What you need to know when looking for your first car

Electric Cars 5 min read Last updated 25 September 2026

Choosing your first car is an exciting experience for new drivers and we want to help make the process as simple as possible.

In this helpful overview, we’ll explain how to navigate your journey to selecting your first car as a new driver. The average age of drivers buying their first car has risen to 26 years old [1]. 46% of respondents said family influence played a key role in their decision.

We’re here to offer tips on choosing a suitable new or used car from Stellantis’ wide range of quality car brands. We’ll discuss selecting the right car finance agreement for your circumstances and how to make sure your vehicle is covered with the right insurance policy to meet your needs. As well as explain about optional extras, such as maintenance packages. Our aim is to help you begin driving with confidence.

According to a recent Autotrader study, the average age of drivers buying their first car has risen to 26 years old. 46% of respondents said family influence played a key role in their decision.

What should new drivers look for in a first car?

When it’s time to find your first car, take some time to think about what you want and need. A clear plan will help you to sift through the many choices available.

As a starting point, we’ve put together a handy first car checklist of things to consider when deciding between a wide range of new or used models. Then, you’ll be able to outline a set of criteria to look for when choosing your vehicle.

Things to consider when choosing your first car

When looking for your first car, there’s a lot to think about. From budget and fuel type to whether you buy new or used, here’s a list of points that you should consider when making your decision.

What is best for your budget?

Define your budget and make sure that you’ have included not just the initial cost or monthly repayments, but also additional costs such as servicing and maintenance, cost of tyres, and insurance premiums that might influence your decision.

Would you rather pay in full or finance your first car?

By paying in full, you’ll take ownership of your vehicle once the purchase is complete. But securing the full amount to pay for your first vehicle in one go depends on your circumstances. You may be saving up for another large purchase, which means you don’t have the funds available to pay outright, for example. You may decide to opt for a finance agreement as a way to drive a newer, or higher value vehicle without the pressure of saving for the full value upfront.

How will you budget for additional costs?

Think about how much you have to spend on other running costs, such as repairs, maintenance, servicing, road tax and warranties. Remember, these smaller factors will still impact your overall budget.

Would a new or used car best suit your needs?

You may save money on the initial cost of a used car, but the cost of insurance might be higher for an older model. Make sure to find a good balance between the value of the vehicle and monthly insurance payments if a used car feels like the right choice for you. Also, bear in mind that a used car may not be as reliable as a brand new model, but could still be a good fit for your lifestyle.

By opting for a new vehicle as your first car, you can enjoy three years on the road without needing to take your car for an MOT. You can also choose the latest safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and intelligent speed assistance Plus, new cars will be covered by a manufacturer warranty should any issues arise as a new driver. New cars do come with a higher upfront cost compared to used vehicles, which is an important consideration for first time buyers.

Which fuel type suits your lifestyle?

If you have easy access to charging stations or the option to install one at home, an electric car could be a great choice for your first vehicle. Alternatively, if you often travel long distances without regular charging opportunities, a self-charging hybrid may be more convenient, as it recharges itself while you drive, eliminating the need to stop and wait for mid-journey charging.

Learn more about the difference between hybrid and electric cars here.

What models meet your driving needs?

Whether you’re purchasing your first car as a student or a young family, make sure to choose the right model for your lifestyle. Hatchbacks are a popular choice for first cars, thanks to their practicality, comfort, and efficiency - making them ideal for everything from short daily trips to longer journeys. Brands that offer versatile hatchback cars to suit different lifestyles and driving needs include:

Will you choose a private seller or a local Retailer?

By opting for an approved used Retailer through the SPOTICAR network, you can rest assured that every vehicle goes through a comprehensive multi-point check and has a complete vehicle history. If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you won't have much protection against your purchase. It's important to bear this in mind, in case something goes wrong, or your vehicle isn’t quite what you expected. If you decide to purchase from a private seller, make sure to double check these points before you make a commitment:

Check the vehicle’s MOT history by entering the reg number on gov.uk.
Ask the seller to provide a full service history (or at least to confirm why one isn’t available).
Check that the locking wheel nuts, handbook, and spare key are included too.

We hope these considerations have provided useful guidance in selecting the right vehicle for your needs.

What are the different ways to finance your first car?

Once you've got your shortlist of new or used models, the next step is deciding how to finance your first car. If paying in full isn't feasible, and you’d prefer manageable monthly payments, consider exploring car finance options that suit your budget and personal circumstances.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Conditional Sale (CS) or Personal Contract Hire (PCH) may be a suitable car finance option for new drivers. These finance agreements may provide affordable monthly payment options. But it’s important to note that they all offer slightly different options when you reach the end of your agreement.

Take a look at the table below to see what sets each finance option apart:

	Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)	Conditional Sale (CS)	Personal Contract Hire (PCH)
Set monthly repayments	✅	✅	✅
Ability to own vehicle	✅	✅	❌
End of term options	PCP offers multiple options at the end of your agreement: Part exchange your car and start a new agreement if there is equity in the vehicle. Pay an optional final payment and keep your car. You may be able to refinance any remaining amount and keep your car. Return your car.	At the end of a CS agreement, car ownership will automatically transfer to you upon making your final payment.	At the end of the agreement, you’ll return the vehicle to one of our collection agents. You can then also choose a brand-new car or review other options.
Mileage restrictions	✅	❌	✅
Potential wear and tear charges	✅	❌	✅

Still unsure which finance option is right for you? Use our Interactive Finance Comparison Tool to find the product that best fits your first car needs, all in just a few clicks. Speak to your local Retailer to find out more.

Drive away in your first car with insurance to suit your needs

Once you’ve chosen your car and taken out a finance agreement, you’ll need to make sure you’re covered with the right insurance. Our insurance products include:

Subscription Car Insurance: Provides fully-comprehensive protection for you and your new or used vehicle, on a rolling monthly basis. All of our finance agreements require you to have fully comprehensive insurance.
5 Day Free Car Insurance: This is a short-term, comprehensive car insurance policy designed to cover you for 5 days. This means you can drive your car home, knowing that your vehicle is covered from handover.

Insurance costs can be higher for new drivers, but there are a few factors that might influence the cost of your insurance policy, such as:

The age of your vehicle.
The location where you live.
Your occupation.
The safety features that are included with your vehicle.
Whether your car is kept safe and secure.

If you’d like to learn more and make sure our policy meets your needs, take a look at our car insurance advice for new drivers.

Choose your car maintenance options

For first time car owners, the idea of maintaining your vehicle may be something of a learning curve. However, we offer a range of packages to help you keep your car in good condition.

Maintenance packages give you the ability to budget monthly for your maintenance services, helping to maintain the condition of your vehicle. Choosing a maintenance package with a Stellantis Retailer means that you’ll have experts who know your vehicle best working on it.

Our Cosmetic Repair Insurance could also be a useful add-on service for new drivers. If you’re worried about small dinks and scratches to your vehicle, Cosmetic Repair Insurance might offer you some welcome reassurance.

If you decide not to choose a maintenance package with your finance agreement, you should set yourself reminders to arrange regular services and budget monthly to help with the cost of servicing. If your car is eligible, make sure to note your MOT renewal date in the calendar too. Looking after a car may be new to you, but it’s important to set good habits from the outset.

Feel confident when choosing your first car

Once you’re able to define criteria for a first car that meets your needs, you can then choose a finance agreement and an insurance policy to suit.

We’re dedicated to helping new drivers as you drive away in your very first car. If you have any questions about choosing your first car, contact your local Retailer who will be happy to help.

References