Your First Car: The Best Novice Cars for 2024

The first car has earned a special place in the hearts of many motorists across generations. Ideally, it will give you unforgettable memories. To ensure that these are predominantly positive, the first vehicle should meet a number of criteria.

What makes a good first car?

On the one hand, the driving pleasure should not be too much at the expense of the wallet. Most parents simply cannot afford to give their children a new car when they pass their driving test. Or they lack the will, if only because the lack of driving experience during the probationary period is often noticeable in the form of scratches and dents on the beginner's car.

Since novice drivers are usually still studying or training, the maintenance costs for the first car should also remain manageable. These are not only made up of the tax and the contribution for car insurance, but also of the fuel costs. A pleasant side effect of an economical drive: the environment is less polluted.

The most important facts in brief

• In the late 2000s, cars became much safer.
• In addition, rust prevention has improved.
• Good used cars can be found for less than 10,000 euros.
• Practical talent and driving pleasure do not have to be mutually exclusive.

In view of constantly rising new car prices and the immense loss of value of new cars, there is much to be said for a used car as a first car. While the manufacturers' configurators only start beyond the 10,000 euro mark, you can find what you are looking for in mobile.de with a much smaller budget. For less money, you can get full-grown and properly equipped used cars in good condition that have only covered a few kilometers.

What safety features are important for a first car?

You should limit your search to cars built from 2005 onwards, as most vehicles from the mid-2000s onwards are not only rust-resistant and durable, but also largely reliable, thanks to good preservation. More importantly, great strides have been made in active and passive safety during this decade. Over the past twenty years, life-saving assistants such as the ABS anti-lock braking system or ESP (Electronic Stability Program) have become the norm in an emergency and have even been a legal requirement in all new cars since 2014. At the same time, crash regulations have become much stricter and airbags are no longer only for the driver, but in the best case also for all other passengers on board.

Below we show you seven ideal novice drivers that are not only affordable, but also reliable, economical and, with compact dimensions, as practical as they are safe.

Mitsubishi Space Star: Problem-free first car at a bargain rate

Since 2012, Mitsubishi has been offering the Space Star small car, which is one of the cheapest new cars in Germany and has become the bestseller of the Japanese in this country. Currently, the new prices of the Thai-built model start at 11,990 euros. However, due to the assistance systems that have recently been required by law, Mitsubishi will soon take it out of the range. The copies that will be offered until the beginning of 2025 are only residual contingents.

With a lower personal budget, you will find what you are looking for in mobile.de. More than 4,000 Space Stars are currently advertised in the app, and well-maintained cars with less than 50,000 kilometers are available from around 5,000 euros. When looking for the first car, you should pay attention to the equipment variant. The basic version is a real checkout rack, with not even a central locking system on board as standard. Nevertheless, you get a 3.85-metre short four-door car for the money, which is ideal as the first car with four full-fledged seats and a boot volume of 235 or 912 litres (with the rear bench folded down).

Despite its low price, you hardly have to make any compromises in terms of safety with the Space Star. In 2013, it received four out of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test – also because of the six airbags fitted as standard. In terms of handling, there are definitely more balanced small cars. But these also cost a lot more money.

The drive is provided by a three-cylinder engine, which has a displacement of 1.0 or 1.2 liters, depending on the year of construction, and works together with a five-speed manual transmission. For the larger engine, there was also an optional CVT automatic. Initially, the small Mitsubishi had 80 hp, but now it is only available in the 71 hp version. This means that the Space Star does not uproot any trees, but it is completely sufficient for the everyday life of most novice drivers.

Ford Fiesta: Dynamic Polo competitor as first car

The seventh generation of the Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line from 2008 to 2017 as a three- and five-door model. The small car from Cologne is technically durable and scores above average in the ADAC breakdown statistics, which qualifies it as the ideal first car. With a length of 3.95 to 3.97 meters (five-door), it is pleasantly compact. The trunk volume can be increased from 295 to 979 liters if you fold down the rear seat. Since the Fiesta impresses above all with its crisp handling, it is the dynamic alternative to the VW Polo.

At mobile.de, 4,500 units of the seventh Fiesta generation are currently offered. If you are looking for a good car with less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock, you will find it from about 4,500 euros. Examples from the late model years, which have lively turbo engines under the hood, start at around 6,500 euros.

For the 2013 model year, the series received a facelift, in which Ford went with the trend towards downsizing. In the course of this, the old four-cylinder naturally aspirated engines were replaced by turbocharged three-cylinder engines. Only the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines remained in the range. In the sports version Fiesta ST, the engine produced a whole 200 hp, but there was also a tamer variant with 105 hp. The Cologne-based company also offered the Polo competitor with economical diesel engines that are between 70 and 95 hp.

As a new car, the seventh Fiesta generation was once considered one of the safest models in its segment. The small Ford received a full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test for occupant safety. The good-natured chassis also forgives many a driving mistake and offers sufficient reserves, which can save the lives of novice drivers in an emergency.

Peugeot 208: First car with charm and character

After the look of the Peugeot model series with the numbers 07 was not everyone's cup of tea, the French took a more pleasing design direction again with the first 208. The first generation was built between 2012 and 2019 and was available as both a three- and five-door model. The so-called i-Cockpit with the small steering wheel and the instruments mounted above it is a real unique selling point in this segment. The tiny steering wheel suggests a fun go-kart feeling to the driver, which should delight many a novice driver. When it comes to workmanship, the 208 was one of the better small cars at the time.

As a new car, the French small car was not a cheap car: In 2014, for example, prices started at around 12,000 euros, while well-maintained examples with usable equipment and a mileage of less than 100,000 kilometers can be found at mobile.de from around 4,800 euros. A total of about 1,500 units of the first generation of the 208 are advertised.

The little lion has other advantages as a first car – first and foremost its good space with compact dimensions. At 3.96 metres, it has shrunk by around seven centimetres compared to its predecessor 207. Both at the front and in the rear, it offers an airy feeling of space. Only the trunk is rather tight with a volume of 285 to 1,076 liters.

On the other hand, the first 208 was one of the safest small cars during its production period, also thanks to the six airbags installed as standard. In the Euro NCAP crash test, it received a full five stars on its debut, and the balanced chassis also offers good road holding and high safety reserves. That still makes it a good first car today.

In terms of long-term quality, Peugeot has taken a big step forward with the first 208. There is still a lot of room for improvement, for example, the TÜV notices quickly wearing brakes and rusty exhaust systems, but with proper care and maintenance you can have fun with the little one for a long time. In addition, the quality has improved significantly over the course of the construction period; later cohorts do well in the general inspection.

The drives of the 208 are generally considered relatively economical. Peugeot offered the Polo competitor with three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines, which have between 1.0 and 1.6 liters of displacement. The base model is a bit weak on the chest with its 68 hp, but the power range extends up to the 200 hp GTi sports version. In the case of the diesels with 1.4 or 1.6 liters of displacement, the focus was more on low consumption. They produce between 68 and 120 hp and, according to the standard, make do with less than four liters of fuel. Depending on the version, power was transmitted by manual transmissions with five or six gears or automated manual transmissions with the same number of gears.

Toyota Yaris: Robust hybrid pioneer for novice drivers

Toyota has earned an excellent reputation in Germany with two things in particular – the high reliability of the models and the economical hybrid drives. With the third generation of the Yaris small car, the Japanese established the power of two hearts in the small car segment. The model, which is offered from 2011 to 2020, may not be a masterpiece in terms of design, but the Yaris has other qualities and is therefore recommended as a car for novice drivers.

With a length of 3.95 meters, the little one, which received a facelift in 2017, offers plenty of space, especially in the front row. The luggage compartment, on the other hand, only holds 286 to 768 liters. Both in terms of driving and in terms of material selection in the interior, you should not have the highest demands. Toyota relies almost exclusively on disdainful hard plastic inside, but at least it shows little signs of age. The Yaris drives safely, but makes neither a dynamic nor a particularly comfortable impression.

As with other Toyota models, the strength of the small car lies in its good long-term quality, which is also reflected in the breakdown statistics of the ADAC and in the general inspection. In addition, the hybrid version in particular has low fuel consumption. The support of the electric motor reduces the standard consumption to 3.5 liters; in reality, consumption of just under five liters is also possible. This reduces maintenance costs and protects the current accounts of novice drivers.

For this reason, the used car prices, which are slightly higher than comparable small cars of the same age, can also be overcome. At mobile.de, there are currently about 1,000 third-generation Toyota Yaris, of which around 850 have a hybrid drive. The small car with a system output of 100 hp costs at least 8,900 euros in good condition and with less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock. However, due to the robustness of the model, you don't have to shy away from cars with a higher mileage.

The hybrid version, built in France, offers a comparatively high level of safety for those with a driver's license: Euro NCAP gave the small Toyota five stars, and safety for adult passengers was rated at 89 percent. Seven airbags are always installed, including one that is intended to protect the driver's knees in a frontal crash.

Mini Cooper: Driving pleasure guaranteed for fashion-conscious novice drivers

The second Mini generation R55 can be found at the completely opposite end of the spectrum. While buying a Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a purely rational decision, the little one, built from 2006 to 2014, is primarily intended to be a fashion accessory for novice drivers and a lot of fun. This is ensured by the Mini Cooper's 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines with 120 or 122 hp. Above this was the Cooper S, which had 174 hp before the 2010 facelift and 184 hp after the revision. The second Mini Cooper was also available as a diesel: the diesel engines of the same size produced 109 hp or, after the revision, 112 hp.

Die große Stärke des Mini Cooper findet sich allerdings nicht unter der Motorhaube. Das straffe Fahrwerk und die präzise Lenkung sorgen in Kombination für ein dynamisches Fahrgefühl, das man von einem sportlichen Mini erwartet. Der 3,72 Meter lange Retro-Flitzer macht dabei nicht nur auf kurvigen Landstraßen, sondern auch im Stadtverkehr Spaß. Gleichzeitig ist das Handling sehr berechenbar und sicher, weshalb auch ungeübte Fahrer den dynamischen Kleinwagen beherrschen.

The driving performance is impressive, especially that of the even sportier Cooper S: examples from the later model years, for example, sprint to one hundred km/h in just seven seconds and run at a speed of 228 km/h. When it came to transmissions, customers once had the choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic. The manual transmission fits the character of the Mini Cooper S much better.

In view of this sporting spirit, it is hardly surprising that the model is still very popular more than ten years after its end of production. This fact is also reflected in used car prices.

The Mini Cooper is one of the expensive second-hand small cars and first cars in general. At mobile.de, about 1,000 second-generation units are currently listed. Cars that have driven less than 100,000 kilometers start at around 5,000 euros – a lot of money for a small car of this age. As a car for novice drivers, the Mini's long-term quality speaks in favor of it, but also that it received five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test for occupant safety.

Škoda Yeti: Companion for novice drivers with an active lifestyle

The Škoda Yeti is a real recommendation for adventurous novice drivers who like to go on a mountain bike trip to the mountains or a climbing holiday. The series, which rolled off the production line from 2009 to 2017, is extremely versatile. Officially declared as a compact SUV, the Yeti has the variability of a high-roof station wagon due to its body shape. There is hardly a more versatile first car.

With a length of 4.22 meters, for example, bicycles can easily fit in the trunk. This has a volume of 405 or a generous 1,760 liters if you fold down the rear seat. The second row of seats can even be removed. So the SUV is suitable as a camper. With the optional all-wheel drive, the Yeti is not completely lost even off paved roads.

In addition, the versatile Škoda convinces in everyday life: it drives comfortably and safely without appearing spongy. The SUV from the VW Group also scores in passive safety, achieving a full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. Front, side and curtain airbags as well as a knee airbag for the driver are available as standard. A side airbag for the rear passengers is available as an option.

If you choose the right version, the Yeti is a durable first car that scores above average in the TÜV report – especially if it has one of the robust diesels with between 105 and 170 hp under the hood and the gears are changed manually. Unfortunately, the early diesels were affected by the VW emissions scandal. Therefore, you should look for TDIs of the EA288 generation that meet the Euro 6 emission standard. The TSI petrol engines often had timing chain problems in the early years of construction.

Due to its practical talent, the Yeti is still in high demand on the used car market, which is reflected in a fairly high price level. There are currently a little less than 1,000 copies advertised at mobile.de. Well-maintained cars with less than 150,000 kilometers on the odometer are available from about 8,500 euros.

Seat Leon: The Spanish Golf brother as a popular first car

Der Golf gehört als weitverbreiteter Allrounder unter Fahranfängern unbestritten zu den beliebtesten Autos. Es kann sich aber auch ein Blick auf seinen spanischen Technikbruder Seat Leon lohnen – besonders auf die dritte Generation. Sie ist eng mit dem Golf 7 verwandt und lief von 2012 bis 2020 in drei Karosserieformen vom Band: Die Kunden konnten zwischen einem Drei- und Fünftürer sowie dem Kombi ST wählen.

Im Grunde verfügt der Leon über die gleichen Tugenden wie der Golf, der Fokus wurde bei der Entwicklung jedoch stärker auf ein schnittiges Design und eine sportlichere Abstimmung gelegt. Damit spricht er vor allem eine junge Zielgruppe an und ist zugleich ein sicheres erstes Auto: Bei seiner Markteinführung 2012 erhielt er volle fünf Sterne beim Euro-NCAP-Crashtest; die Sicherheit für erwachsene Passagiere wurde mit 94 Prozent bewertet.

In addition, there is good long-term quality. The third Leon generation is considered very solid and does not stand out negatively even with high mileage on the clock. Only the gasoline engines from the early years have some problems with the timing chain. In addition, the DSG transmissions do not always work reliably. These problems can be easily avoided by opting for a later model with a manual transmission.

Around 5,000 units of the third Leon are currently advertised at mobile.de. Good cars with a mileage of less than 150,000 kilometers start at around 7,500 euros. The three-door SC is the cheapest due to its limited practical talent and wraps novice drivers around their fingers with its sporty lines.

Small car or mid-range: Are sedans the better first cars?

A real insider tip for novice drivers is grandpa's classic notchback sedan. Due to the well-behaved design and the German aversion to this classic design, the demand for Ford Mondeo, Škoda Octavia, VW Passat and Co. in sedan form is rather low. This ensures used car prices that are significantly lower than those of the popular station wagon counterparts.

In addition, the cars from the first ownership of older gentlemen often have low mileage, but at the same time are often serviced. This keeps the risk when buying within limits. Especially of models from the late 2000s, good examples can be obtained for less than 10,000 euros. In terms of safety and space, they often have an advantage over the more common small cars and compacts.