Best First Cars for Young Drivers in Ireland
Sponsored by KennCo Insurance
Buying your first car is a major milestone – it means finally having the freedom to get to college, work or see friends without relying on lifts.
But what sort of car should you be looking to buy and what will be the cheapest one to insure? These are the most common questions from young drivers embarking on this next step.
In this article we’ve picked out some of the best first cars for young drivers in Ireland, as well as a few tips for getting a car insurance quote.
The Ford Fiesta is a great option as a first car with plenty available on the used car market in IrelandTop 3 Priorities When Choosing Your First Car
For most young drivers, your first car won’t be your dream car. But it’s your first taste of having your own car, building your driving experience and no-claims bonus, which gradually lowers your car insurance premium over time. Therefore it pays in the long run to be sensible with your purchase, while always striving to drive safely, responsibly and within the law.
1. Easy to drive
Let’s be honest there’s enough to think about as a young driver, between checking your mirrors, hill starts, indicators and gear changes. For that reason, your best bet is a small car that’s easy to get around in, whether that’s city streets or rural roads. Not to mention, simple to park.
Should I go for a Manual or Automatic as my first car?
Whether you go for a manual or automatic car depends on your preference. Automatics are becoming more common, with the rise in hybrid and electric cars. But manual cars still dominate the market for small, affordable used cars. Automatics can be easier to drive in traffic but sometimes carry slightly higher insurance costs because they are often more expensive to repair and replace.
Also, be aware that if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, you won’t legally be able to drive a manual car. Whereas you are covered for both if you pass your test in a manual car.
2. Cheap to run
You may be a student, in your first job or internship, paying rent or saving for a home, so keeping costs down is a must. Don’t just think about the initial purchase price or loan repayments. There’s also the fuel required to run the car, maintenance, tyres and the NCT.
3. Cheap to insure
Young drivers pay more for insurance as cover is provided based on risk of the driver. Statistically young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident and make a high value claim compared to drivers over the age of 25 years old.
If you want to understand more about why young drivers pay more and how to reduce your premium, even as a young driver, look at our article Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Ireland: Practical 2026 Guide.
Insurance companies assess risk based on a wide range of factors, but the car itself plays a huge role.
Small petrol hatchbacks like the Nissan Micra are cheaper for young drivers to insureHow Insurance Groups Work
Vehicles are often categorised into insurance groups, which help insurers estimate how likely a car is to be involved in a claim and how expensive it would be to repair or replace.
Generally, insurers look at:
- Engine size and power output
- Vehicle value
- Repair costs and parts availability
- Safety ratings
- Theft statistics
- Previous claims data for that model
For a cheaper insurance quote, look for cars with smaller engines like a 1.0- or 1.2-litre, as they come with lower risk for young drivers and tend to be more fuel-efficient anyway. Avoid cars with modifications as that will hike up your premium too.
Young drivers are typically looking for a first car on a budget. But bear in mind that cars of ten years or older can be more difficult to insure.
Best First Cars for Young Drivers
Car insurance quotes may vary between insurers so it’s good to shop around, but here we’ve listed first cars that are commonly regarded as some of the more insurance-friendly options for young drivers in Ireland:
Toyota Yaris
The Yaris has been a staple of Irish roads for over 25 years so you will find lots of used versions online. It’s known for its reliability as well as being fuel-efficient and easy to drive.
Volkswagen Polo
Another one of Ireland’s favourite small cars known for its practicality and solid build quality. The lower-powered versions like the 1.0-litre petrol are not fast but most attractive to insurers.
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is still one of the most desirable first cars out there with plenty of used ones available. It’s stylish and genuinely fun to drive. Opt for a small engined one and avoid the sportier variants like the ST and Zetec S.
The Toyota Yaris has been around for years and is known for its reliabilityKia Picanto
Another popular starter car, the Kia Picanto is not fast but it’s small, easy to drive and cheap to run.
Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 has been one of the best city cars you can buy for a long time. It’s practical for a small car, and ideal for city streets and parking in tight spaces.
Opel Corsa
The Opel Corsa is a solid choice of first car with plenty of them available. It’s practical and easy to get around in, while small-engined versions will be cheaper to insure.
Suzuki Swift
Known for its reliability, the Swift is a great option for your first car. It’s basic inside but it’s got a great image and is fun to drive and very efficient.
The Suzuki Swift is reliable and efficient making it a great first carNissan Micra
The Micra has become a lot more stylish over the years but it’s always been known for its dependability, with plenty of older versions still on Irish roads. That’s always a good sign for its longevity and popularity among young drivers.
Skoda Fabia
The Fabia offers good value to first-time car buyers seeking a practical, efficient small car. Well-proven engines from the Volkswagen Group and sturdy build quality make it a reliable choice.
Premium Pick: Audi A1
The Audi A1 has become a popular choice among young Irish drivers who want something more stylish and premium on a budget. Smaller-engine versions like the 1.0 TFSI can still be relatively manageable to insure compared to larger Audi models. However, insurers may charge more than they would for a Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i10 because repair costs and parts tend to be more expensive.
What about Japanese Imports?
Imported models from Japan like the Honda Fit, Nissan Note, Audi A1 and Volkswagen Golf have become more popular in Ireland thanks to their reliability, automatic gearboxes and high specification. However, it’s worth noting insurers can charge more for imported vehicles because repair costs, parts availability and claims data can differ from Irish-market cars.
Top tip: Always shop around and compare car insurance quotes on the specific model you have in mind before buying to avoid any nasty surprises.
The Audi A1 might cost a little more to insure but it’s very desirable as a first carFinal word on buying your first car
Remember, your car choice does influence how much you pay for car insurance along with other factors.
For first-time drivers, choosing a sensible car can make a major difference not just for insurance costs, but also for fuel economy, maintenance and passing the NCT.
Your dream car is something you can work towards. For now, building your driving experience, no-claims bonus and keeping running costs down is the smartest approach for young drivers.
Young Drivers Car Insurance
For more information or to get a quote, visit KennCo Insurance or call 01 409 2600.
KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.