Driving tests are due to be permitted again from 22 April (don’t forget your face mask), so we’ve been trawling the classifieds for £5000 cars suited to new drivers.
Does that sound like a lot of cash? It’s only the amount that those lucky enough to have been in work during the lockdown could have saved. In any case, who wants the apple of their eye driving an old banger?
Our five selections are all modern things in low insurance groups. A low group matters, but it’s not the only thing that insurers consider. The driver’s tender age is the biggest issue, but where they live is also a major factor – although there isn’t much you can do about that.
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First up is a Vauxhall Corsa. Its intended recipient might well have learned in one, making this 2014 car with 16,000 miles feel instantly familiar. The fact that it has only three doors might discourage rowdy mates from joining them, too – not that you need to tell them that…
The fact that its 1.0-litre petrol engine produces just 64bhp for a 0-62mph time of 18.2sec is a double-edged sword. It may deter the novice driver from driving too enthusiastically, but what if they need a dab of power to escape some fast-developing situation?
With that in mind, we considered the more powerful 1.0i Turbo, which has 113bhp to provide 0-62mph in 10.3sec. However, it’s nine insurance groups higher (group 11 instead of the lower-powered car’s group two), which put the lid on that idea.
Fifth-generation Corsa weak spots are a leaky radiator and loose trim. There have been a few recalls, too, so check that they’ve been followed up.
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"The fact that it has only three doors might discourage rowdy mates from joining them, too.."
I sometimes wonder if Autocar journalists live in the same world as me. The 3-door Corsa will appeal to many new and younger drivers far more than the Kia or Hyundai as it offers a more stylish and sporty profile rather than the family car look, and their mates will be more than happy to get into the back - its not exactly difficult is it?
Autocar authors clearly live on another planet if they think 5 grand for a 5+ year old unreliable pos korean car is good value, 15 seconds to 60 is verging on unsafe when turning onto nsl roads or merging onto a motorway.
5 grand best spent on a face lifted 2014 Toyota Auris, unlike the hyundai/kia it is safe, practical and will not leave you strandard on the side of the road
I'd have gone for an Aygo over an auris for a first car, and I disagree that Korean cars are unreliable, we've had a couple that have been more reliable than the VAG group cars we've had and still have, yes Japanese brands do appear to have better reputation for reliability but I don't think the Korean brands are far off.
Another Corsa weak spot is that they are absolutely awful to drive.
Think I'd be buying my daughter that Merc coupe and sticking her on a classic insurance policy that drive round in one of those uninspiring baked bean cans.