With so many different makes and models out there deciding what car to buy can be a difficult decision. Luckily, we’ve done the groundwork for you. If you asked a selection of young drivers what sort of car they’d like, the answers you would receive would most likely include a Ferrari, a top-of-the-range BMW, an Aston Martin and most certainly a Range Rover or two. But back in the real world, most young and new drivers need to strike a fine balance between affordability, low running costs and safety. Here are 10 used cars aged 10 years or less, that typically sell for €2,500 to €10,000, offer low running costs and a Euro NCAP safety rating of four or five stars – essentially the holy grail of first cars.
Hyundai i20 (2009-2011)
Engine: 1.2 petrol
Price: €4,999 – €10,000
Euro NCAP: five stars
Summary: Stylish and well-built with great cabin space, it handles well and its light steering makes parking a breeze. A sensible choice, the i20 definitely holds its own against the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
Suzuki Swift (2006-2009)
Engine: 1.5 petrol
Price: €5,450 – €6,950
Euro NCAP: four stars*
Summary: This is a great value mini car that’s doesn’t cost a lot to run and fun to drive. It comes with loads of kit as standard and is not bad looking either, if that kind of thing is important to you.
Citroën C2 (2006-2009)
Engine: 1.4 diesel or petrol
Price: around €4,995
Euro NCAP: four stars*
Summary: This is a neatly packaged, easy to drive and affordable compact car. It may not have the most luxurious interior but it is inexpensive to buy, fun to drive and, importantly for some, easy to park.
Fiat Grande Punto (2006-2010)
Engine: 1.2 petrol
Price: €2,795 – €6,350
Euro NCAP: five stars*
Summary: A great little basic car that will get you from A to B. You certainly get a lot of car for your cash too. Spacious, well equipped and inexpensive to run, the downside is it doesn’t hold as much resale value as other cars in the same category.
Ford Fiesta (2006-2012)
Engine: 1.25 petrol
Price: €2,500 – €9,995
Euro NCAP: four/five stars (depending on year)*
Summary: A car pretty much everyone can claim to have driven at some point in their road history, what you see is what you get: a straightforward, decent and compact drive. Ok so it isn’t exactly sexy, but it’s popular for a reason and you’ll never have to hunt for spare parts.
Seat Ibiza (2006-2012)
Engine: 1.2 petrol or diesel
Price: €2,600 – €9,995
Euro NCAP: four/five stars (depending on year)*
Summary: Sharp styling, well-equipped and easy to drive around town. It’s economical and has plenty of boot space. Stands up well against similar models like the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia.
Opel Corsa (2006-2013)
Engine: 1.0 petrol
Price: €2,750 – €9,995
Euro NCAP: five stars*
Summary: One of the best selling super-minis, the Corsa offers lower running costs, a comfy ride and is fun to drive. The basic versions are, well, pretty basic so it’s worth shelling out for extras. That said, it won’t hold its value as well as others in the same class, such as the Fiesta.
Peugeot 206 (2006-2009)
Engine: 1.4 petrol or diesel
Price: €2,500 – €5,300
Euro NCAP: four stars*
Summary: Great handling, comfy ride and the diesel versions offer decent power. The 206 offers good value for a low price and plenty of space too. It’s great for city jaunts and longer journeys too.
Toyota Yaris (2006-2011)
Engine: 1.0 petrol
Price: €3,700 – €9,995
Euro NCAP: five stars*
Summary: The Yaris is as reliable and comfortable as a small car gets, and this is reflected in the price. However they are quickly snapped up on the second hand market so you won’t lose out when it’s time to resell. Tough, practical and roomy, the Yaris is incredibly inexpensive to run and overall, it’s a formidable rival to the Ford Fiesta.
Nissan Micra (2006-2009)
Engine: 1.0 petrol
Price: €2,600 – €4,950
Euro NCAP: four stars*
Summary: There’s a reason you find so many Micras on the road. It is small, compact and even the worst parkers should be able to squeeze it into a tight spot. With great visibility, it’s easy to drive and perfect for a city run around. The Micra is popular among all demographics too, so when you do want to resell, you won’t have any problems shifting it.
Think you’ve found ‘The One’?
Before you hand over your cash, read this – a few things to consider before you buy. Then check how much your insurance premium will be before you buy the car.
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