a guide to buying your first car

Buying a new car, particularly if it is your first time entering the motoring market, can be a daunting task. Not only is the cost likely to be high, but you will have to take into account all sorts of added extras, including insurance, breakdown cover, servicing costs and whether or not you want to go with the finance package that will inevitably be offered by the garage. Make sure you consult expert websites and read all that you can, or commandeer a knowledgeable friend or relative to help you. This is all on top of choosing which car you really want to buy, so if you are looking for a first car, either for yourself or for a family member, check out the top ten best motors for this particular audience. All of these can be picked up for under £1500 second hand, although new prices are usually pretty competitive if you want the security of a manufacturer`s warranty.

Ford Ka

This is the first of Ford`s entries on this list and these small cars have had a recent facelift and can offer excellent driving fun with very basic equipment at the bottom end of the range.

Vauxhall Corsa

Always popular with new drivers, the Corsa has had several revisions over the years and it offers a good level of equipment for a relatively low price.

Toyota Yaris

The reliability of Toyota`s cars is a real draw and this cute, capable option is definitely worth a look if you want something that doesn`t bear the Ford badge.

Volkswagen Polo

VWs tend to hold their prices well and the Polo is a solid car with a decent level of street cred that feels a little bit more premium than its immediate rivals.

Renault Clio

The Clio has been a staple of the new driver`s market for many years, providing a bit of French flare and a good deal of comfort.

Ford Focus

The Focus is larger and typically offers more powerful engines than the supermini alternatives, but this means that you get more space inside, seating for five and a decent boot.

Seat Ibiza

The recent batch of Ibizas to hit the market has won many fans because of curvy good looks and solid quality of the finish throughout and its relative rarity will make it a real talking point.

Peugeot 206

The second French contender on this list, the 206 is definitely stylish and versatile, with some real bargains to be found if you look hard enough.

Volkswagen Golf

Because of the high residual values of any Golf, you will have to look at older models if you want to bag a bargain, but for a larger interior and relatively low running costs you cannot do much better than this.

Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta has always provided plenty of room inside despite being classed alongside many more cramped alternatives and it has also been a looker, with a recent facelift really bringing it into the 21st century and making it a popular choice when considering used cars for sale.