So, you’ve just passed your driving test? Then you’ll be dying to hit the road in a car that’s your own.

Keep reading for the 3 best cars for first-timers. But before we get to them, here are two quick tips to help you on your search.

Have a budget

Before you start searching for your first car, it’s important that you know what you can afford to spend in the context of any other financial responsibilities.

Be sure to consider your current income and expenses and calculate how much you have left over. You’ll need to include things like fuel, insurance and maintenance in your budget as well.

If things are looking tight, weigh up the pros and cons of buying a new car vs a used car. You may find that the latter option is more manageable.

Think about what you’ll use it for

There’s no point spending lots of money on a car that doesn’t suit your needs. It doesn’t matter whether it provides too much or too little value for you – either way is less than ideal.

Consider the most important things that you’ll need to use your new car for, and how this will affect what you need from it. Try to answer the following questions:

  • Will you be taking long trips or short trips?
  • How many passengers will you need to carry regularly?
  • Is a manual or automatic car better for your driving?
  • Will you be driving mainly in the city, the country or somewhere in between?

Questions like these will help you to get the best value for your money possible. But, when you’re ready to buy your first new car, what are the best options on the market?

What are the best new cars for new drivers?

  1. Vauxhall Corsa

Featuring reliable and steady driving, great tech and a cheap-to-run engine, this model is the first car of choice for many new drivers across the country. What’s more, there are many of these on the used market, meaning that prices tend to be relatively low.

If you want to make sure that you buy one that’s in good condition, however, you’re better off buying from an organisation you can trust, such as this reputable dealership in Norwich.

  1. Kia Picanto

This small car sports a stylish exterior and practical cabin. Safe and appealing, it offers the dependability that a new driver needs most, as well as the peace of mind that comes with a whopping seven-year warranty.

  1. Ford Fiesta

Given that it’s so much fun on the road, there’s no wonder that this is the UK’s best-selling car. Safe, reliable and with relatively low running costs, it’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best small cars on the market – not to mention a great first car for newly minted drivers.

There are plenty of options when it comes to buying your first car. Use our tips and recommendations above to help narrow your search. Think there’s a better first car out there? Share your favourite model and reasons why in the comments section.