Cars for kids: choosing the right car - Best buy up to £7500

Renault Clio 1.2 16v Expression 3dr ('06/06)
Price from £7200

You can get a year-old example of the Clio in our favourite Expression trim for £7200 - and that includes two years left on the warranty.

There are front, side and curtain airbags as standard, along with the latest in anti-lock braking technology, traction control and seatbelt pretensioners, as well as a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Expression trim also wins our vote as it comes with air-conditioning, electric windows and door mirrors, and a CD stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Clio looks the business and is economical to run, thanks to its sprightly 1.2-litre petrol engine and low insurance rating.

Or try a...
Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Dynamic 3dr ('06/55-'07/07)
Price from £5500

The Grande Punto offers a large slice of Italian style from less than £6000.

It's also safe, good to drive and very well specified - you get six airbags, anti-lock brakes, alloys and air-con as standard.

Unfortunately, stability control isn't an option.

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i + 3dr (new)
Target Price £6964

The Aygo is essentially the same car as the Citroën C1 or Peugeot 107.

We've chosen the Aygo because of its superior resale values, but it will you cost a bit more to buy.

The '+' model includes standard side airbags and remote central locking.

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