What Car? Q&A - What's cool but cheap?

Q: We're looking for a suitable first car for our 17-year-old son but the astronomical cost of insurance for young drivers is making this task difficult. The criteria are a cool car attracting a low insurance premium for around £1000. Do you have any suggestions?
Angela Runagall

A: Unfortunately, cool cars normally attract a heavy insurance premium, especially for a 17-year-old male driver. With a limited budget, you have some serious searching to do. It may be wise to forget looking for a cool car, and instead focus on a reliable, practical and safe one.

If you can put badge snobbery aside, the Nissan Micra is our favourite first set of wheels for that kind of money. The 1.0 LX 3dr on a '95/N-plate can be haggled over for around £1000 if buying privately. For inexperienced motorists, it's easy to drive, and is in insurance group 3. Also, it's very reliable.

Alternatives could include the smart-looking Peugeot 106 and Citroen Saxo. These are popular with new drivers as they are small and cheap to run and insure. However, they do lack some of the more desirable safety equipment, such as anti-lock brakes; and they have not done particularly well in Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Vauxhall Corsa is a good all-round performer, parts and servicing are relatively inexpensive and the 1.2-litre engine is economical. A driver's airbag was only optional on most of the range, however.

The fourth-generation Ford Fiesta also falls into your price range. It's an accomplished supermini with predictable, safe handling and a record for decent reliability.

Insurance can be a problem whatever the car, and shopping around may save some money. However, with a car worth no more than £1000, you might consider whether it is worth taking out fully comprehensive policy as the premium is likely to start at around £350.

The price difference between a third-party, fire and theft and a fully comprehensive policy can be significant. However, opting for third-party, fire and theft means that the money you save on the insurance over the year could be lost if anything does go wrong.

See our previous Q&A from September 15 about saving money on insurance.