Cars for kids: choosing the right car - Best buy up to £2000

Peugeot 206 1.1 LX 3dr ('98/S-'00/V)
Price from £1800

The 206 makes a great first car thanks to cheap insurance, low running costs and a four-star Euro NCAP crash rating.

A driver's airbag, power steering and electric front windows also come as standard.

Hunt around and you should be able to find a good one for £1800.

Reliability is average, so expect to lavish a bit more TLC than just a regular service on the 206. Parts are cheap, though.

The 206 is hugely popular with young drivers, thanks to its good looks. It's also fun to drive and spacious in the back.

Anti-lock brakes and a passenger's airbag were fitted to some cars as options.

Or try a...
Fiat Punto 1.2 3dr ('99/V-'01/Y)
Price from £1400

The Punto loses out to the 206 in two main areas: it's more expensive to insure and not as good to drive.

On the positive side, it's very spacious and there are plenty of used ones on sale.

A passenger's airbag was standard from June 2000; side airbags and anti-lock brakes were optional.

Volkswagen Lupo 1.0 E 3dr ('99/S-'01/X)
Price from £1800

A four-star NCAP crash rating, low insurance costs and twin airbags make the Lupo a great car for young drivers who don't need much space. It's also decent to drive.

The Seat Arosa is fundamentally the same car, and a little cheaper, but both this and the Lupo are harder to come by than the 206 or Punto.