What Car? Q&A - What classic car for young driver?

Q: I turn 17 in a few weeks and am looking to buy my first car.

I have always liked classic cars, so do you know of a good first car that has style and is good fun but does not cost an arm and a leg to insure?
Marlon Biber

A: A classic car might not be as fast as a modern car, and you might be able to do a lot of repairs yourself, but the problem still comes down to the risk you present to the insurer.

According to statistics, as a young and inexperienced motorist you're far more likely to be in an accident, whatever car you're driving.

That risk will only increase in a classic car because it won't have any safety aids such as stability control or anti-lock brakes.

If you are unlucky enough to be in an accident, you're also more likely to be injured or killed in a classic because they can have a weaker safety structure than many of today's cars and lack injury-limiting features like pre-tensioning seatbelts or airbags.

Security is another factor that an insurer might worry about. Classic cars might be more desirable to thieves, and are much, much easier to steal. Unless you've got a secure garage to house the car in, this will be another factor they'll look at.

Try our sister title Classic and Sports Car – each month they pick out a starter classic which might get you on the road with reasonable costs.

The back pages of Classic and Sports Car are also packed with insurers dedicated to classics that might be able to help. The staff on the mag also suggested you start your search with RH Specialist Car Insurance on 01277 206911.