Skip advert
Advertisement

Car hunter: Interesting first cars

Our reader has £3,000 to spend on a distinctive first car

Dear Chris,After passing my driving test, I’m now shopping for my first car. I have £3,000 to spend, but want something a little different. Can you help?Debbie Marks, E-mail 

If you'd like help choosing your next car, contact chris_ebbs@dennis.co.uk.

The best buys:

Great warranty: Kia Pro_cee'd

Kia pro_cee'd front cornering

For: Sleek styling, remains of warrantyAgainst: Few examples, rear access

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Pro_cee’d is the sleeker three-door version of the five-door Kia Cee’d, and the lack of rear doors isn’t the only difference.

The Pro_cee’d sits lower than the five-door, giving it a sportier feel. This does mean the suspension can seem a little firm, however, so it’s not the most comfortable option to choose.

As it’s a Kia, you get the balance of a seven-year 100,000-mile warranty, along with excellent build quality, which should help give peace of mind for a first car.

The Pro_cee’d was only launched in 2008, and can be hard to come by at this budget, although prices are set to fall as an all-new car starred at the Paris Motor Show. We found a 90,000-mile 2008 1.6-litre diesel for £3,050.

Running costs are also reasonable, with a low group 17 insurance rating, which will be important for a first car.

Best equipment: SEAT Ibiza

SEAT Ibiza front tracking

For: Low price, lots of choice, cheapAgainst: Awkward styling, reliability

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Kona Electric

2023 Hyundai

Kona Electric

23,756 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £12,000
View Kona Electric
i20

2017 Hyundai

i20

42,003 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £8,197
View i20
Arona

2021 SEAT

Arona

28,207 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,997
View Arona
A1 Sportback

2026 Audi

A1 Sportback

26,895 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,397
View A1 Sportback

Its more popular Volkswagen Polo cousin may get all the attention, but the Ibiza is certainly worthy of consideration as a first car. It’s less desirable than the VW, so prices are lower for newer examples, and there are plenty to choose from.

Advertisement - Article continues below

For your budget, you can even opt for one of the higher-spec Sport models – we found a 1.4-litre petrol three-door on an 06-plate for £2,995. Just be wary, as the Ibiza doesn’t share the same strong reliability as the VW – it placed a rather poor 86th in the 2008 Auto Express Driver Power owner survey.

Watch out for lower-spec models, as these can be stingy on spec, particularly compared to the Kia. The looks aren’t quite up to those of the Pro_cee’d, either, with rather dumpy styling, especially at the front end.

The stylish choice: Fiat Grande Punto

Fiat Grande Punto front tracking

For: Residuals, fuel-efficient dieselsAgainst: Poor quality, performance

Fiat is often overlooked by those in the market for a first car, in favour of the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. This is a shame, because the Grande Punto is a good-looking and affordable option for those who have just passed their test.

The engine range is a little disappointing, and the petrol cars in particular are short on power. All models, including diesels, have a poor gearshift and don’t feel overly engaging on the open road, either.

Still, there’s a good choice of three or five-door versions to pick from. We found a 1.9-litre Multijet diesel Sporting with 94,500 miles on an 07-plate for bang on £3,000.

Running costs are comparable with the SEAT and Kia, but interior quality lets it down, and isn’t up to the standard of the other two models here.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £3,189 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,788 off RRP*Used from £11,795
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried
BYD Seal 6 Touring - front tracking

New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried

BYD’s latest arrival isn’t an EV, but efficiency is still key
Road tests
3 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: The Leapmotor C10 electric SUV is cheaper than some superminis
Leapmotor C10 - front

Car Deal of the Day: The Leapmotor C10 electric SUV is cheaper than some superminis

The Leapmotor C10 is one of a new wave of Chinese cars that don’t cost the earth. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 2
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer is posh, plush and cheaper than a Passat
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer - front cornering alternative

Car Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer is posh, plush and cheaper than a Passat

Electric estates don’t come much better than the ID.7 Tourer. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 3
News
3 Sep 2025