Classic cars

A LUXURY car is now able be unlocked without even using keys thanks to a hi-tech new feature.

The motor has left fans shocked as hands are not even needed at all to open the doors.

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Mercedes has unveiled their jaw-dropping new Mercedes-Benz Vision V, which has gained attention on social media.

One influencer shared the exciting new motor on TikTok with a tour of the Vision V.

The display of the car’s door lights up as she walks towards the vehicle, and reads: “Hi Tuesday Le Roux.”

Le Roux then says, “We’ve got face recognition. Let’s scan.”

A camera appears as it scans Le Roux’s face.

This enables the passengers doors of the Mercedes slide open and the front door swings out.

And illuminated side step also comes out making it easier for passengers to climb into the vehicle.

The interior of the Mercedes reveals fully white leather seats and an illuminating floor.

A 65-inch television screen is also able to emeberge from behind the front seats.

“We also have seven projectors all over the car creating a fully immersive experience, including projecting on the windows,” Le Roux adds.

Other features inside the Mercedes is a chessboard that folds out between the passenger seats which are zero gravity, have extendable leg rests, and can be fully reclined.

On the outside, the front grill can light up along with a “world’s first illuminated” Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.

And there is no glass at all along the front headlights, which actually contain crystal.

The rim of the wheels also illuminate.

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On the roof are several solar panels, and the back light is illuminated with a ring all around the back of the car – this contains the indicators.

Commenting on the video posted by car and technology influencer Tuesday Le Roux, fans shared their shock by this new motor.

One wrote: “Mercedes Vision V is like my living room.”

Another added: “Is this one car or heaven?”

A third said: “There is only two cars in the world, Mercedes Benz and the other cars.”

The Mercedes-Benz Vision V is set to be a range of luxurious people carriers to launch in 2026.

It will come in a variety of different models, from ultra-luxurious “CEO transport” to seven-seater family cars.

TEN of the cheapest new cars on sale right now in the UK have been revealed.

Experts have also outlined their thoughts on the selection of new vehicles.

Top Gear gave advise on the list of the ten cheapest cars currently on sale, which includes a bizarre “micro car”.

1. Citroen Ami – £7,695

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At the top of the list is the Citroen Ami that is being sold for “the price of a well-used BMW 3 Series”.

It appears to have the “bones” of a quadricycle with a very boxy shape.

This Citroen comes with an 8bhp electric motor, and 5.5kWh.

Top Gear analysts said it was “fun to use and an entirely loveable object” which can reach top speeds of 28mph.

2. Leapmotor T03 – £14,495

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This is a small Chinese electric car that appears well built.

And its price of £14,495 includes a Leapmotor grant of £1,500.

Even though it is small, the interior is still quite roomy and reasonably comfortable.

“The Dacia Spring has already shown that cheap cars like this can have character, something the T03 severely lacks,” reviewed Top Gear.

3. Dacia Sandero – £14,715

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When it first came into the UK, the Dacia Sandero actually cost just £8,000.

However, it is still the cheapest “proper” petrol-powered car that can be bought in the country at the moment.

The vehicle has been described as “simple”, “spacious”, and one that “absolutely nails the brief” for allowing passengers to get from one place to another.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Dacia Sandero was: “If you don’t in the least bit care about cars, this is probably what you should buy.”

4. Dacia Spring – £14,995

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This car is small, electric and cheap for new cars generally.

It has also been considered “simple” but “fun” like its bigger sibling.

Top Gear stated: “It proves to everyone else it is possible for a BEV to weigh largely the same as its petrol equivalent.

“Well done Dacia.”

5. Kia Picanto – £16,695

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The latest Picanto from Kia is aligned with the maker’s belief in The Small Car,

While looking great, it has a fun motor that offers enough practicality for urban life.

“For a first car or something that’s just needed as a runabout, you can’t go at all wrong with the Picanto,” said Top Gear.

6. Toyota Aygo X – £16,845

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This is a 1.0L, three-cylinder-engined car ideal for the city.

It also has a 71bhp that comes through the front wheels for an exciting 0-62 mph in 14.9 seconds.

For the city, this is surely sufficient because it is unlikely you will going faster than 5mph much.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Aygo X was: “It rides and steers impressively well, although the little three-cylinder engine can feel a little gutless.”

7. Microlino – £16,990

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The Microlino is said to be “becoming the cutest, most adorable thing on the road at any given point”.

It is a “micro” car though so doesn’t leave any room for passengers.

Basically a life-sized, portable, electric Playmobil toy.

“As a car it’s flawed,” admits Top Gear.

“Think of it more as a pet.

“Not brilliantly house-trained, but somehow kinda loveable.”

8. Hyundai i10 – £17,100

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This Hyundai is thought to be the most sophisticated version of the humble i10 yet.

It offers fairly impressive levels of technology and tools, with some decent space inside.

A good overall small car, especially for the price.

“Well done Hyundai for having come up with a fresh city car when lots of other car-makers have canned theirs,” said Top Gear.

9. MG 3: £17,245

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The third generation of the Chinese car maker is small, but not a bad drive.

It’s simple, with a more refined interior to make a good all-rounder.

There is still room for improvement in the ride as Top Gear suggests: “If you can ignore the badge snobbery, you could do a lot worse.”

10. Fiat Grande Panda (hybrid) – £18,035

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This vehicle marks a return for Fiat in making motors that are cheap but fun and full of character.

Top Gear writes: “It has a cheery countenance and knowing sense of heritage.

“We approve.”

A SUPERCHARGED pre-war Alfa Romeo “classic sportscar” Torpedo is being put up for auction and could sell for more than £3.75m.

This could make it among the world’s most expensive cars, when aligned with pre-auction estimates.

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The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 is a sports car that dominated in racing during its time in the 1930s, establishing new standards for high-performance cars.

It captured multiple wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1000 Miglia, leading the Alfa Romeo to sell a street version of the vehicle.

The 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Torpédo will be up for grabs at the Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions from August 15 to 16.

This one features original open coachwork by famed Parisian coachbuilder Joseph Figoni, with desirable Monza cowl.

As a bare chassis, these vehicles were available on the road in both short and long-wheelbase models, with coachwork that could be commissioned by the customer.

It could be done through firms such as Touring, Zagato, and lesser known Carrosserie Figoni, that provided a high quality build, fine woodwork, luxurious interiors and elegant styling.

Figoni is said to have outfitted seven road-going 8C 2300s between 1932 and 1935 on a built-to-order basis.

The striking two-seater Torpedo that is displayed on the 1933 vehicle was ordered to Paris by Alfa Romeo’s first owner, Louis Jeantet.

It includes a rare Alfa Romeo Paris badge, a folding soft top with exposed bows, long fenders, a separate trunk, and dual-mounted spares.

French luxury car authors, Peter M. Larsen and Ben Erickson, described the car as having: “A body that would be plain from the hand of any other carrossier, but its austerity is alleviated by handsome and perfectly balanced proportions that achieve an understated yet exciting look…

“It is a classic sportscar style conceived at the cusp in time just before aerodynamic thinking changed car design forever.”

There are no side windows on the cars vody, or curtains, beltine or other ornamentation.

Nevertheless, the 8C 2300 boasts an all-aluminium 2.3L twin-cam straight eight that is supercharged to produce 138 horsepower.

It has been dubbed the “premier prewar Italian sports car”, with 140 BHP at 4,800 RPM.

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Last year, another iconic Le Mans racing car hit auctions, and was expected to sell for an eye-popping £7million.

It was a 1954 Jaguar D-Type, that clocked a blistering 172.97 miles per hour.

And earlier this year, another rare Alfa Romeo supercar was bought by a British man to impress his wife on their 1956 honeymoon.

He bought an Alfa Romeo 8C from 1932, for £3million at auction.

A MAJOR car manufacturer is axing its record-breaking hot hatch just three years after its latest revamp.

The FL5-generation Honda Civic Type R is being culled in the UK and Europe from 2026 – but is set to go out with a bang.

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Forty final Ultimate Edition models with a classic Championship white paint job, and red accents, including a central pinstripe, are being made as a swansong – but is likely to cost more than the regular Type R (£48,900).

Just 10 of these special edition motors will be available in the UK – and these will be available on a first come first serve basis, according to Honda.

The news will come as a bittersweet blow to petrol heads, with the FL5 having broken countless front-wheel drive lap records during its short reign.

Honda’s European strategy boss Hannah Swift put the axing down to the industry “changing” and an evolution of its model range “in accordance with European legislation”.

Those changes relate to stricter emissions standards in Britain and the EU, with which the Type R doesn’t comply.

The four-wheel-drive hatch market comprises of the Golf R, Toyota GR Yaris and Mercedes-AMG A45 S – but all are risk due to the new regulations.

Several brands are instead moving to e-performance cars.

It comes 28 years after the first Civic Type R arrived as a grey import from Japan.

Arriving in late 1997, before a second generation model in 2001, a third in 2007 and a fourth in 2015.

Its fifth and sixth generations are widely regarded by experts as the finest driver’s cars of the modern age.

According to the Honda website, the current Type R features a two litre- four cylinder VTEC TURBO engine and can accelerate from 0-100km/hr in 5.4 seconds.

It adds: “The Type R is the fastest front wheel drive car to have driven the legendary 5.8km Suzuka circuit.”

Ms Swift said: “As we say farewell to a true icon of the Honda automobile line-up in Europe, we thought it was fitting to give the Civic Type R the ultimate send-off with this special edition model offering our customers a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy.

“The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.

“However, Type R has always been Honda’s ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.”

Ten things YOU should know as a car owner

To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:

DRIVERS looking to buy an affordable but reliable older motor should consider one of these top 10 picks from the Which? annual car survey.

The consumer group has revealed a list of cars it recommends with five-star reliability ratings between 10-15 years old, some for less than £3,000.

From nippy city cars to big family SUVs, there are options for all drivers hunting for a bargain buy that doesn’t scrimp on quality.

Michael Passingham, senior researcher at Which?, told thisismoney that hybrid cars have come to dominate the list of most reliable, older vehicles.

He said: “Why do these cars perform so well? One reason could be that the hardest part of a car’s life – starting and pulling away – are mostly handled by the small electric motor.

“These motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines and, along with sturdy main battery packs, really don’t have to work all that hard. 

“The downside is that our data shows a much higher failure rate of the 12V battery (the small battery all cars have) on full hybrids; this component is worked hard so it pays to buy a quality one and get it replaced every five years or so.”

In good news for consumers, so called ‘full’ hybrids’ have been removed from the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars planned by the government.

Micheal warned against opting for a plug-in hybrid, saying that this type of car has “one of the least reliable engine types according to our data”.

Here is the full list of the 10 best buys for the most reliable older cars…

10. Toyota Auris (2012-2019)

Average used price: £4,650

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Faults: 28% Breakdowns: 7% Days off the road: 5.3

The predecessor to the Toyota Corolla, the Auris served as the brands family hatchback offering for almost two decades until it was replaced in 2019.

The second generation Auris, sold between 2012-2019, boasts impressive reliability with less than three in ten owners reporting faults in the last year, and only seven per cent saying their vehicle broke down.

The average price of £4,650 makes this a competitive option when looking for a family, and environment, friendly hatchback.

The only caveat is that the Auris took an average of 5.3 days to get back on the road after a breakdown, which is higher than other cars on this list.

9. Suzuki Alto (2009-2014)

Average used price: £2,800

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Faults: 25% Breakdowns: 1% Days off the road: 2.6

The Suzuki Alto, released in 2009, is still living up to its promise of being a cheap, compact and reliable supermini.

It was first offered for £6,000-£7,000 and now can be snapped up for less than three grand, the cheapest buy on this list.

The simplicity of the Alto makes it a particularly reliable option, with just 1 per cent reporting breakdowns in the last 12 months, and a quarter saying they had to deal with faults.

If it does need a repair, the Alto’s simplicity means it gets back to you in an average of only 2.6 days.

8. Toyota Yaris (2011-2020)

Average used price: £3,100

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Faults: 23% Breakdowns: 6% Days off the road: 3.1

The go-to small, dependable car for many in the last 25 years, the Yaris, is still making recommendation lists for its affordability and reliability.

With less than a quarter reporting faults and only 6 per cent dealing with a breakdown in the last 12 months, the Yaris still holds up remarkably well after all this time.

This is the 2011-2020 model with a hybrid drivetrain, an addition which makes it economical to drive as well as to buy, averaging just over £3,000.

7. Suzuki Swift (2010-2016)

Average used price: £3,500

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Faults: 27% Breakdowns: 8% Days off the road: 1.4 

Suzuki appears again on this list with the 2010-2016 Swift supermini, a compact, simple vehicle at a compelling price.

Received positively upon release, the Swift was praised for being fun to drive with a competitive blend of efficiency and performance.

Now on sale for only around three and a half grand, this might be a great option for those looking for a small but fiery little motor.

Although it scores a little worse on breakdowns, with 8 per cent being the highest on this list, it does only spend a brief 1.4 days in the shop when things do go wrong.

Couple this with a good score of 27 per cent reporting faults, and this characterful car is still a good buy in 2025.

6. BMW X1 (2009-2015)

Average used price: £5,200

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Faults: 35% Breakdowns: 7% Days off the road: 2.1

In a shock entry to this list, the BMW X1 is an outlier for luxury SUVs, which are often unreliable and costly to repair.

On the contrary, the X1 competes with other, much smaller, simpler cars with a respectable record of just 7 per cent reporting breakdowns last year and only 2.1 days taken to fix on average.

Consumers may be able to take advantage of typically low SUV resale prices, generally due to reliability and repair cost concerns, to pick up this hidden gem for a very reasonable price of around £5,000.

That said, the X1 does rank low on this list in terms of faults, with over a third experiencing issues in the last 12 months.

5. Skoda CitiGo (2009-2019)

Average used price: £4,500

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Faults: 22% Breakdowns: 5% Days off the road: 2.8

Mechanically identical to the VW Up!, the Skoda CitiGo was meant for squeezing into tight parking spaces and down narrow streets while keeping your fuel costs and insurance premiums to a minimum.

After being discontinued five years ago, the CitiGo now makes for a tempting prospect on the second-hand market.

It was initially praised for being surprisingly roomy for being so small, and for being the cheaper alternative to the Up! while essentially being the same car.

It boasts impressive reliability, with only 22 per cent reporting faults and 5 per cent experiencing a break down.

The CitiGo is fairly quick to repair as well, only spending 2.8 days at the garage before being ready for more.

4. Honda Jazz (2008-2015)

Average used price: £3,800

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Faults: 25% Breakdowns: 4% Days off the road: 2.7

Almost exclusively driven by those of a certain age, the Honda Jazz is popular amongst the older demographic for a reason: its convenient, reliable and easy to drive.

These attributes might get Grandma excited, but they should also make the Jazz an attractive option for anyone looking for a solid vehicle at a bargain price.

One in four owners reported a fault with their cars and the average time in the garage was 2.7 days being fixed by mechanics.

Your Jazz shouldn’t be seeing the inside of a garage too often though, with only 4 per cent breaking down in the last year.

3. Lexus RX 450h (2009-2015)

Average used price: £6,400 

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Faults: 16% Breakdowns: 0%  Days off the road: 2 

This chunky SUV was voted the most satisfying car to own in 2024 in a Which? survey.

A glance at the cars record quickly confirms that one of the factors that make it so popular must be its excellent reliability.

Looking at the hybrid-powered models here, only 16 per cent reported a fault in the last year and none had their RX break down on them.

For the times that the RX was sent into the garage, it only spent 2 days on average being worked on.

The price is a little higher than some others on this list, but buyers are getting both space, comfort and relatively good fuel efficiency.

2. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015)

Average used price: £3,800

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Faults: 26% Breakdowns: 0% Days off the road: 1.7

The iconic MX-5 speeds into the number two spot for good reason, bucking the trend of unreliable sports car to still deliver thrilling driving with solid build quality at a good price.

Hailing originally from the late 1980’s, this example of the world’s best selling roadster is the third generation MX-5, it debuted in 2005 and still holds up today.

The record from Which?’s data is flawless when it comes to breakdowns, and shows that this classic is quick to fix only spending 1.7 days in the shop.

Just over a quarter reported faults, but that’s not a huge figure when it comes to second-hand sports cars.

1. Lexus CT 200h (2011-2020)

Average used price: £7,300

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Faults: 13% Breakdowns: 0% Days off the road: 1.2 

Topping the list as the most reliable 10 to 15 year-old car comes the Lexus CT 200h, a full hybrid hatchback which served as the brands answer to the Ford Focus and VW Golf until 2020.

CT 200h owners surveyed by Which? delivered glowing reviews, reporting zero breakdowns and only 13 per cent experiencing a fault with their car.

Drivers praised the vehicles comfort and, of course, reliability, only pointing to a small boot and clunky infotainment system as critiques, as reported by thisismoney.

The car sells for around £7,000, the priciest offering so far, but its near spotless record should mean your investment pays off with a dependable motor that is good for years to come.

The ones to steer clear of

Which? puts the diesel powered Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2014) and Nissan Qashqai (2007-20013) as two of the least reliable vehicles that consumers should steer well clear of if dependability is their aim.

The Zafira has become known for catching fires in recent years due to issues with its heater blower motor and regulator. This usually happens when owners replace parts with cheaper, aftermarket components.

It is hardly a wonder that drivers are turning to cut-price alternatives when the Zafira breaks down on three in ten owners, with more than half reporting faults in the last year.

The car also takes a whopping 14 days on average for repairs to be made.

The first generation Nissan Qashqai also from suffers reliability issues, and needs almost a week in the garage on average before it is road-ready after a malfunction.

Both these cars use diesel fuel, and Which? has found that this is by far the worst fuel type for reliability, with an average fault rate of 48 per cent, compared to 39 per cent for petrol and 23 per cent for hybrids.

FORD has confirmed that one of their most popular cars has officially gone off the market in the UK.

The American car giant announced that its factories will no longer produce the Focus ST due to a lack of demand.

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The Focus ST was first launched 23 years ago, but has since disappeared from dealer price lists.

But for those wanting to get their hands on some of the last remaining cars, the US firm said that 170 are still unsold in the UK.

Stock is still available to buy in dealerships, but customers will not be able to order new models.

Speaking to Autocar, Ford UK said: “There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment.

“But there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network.

“This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.”

Ford introduced Focus ST to the world in 2002, with the initial ST170 version.

It was powered by a 2.0 litre engine, reaching 60mph in just under eight seconds.

In 2005, Ford introduced the second generation – the ST500 – with a meatier 2.5 litre engine.

Developed alongside Volvo and Mazda, it was powered by a Volvo five-cylinder engine, allowing it to hit 60mph in 6.8 seconds.

But the US manufacturer ditched Volvo in 2010 and introduced the Focus St Mk3 with its own engine.

It introduced a more powerful four-cylinder turbo and lowered the suspension – putting the 0-60mph time at 6.5 seconds.

And finally the Mk4, featuring a slightly larger 2.3 litre engine, which was the first version to offer automatic transmission.

It remains the fastest iteration of the Focus ST, reaching 60mph in 5.7 seconds.

Ford could well be responding to industry trends, with hot hatch cars generally being phased out across the board.

Other big manufacturers, including Hyundai, Peugeot and Toyota have started pulling cars off the market as a result of the low interest.

It comes as the Ford Focus is set to be phased out completely, with its production life cycle terminating in November this year.

The move was first announced in 2022, but Ford’s European chief Martin Sander doubled down on the decision in March.

He added: “In the long run, we are still deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume.

“By the end of this year, we will have a full range of electric vehicles and we are quite flexible to adapt to market demand.

“For the next couple of years, we have a broad choice.

“Basically, our customers have the power of choice to pick what they want.”

The Ford Focus was first rolled out in 1998, off the back of their Escort model.

It was one of the last hatchbacks with a manual gearbox.

However, Ford is now putting more efforts into their Mustangs and Broncos to boost profits.

This comes after Ford sales in Europe fell 17 per cent in 2024, the first full year without the Fiesta which was axed in July 2023.

AN ICONIC 1980s Porsche left abandoned in a barn for 14 years has sold for over £76,000, which was over triple its estimate.

The dust-covered 911 3.2 Carrera Sport coupé was put into storage by its owner in 2011 after being bought in 2002.

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Its three litre engine produced 231bhp with a top speed of over 150mph.

And it was capable of doing 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds.

According to records, the car only covered 476 miles in the five years before it went into the barn.

It was owned by a busy solicitor near Northampton who barely drove it for years, as reported by Luxury Auto News.

Ahead of its auction its listing said: “The car presented here is a C16 1989-model example from the final year of 3.2 production before the introduction of the 964.

“It is a Carrera 3.2 Sport which was a UK-only model and came factory-fitted with a black lip front spoiler, a rear whale tail rear spoiler, sports seats and Bilstein Sport shock absorbers.

“It was optioned with a sunroof and the sought-after paint colour of silver metallic.”

The iconic 911 was first registered in May 1989 and had five previous owners before being snapped up in October 2002, the listing read.

It added: “This 911 was first registered in May 1989 and passed through five keepers before being purchased by our vendor in October 2002.

The listing added: “We believe he bought it from Autofarm of Bicester, Oxfordshire.

“MOT records indicate minimal usage – just 476 miles covered in five years.

“This is wholly in keeping with what we know about our vendor, who was a very much a car enthusiast, having owned all sorts of interesting cars from Jaguars to 2CVs, but who was also a very busy solicitor with little time to enjoy his Porsche.

“At some point in 2011, he drove the car into his barn adjoining his stone Northamptonshire house and there it has sat ever since.”

Despite being abandoned, the barn’s warm, dry air helped preserve the rare car remarkably well.

“Its condition when it was put away must have been exceptional and very much in-keeping with a minimally used 40,000-mile 911, with original features and components still in place.

“Bodywork panels, paintwork, carpets, headlining and factory-finishes all appear to be original – and a jack and toolkit complete the picture.

It tripled its estimate amid a bidding frenzy

A spokesperson

“The car is a feast of detail for any Porsche enthusiast, preserved in a manner that they will really appreciate.

“Sadly the owner passed away in early 2025 and it falls to the family, particularly his son, to find it a new home.

“This fantastic car is sensibly guided and will obviously require close inspection and a thorough recommissioning before starting/driving but it offers huge potential.

“Cars built from September 1986 onwards were fitted with the more user-friendly G50 Getrag gearbox.

“But all 3.2 Carreras feature galvanised bodies, which together with Porsche’s legendary build quality, ensure that these classics are long lasting.”

It was expected to fetch around £25,000 when sold on Saturday by Iconic Auctioneers in Northampton.

A spokesperson said: “It was driven into a barn for storage in 2011 and offered exactly as found, dust and all.

“It tripled its estimate amid a bidding frenzy.

“With 33 registered telephone bidders as well as numerous bidders in the room and online, bidding raced to £76,500.

“This wonderfully preserved G50‑gearbox example that remains largely original, obviously captured bidders’ imaginations with its untouched state and clear potential.”

It comes after astonishing images showed an abandoned graveyard of vintage cars and fire engines left to rot.

And a classic car dealership worth a whopping £200,000 has been discovered – after sitting in the dark for 20 years.

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JUST passed your driving test? It’s time to get a car.

We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re doing it on your own. 

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Don’t worry! At Sun Motors, we’re going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers​. 

When comparing the best used first cars, we’ve weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. 

The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds.

You want to hit the road, so let’s start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers.

Top 5 best used cars for new drivers 

Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We’ve selected small cars with solid engines and engineering.

They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they’re a great place to start on your car owning career.

1. Ford Ka
2. Skoda Fabia
3. VW Polo
4. Fiat 500
5. Mini

Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 



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MODEL: Ford KA

Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it’s the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium.

It’s cheap to insure, but is it any good? 

Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It’s economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you’re highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. 

You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k.

Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia

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The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last.

The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that’s also in a low insurance group, meaning it’s cheap to insure.

Driving is more fun than you’d imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride.

We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible.

Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model.

German precision: VW Polo

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OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they’re not identical twins.

The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish.

The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks.

You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500.

Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500

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When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that’s as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it’s a surprisingly good drive. 

The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road.

There’s not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it’s an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget.

Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers.

Money-no-object: Mini

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Who doesn’t want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. 

The ‘modern’ MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors.

When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it’s a fantastic car to drive and own.)

There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000.

MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don’t be put off by a model that’s done over 100k.

Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that’s a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform.

What is the best car for a new driver?

Personally, I’d go for a Dacia Sandero – because that’s what I drive. But I’m old. 

If I were a first time car buyer, I’d try and find the perfect middle ground. That’s going to be a great looking car that’s fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. 

My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia.

If you can, take one out for a drive. It’s surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history.

Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy

Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price.

When buying from Sun Motors, you’re dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed.

Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles.

Why would you buy from anywhere else?

New driver car buying FAQs

Car finance for new drivers​: Can I get a used car on finance if I’m a first-time driver?

Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you’re over 18.

If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history.

Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance.

Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel!

How much is insurance for a new driver?

New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake.

The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. 

Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don’t ever buy a car without knowing how much it’ll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise.

What size engine can a new driver drive uk​?

If you’ve passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. 

Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car.

What to look for when buying a used car for the first time

Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here.

• Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won’t share this information.
• Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done.
• Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small.
• Size – Don’t get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents.
• Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car.

Are used cars as safe as new cars? 

Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.