Buying a car for the first time can be a daunting experience. In fact, for most of us it’s one of the single biggest purchases we’ll make in our lives, especially for first-time drivers, who often tend to be young people who have fairly limited savings. That means they often end up feeling under particular pressure to get it right. If you’re in that position though, you’ll be glad to hear that’s exactly where we can help here at RAW2K!
We have a long history of running some of the most popular online car auctions in the UK, so we’ve got the inside scoop on some of the very best second-hand cars to buy for first-time drivers. Here are four of our top picks!
Vauxhall Corsa
We’re starting off strong with the Vauxhall Corsa. This nifty little car has long been popular with young drivers, largely because it’s exceptionally easy to drive. There’s plenty of interior space too, which can be handy for the somewhat transient lives that young drivers often live – regularly moving between accommodations from year to year, or piling their friends into the passenger seats for a grand day out. Plus, it’s pretty stylish to boot, which is especially important when you’re younger!
However, one of the Corsa’s only sticking points is its reliability – some have been known to give up the ghost at particularly inconvenient moments. That doesn’t necessarily have to be a dealbreaker though; generally, it’s a good idea to get one with a full service history.
Citroen C1
If you’re off to university (or zipping around there already), the Citroen C1 is the quintessential choice. It’s a relatively compact car that’s famed for its enjoyable handling, making it pretty nippy in tight city centres, where plenty of university campuses are located. As an extra bonus, the insurance costs are generally pretty low too, and when considered together with the cheap running costs and affordable purchase price, it makes for an altogether pretty cost-effective vehicle.
Before pulling the trigger on buying one though, make sure that you’re happy with the interior space – the rear seats can sometimes be relatively cramped, which can put a dampener on days out with your friends.
Volkswagen Golf
Not for nothing is the Volkswagen Golf widely considered one of the most popular family cars in the UK. Comfortable and practical in equal measure, even older Golf models tend to have relatively sophisticated engines, which keeps their running costs low. You’ll certainly have no shortage of options to choose from – Volkswagen Golfs are easy to find, and the diesel engines are particularly economical.
The Volkswagen Golf has long retained a reputation for reliability too, and its timelessly stylish exterior belies a surprisingly tough build. The interior has moved with the times too, and some of the most recent models feature an impressive amount of in-car tech, including several useful safety systems. In short, there are few better choices for first-time drivers.
Ford Fiesta
For a long time now, the Ford Fiesta has consistently rivalled the Volkswagen Golf for the top spot – more than once, it’s been named as the nation’s best-selling vehicle of all time. It’s fun to drive, cheap to run, highly reliable and easy to repair – all of which are pretty crucial tick-boxes for young drivers. What’s more, there’s a huge variety available to choose from, ranging from the most economical older models to the most high-tech modern ones. You’ll be able to take your pick from an array of engines too, including the economical EcoBoost and TDCi diesel models. In short, if you’re looking for a car on a budget, you’ll be hard pressed to find one better than a Ford Fiesta.
And of course, if you’re looking for the very best deals, you’re in exactly the right place. Here at RAW2K, we’ve got a huge range of salvage cars to choose from in our online car auctions, including not just models from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen, but also other world-famous brands like Mercedes, Honda, and Peugeot. Our auctions are refreshed on a daily and weekly basis, so there are always bargains to be found. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
