If You Had to Buy Your First Car Today, What Would You Get?

It’s true, you never forget your first. Not the time driving it, fixing it, polishing it, modifying it, or the time you spent before you even grabbed the keys for the first time. Those hours spent researching and daydreaming, and the miles you covered trying to track down the car you’d eventually take home.

But as soon as we’ve got some experience under our belts and some extra cash in our wallets, most of us quickly move on to something faster and more powerful. I can’t say I’ve spent much time in the past 25 years thinking about puny 1.0-liter superminis, other than when I’ve had to drive them for work purposes, like conducting magazine comparison tests.

That’s all changed, though, and not because my speeding habit has finally caught up with me in a major way. No, it’s because my son will soon be learning to drive, and suddenly my mind is racing through all the used-car possibilities that not a lot of money will buy. Strangely, he doesn’t actually seem that interested (“what’s the point, it’s ages away”), but I definitely am.

I don’t know what getting insurance is like for new drivers in the U.S. (I suspect more relaxed), but here in the UK, the premiums are brutal. A 17-year old could be looking at paying £2,000 ($2,600) for a year’s cover for even the most basic, dog-slow city car, depending on where they live, which effectively limits them to very low-powered Toyota Aygo or Ford Fiesta-sized cars.

Still, I bet we can manage to buy something that’s fun to drive, cheap to run, and simple enough for the boy to learn some wrenching skills and modify. I’m picturing a Renaultsport Clio lookalike fashioned out of a basic Clio, a regular R50 (or later R56) Mini with Cooper S bits, or maybe a super-lightweight Peugeot 106 build that makes even a Rallye seem fat. Then again, maybe my son has other ideas. They still seem like modern cars to me, but they might as well be Cugnot’s 1769 steam trike as far as he’s concerned.

But while I’m trawling through the classifieds, why don’t you tell us what you’d buy if you had to do it all again. Would you go for the same car you went for the first time around, or is there something else that you regret not buying back then, or something better that’s come along since?

Peugeot’s 107 and its Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo brothers are obvious first car choices in Europe

When it comes to choosing a first car, there are a few factors to consider. Affordability, reliability, and ease of maintenance are all important aspects to keep in mind. In Europe, the Peugeot 107 and its Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo counterparts are popular choices for first-time drivers. These compact superminis offer low running costs, good fuel efficiency, and affordable insurance premiums. They may not be the most powerful or exciting cars on the road, but they provide a practical and economical option for new drivers.

In the United States, the options for first cars may be different due to variations in insurance premiums and availability. However, there are still plenty of affordable and reliable used cars that would make great choices for new drivers. Models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus are known for their reliability and affordability. These compact sedans offer good fuel efficiency and often come with advanced safety features, making them ideal for young drivers.

If you’re looking for something a bit more fun and sporty, there are also options available. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, for example, is a popular choice among car enthusiasts. It offers a thrilling driving experience and is relatively affordable on the used market. Other options include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Subaru Impreza WRX, and Ford Mustang. These cars offer more power and performance while still being practical enough for everyday use.

When choosing a first car, it’s important to consider not only your budget but also your personal preferences and needs. Think about what you value most in a car – whether it’s fuel efficiency, safety features, or performance – and prioritize those factors in your search. Additionally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of insurance and maintenance when considering different models.

Ultimately, the choice of a first car is a personal one. It’s an opportunity to express your style and personality while also considering practicality and affordability. Whether you opt for a compact supermini or a sporty sedan, the most important thing is to find a car that you enjoy driving and feel comfortable in. After all, your first car is a special one that you’ll always remember. So take your time, do your research, and find the perfect car to start your driving journey.