Help with ideas for learner driver

[gmaz]

My son is learning to drive and wants a car, now that he's back from Uni and has a job. 24yo

Here's my MoSCoW analysis of choices, so I'm looking for any idea of cars I've missed or places to find decent cars

Must Have
- Under £4K, petrol (ulez), manual, Fiesta-sized hatchback, within 30 miles of Bristol

Should Have
- Air Con, long MOT, service history, 5 door, cheap insurance

Could Have
- 3 door

Won't Have
- Any Stellantis/PSA group, MINI, ecoboost fords, premium German makes

So I'm searching for Fiesta, Kia Rio, Hyundai i20, Toyota Yaris/Auris, VW Polo, Seat Ibiza, Mazda 2 and looking on PH, autotrader, cazoo

[Snow and Rocks]

Suzuki Swift maybe too?

[DT1975]

I know you won't have a Mini but F56 onwards are extremely reliable and well put together, petrol 2014 onwards, we've had six, easy DIY and cheap parts. I guess Insurance is higher, both daughters went C1 / 107 to Mini. That said it wasn't much to add my daughters hubby (learner) to her insurance. Different story I know when he passes.

[gmaz]

Snow and Rocks said:

Suzuki Swift maybe too?

Nice idea but one of his instructors had a Swift and he didn't like it much. I've driven an SX4 and it felt really cheaply made.

[Doesitdrive]

Nothing wrong with a well looked after Ecoboost, miles away from a 1.25 in drive, power and economy.

Finding a decent latish small car might be your biggest problem with 4k. I would be looking at private sales.

Fiesta tend to be higher insurance though, I would check that before buying.

Suzuki swift is a good shout.

Renault twingo are fun.

Clip popular too.

[stevemcs]

As above, nothing wrong with the 1.0 eco boost, just make sure the belt has been done, better still do the belt yourself and you will have a cracking little car.

I wouldn’t buy any polo, the only vw group car I’d buy is the up.