distances,
- you do not want an installed device or app on your phone.
Read the terms. Check the mileage limit, curfew rules, fitting fees and what happens if your driving score is poor. Some policies can raise the price or cancel cover. Compare the black box quote with a normal policy on the same car.
Checks before you buy a first car
A first car should be checked like any used car. Cheap cars sometimes hide problems, and a new driver has little room for a costly surprise.
- Follow the used car buying checklist.
- Run a history check for finance and write-offs. See HPI check vs MOT history.
- Confirm the seller and the V5C logbook match.
- Get insured before you drive away. You must have valid insurance to drive on a public road.
On Motofly, each listing shows live DVLA tax status, DVSA MOT history and a market price guide, so you can check a car in minutes. You can browse used cars on Motofly and filter for small petrol cars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest car to insure for a new driver?
There is no one cheapest car, but the cheapest are usually small petrol cars with small engines in insurance groups 1 to 5. Prices still depend on your age, address and history. Get quotes for the exact model and engine before you buy.
What does insurance group 1 mean?
Insurance group 1 is the lowest-risk rating, on a scale from 1 to 50. It usually applies to small, low-powered, low-value cars with good security. A group 1 car is cheaper to insure than a higher-group car, but your own details still affect the price.
Is a small engine always cheaper to insure?
Usually, yes, because lower power means a lower group. But it is not a rule. Repair costs, security and the car's value also count. Always compare real quotes.
Is a black box policy worth it for a 17-year-old?
It can be, if you drive carefully and your normal quotes are very high. Telematics policies can reduce premiums for young drivers. Compare it with a standard policy and read the mileage and night-driving rules first.
Should a new driver buy an old or a newer car?
Older cars are cheaper to buy and to insure, but they may need more repairs and have fewer safety features. A newer small car costs more up front but may be safer and more reliable. Balance the total cost, not only the price tag.