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BEST USED CARS FOR LEARNERS FOR LESS THAN £5,000

There are three prerequisites for the ideal learner car. First, unless the bank of mum and dad is flush, it must be cheap to buy. Cheap to run, too. And definitely cheap to insure.

Yet that doesn’t mean the car should be cheaply made, merely inexpensive. Even the cheapest models from budget brands are rigorously engineered, although some are better than others when it comes to factors such as safety.

Traditionally the best first cars have been ageing used models, available for £1,000 or often much less. But there’s a good chance you’ll be buying a heap of trouble with one of these, with skimped maintenance rife.

More recent models tend to be safer; most teenagers (and their parents) may feel more confident with something no more than 10 years old. What’s more, anybody still learning to drive would be better off doing so in a modern car, like the one they’re likely to drive in future.

Toyota Yaris Mk2

The original Yaris of 1999 earned an enviable reputation for longevity. But we recommend the Mk2 version, produced between 2005 and 2011, as it’s more practical as well as newer – but should be no less dependable. In Toyota tradition it’s easy to drive, too, but avoid the CVT automatic gearbox.

Ford Fiesta

All these popular small cars are plentiful, but there are so many used Fiestas around that you can afford to be picky to get the best. Three- or five-door bodies were offered with a wide variety of trims. The 1.25-litre engine provides the best combination of zest and economy. much larger, with a conventional front engine/front-wheel drive layout.

Plenty of choice, but watch insurance costs of the largest engine options and the many special editions; pre-facelift cars (before 2016) are cheaper to buy but don’t ride as well as later examples.

There’s no five-door body either. Go for the 1.2 engine and Lounge trim.

Skoda Citigo Hyundai i10 Mk2

This diminutive South Korean car made from 2013 to 2019 has long been one our favourites, along with its Kia Picanto sister. There is more space inside than you might think; other bonuses are a long warranty, a reputation for reliability and good levels of equipment. The SE trim level is the best all-rounder.

CARS

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2022-11-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://dailytelegraph.pressreader.com/article/281913072122019

Daily Telegraph