First Car £5k-ish budget

[anonymous-user]

What would be a reasonable car for an 18 year old who's just passed their driving test? Budget is not too strict but I don't see the point in spending much more money on a car at the moment as everything still feels quick to me at the moment and I am more focused on driving properly than enjoying the car. If there's a good deal for much cheaper I am willing to go for it too.

A manual petrol car with 5 doors is what I am looking for, and I have no idea where to start. Should I go with something old and unique, which has a good reputation with reliability or should I go for something new with a decent spec list where it hasn't had the chance to develop any problems yet? I am just not very drawn to any of the cars on offer at this budget, so I don't have a taste I need to satisfy.

[J6542]

Mazda 2. Daughter bought one when she past her test, I enjoyed any time I drove it since it handled really well. It was also very reasonable on insurance.

[StuTheGrouch]

As you don't have a preference for fast cars the biggest driver at your age, I suspect, will be the insurance costs. Cars to look at could include things like Ford Focus, Audi A3, Vauxhall Astra etc, but you're going to need to do some research on how much each would cost to insure.

For a potentially unusual suggestion, have a look at Suzuki Swifts. We had one a few years back, great little cars- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106143...

They do come in 5 door variety too if that is essential