Cheapest Car to insure for a 17 yr old new driver?

Question

What is the cheapest small car to insure for a 17 year old who's just passed their test? I believe the model can affect the price too eg - SX, GL?

Answer 1

OK, as a first car, you're looking for small purchase price, minimal repair cost and ease of repair (because you WILL be called out when it doesn't start at 2am after a night of clubbing!!!)

You can't beat a Citroen AX. yes they're tinny, but they are actually super reliable simple because mechanically they are very very basic. a P reg model will set you back no more than £500, even for a good one.

1.4 Diesels are group 2 to insure and do a genuine 65mpg. Maintanence is stupidly cheap if you use eurocarparts.co.uk or "German, swedish and french" parts, you'll find both on the net easily. You're talking 80p for a spark plug, £1.50 for an air filter and £3 for an oil filter. £6 for a pair of brake pads, you get the idea.

1 litre petrol uses an ancient engine, but again, that just means cheap parts, solid (if slightly rattly) reliability, and simple repairs.

If your budget is a little larger, the same applies for a Ford Ka.

Answer 2

Nothing's cheap to insure for a 17 year old driver. Underpowered cars are cheaper to insure - but not much and they have no cred.

At one time, teenage drivers drove around in ancient cars because that's all they could afford. Now they need rich parents just to pay the insurance and they feel they might as well have an expensive car while they're at it. That's why the market has collapsed for cars more than 5 years old.

Answer 3

Each insurance company will apply different principles to their risk asessment so there will be no single definitive answer.

A Ford Ka insured in London will likely cost more than one insured in a rural location, but the relative level of risk may be judged differently by each insurer. This means that for any given location/age/sex of driver there are many factors influencing the overall quote, and thus an equivalent Vauxhall model may be cheaper in one area, but not in another.

Generally, the smaller the engine, the less likelihood of driving fast therefore the less risk of accidents and insurance payouts . This means that base model vehicles are cheapest to insure.

Also popular marques such as Ford/Vauxhall etc will have lower market values and also cheaper spare parts - again allowing for lower insurance premiums.

Answer 4

Corgi model Mini 1000 ? Sorry I was being flippant... but the insurance companies are fleecing all of us these days and unfortunately a 17 y.o. will be hammered to death because of those who have passed before him/her.
I suggest a small engined (1000cc) model in the ford/vauxhall range that is basic... not that they deserve such a model... just that the insurers will consider the car 'suitable' for a new driver of 17 and therefore the premiums lower... but also make sure its not one on the 'highly nickable list'

Answer 5

I would suggest a small engine and an older car in order to lower the premium. As you are female I would suggest you try a female on ly insurance company such as Diamond, they did a really good deal for me, two years running now! Shop around for your insurance, try adding a named driver (can reduce the cost!) and try all sorts of different cars before you buy one.

Answer 6

In general, an older four door car will be much less than a new 2-door (2 doors are asumed to be more sporty and more prone to wreckless driving) horsepower has an influence which is why the difference between SX and GL.

Answer 7

Reliant Robin

Answer 8

Do online quotes on different cars first to get an idea.

Answer 9

Depends what you consider cheap. Any engine size around 1.0L, Nissan Micra, Fiat Punto etc etc.

Answer 10

a geo metro ... nobody wants to steal one of those ... but having any car for a 17 y/o will not be cheap ... good luck