Best Used Small Cars for New Drivers

They say you never forget your first car, but if you’re a new driver, you want it to be unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Fortunately, you are positively spoiled for choice when it comes to used small cars for new drivers at Vertu.

Vertu has a wide and diverse stock of quality approved small used cars that tick all the boxes for first-time drivers – easy to drive, easy to park and easy to love.

Here we highlight six top used small cars for new drivers that are fun, reliable, safe and cheap to run…

Used Fiat 500

You’d be hard pressed to find a small used car as chic as the Fiat 500, a city slicker runabout that oozes charm and desirability.

Better yet, while the Fiat 500’s retro-inspired kerbside appeal goes a long way to explaining its widespread appeal, it has substance to complement its style too, especially for new drivers.

Small in size and stature, the Fiat 500 is therefore light and nimble on the move, while it is a doddle to park. Better yet, the engines are frisky, yet economical whatever age model you’re considering.

However, if you’re a first-time driver, perhaps the 500’s most captivating trait is the likelihood of getting a one-of-a-kind model due to the dizzying array of different customising options and special editions that were available when new.

From zany colour palettes to funky upholsteries, to the option of a sliding soft-top convertible, a used Fiat 500 can be a first car that speaks to your personality.

Why a Used Fiat 500 is Great for New Drivers

• Feels more special than other first cars
• Retro chic looks are timeless
• Easy to drive and cheap to run

Used Ford Fiesta

The go-to first car for many new drivers out there, the Ford Fiesta is popular for several good reasons.

Ultimately, the Fiesta’s appeal for new drivers stems from it being unintimidating to drive. Better still, not only is the Fiesta sure-footed in the city yet reassuringly refined on motorways, it also breeds confidence from being fun and composed on the open road too.

Later models offer generous standard kit – such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – but there has always been a wide selection of engines and trim levels to help you find the specification that is right for you.

Nevertheless, whether you’re after a great value entry-point, a racy trim like the ST-Line or something more lavishly appointed like the Titanium, the Fiesta’s wealth of talent shines through with each model.

Why a Used Ford Fiesta is Great for New Drivers

• Generously equipped and a wide choice of specifications
• Engaging handling breeds confidence for new drivers
• Engines are perky yet economical

Used MINI Cooper

We wouldn’t be surprised if the MINI Cooper is the car that sits at the top of your first car wish list, so you’ll be pleased to know that a used MINI makes an excellent small car for new drivers.

It’s also more within reach than you might think, the MINI available across a wide scope of engines, ages and trim levels – not to mention customises and accessories – that make finding the model that is right for you a fun buying experience.

With an iconic and trendy look that refuses to age, the MINI Cooper backs up its desirable aesthetic with a similarly exciting interior that shows special attention to detail and premium build quality.

Out on the road, the MINI belies its size with its frisky performance and pin-sharp handling, making owning one – especially as your first car – a truly unforgettable experience.

Why a Used MINI Cooper is Great for New Drivers

• Trendy, customised looks and trims
• Fun and easy to drive
• Top quality, stylish interior

Used Kia Picanto

If a pint-size city car that will zip through streets and make light work of heavy traffic is all you need, then the Kia Picanto makes a wise used car purchase for new drivers.

A sensible car with a cheeky streak, the Picanto has over the years matured into a quality small runabout that belies its compact dimensions with a big specification on tiny running costs.

It means the Picanto can appeal to your heart without ignoring your head, as demonstrated by its low insurance groupings and excellent reliability record.

Moreover, by coming with a long seven-year warranty when new, there is a good chance there will be a remaining balance of full manufacturer support for a Picanto depending on the age of the model you’re considering.

Why a Used Kia Picanto is Great for New Drivers

• Low insurance, road tax and fuel costs
• Regularly ranked among the UK’s most reliable cars
• Good chance of picking up remainder of manufacturer warranty

Used Volkswagen Up

The Volkswagen Up distils all that VW-badge kudos, reputation for quality and refined driving experience into a small, yet remarkably spacious package.

From the outset, the Up disguises its upright profile with some chunky proportions that give it some road presence, but it’s inside where you’ll really notice the difference with the airy interior feeling big and comfortable.

It’s also well built, the Up getting an upmarket cabin design that feels more expensive than it actually is, while the big car feel continues on the road where the three-cylinder engine proves eager yet frugal.

If you’re not sold on the Volkswagen Up’s looks or price point, don’t discount its mechanically identical – but often cheaper – sisters, the Skoda CITIGO and SEAT Mii.

Why a Used Volkswagen Up is Great for New Drivers

• Remarkably spacious for such a small car
• Frugal engines deliver spirited performance
• More premium feel than other small used cars

Used SEAT Ibiza

While the Volkswagen Polo is the aspirational small car for many first-time drivers, the sister SEAT Ibiza delivers all the same quality traits in an arguably funkier package.

With its rakish profile and sharp features, the Ibiza has a sportier personality than the more understated Polo and Skoda Fabia with which it shares its underpinnings, especially in popular FR trim.

Inside, the Ibiza feels like a premium product with solid materials and comfortable seating, while it is also more practical than its dimensions would suggest.

On the road the Ibiza won’t overawe new drivers with its light steering and compliant ride, while the engines offer good performance with economical returns.

Why a Used SEAT Ibiza is Great for New Drivers

• Sporty yet mature design gives a grown-up feel
• Desirable specifications, such as the FR
• Spacious and well-equipped