The best budget-friendly cars for young drivers

It feels like yesterday your kids were in booster seats, and now it’s time to help them choose their very own set of wheels. So, which car is best for a first-time driver? There’s a lot to consider, with parents typically prioritising safety and affordability. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most important features for inexperienced drivers, and suggest some car brands to kickstart your research.

Whether you’re buying new or secondhand, here are some affordable suggestions that don’t compromise on safety.

What to consider when choosing a car for a young driver

1. Safety features

Safety should always be the number-one priority, so look for features that are going to help prevent a collision and offer the best protection in the event of an accident. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Reversing Cameras; side curtain airbags; and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are a few important ones to look out for. Also remember that certain safety features can help lower the cost of insurance, too.

2. New vs old

New cars are generally safer than older vehicles, but of course they’re much more expensive. While a car that’s just a few years old is often the best compromise, there are still some new vehicles you can buy for under $30,000 (more on that below)

Ongoing costs

Finding a great deal on a car is one thing, but the ongoing maintenance and insurance costs

are going to have the greatest impact on your budget. While there’s always some risk involved in buying a car, opting for something with a manufacturer’s warranty and/or capped-price servicing could save you thousands over the years to come. Also factor in the likely resale value and differences in insurance (as some cars are more expensive to insure than others).

The best car brands for first-time drivers

When it comes to affordability, compact hatchbacks and small cars are the cheapest to buy, and also generally offer the best fuel efficiency. Here are some of the top-recommended car manufacturers that offer new and secondhand cars for under $30,000.

1. Kia

If you’re after the maximum amount of features for the minimum amount of spend, look no further than a Kia. A brand new Kia Piccanto starts at $18,290 – one of Australia’s cheapest small cars – and yet is packed with safety features and the latest tech. Plus you’ll get a seven-year unlimited warranty and capped price servicing. Alternatively, for a similar price you could get a secondhand 2022 Kia Cerato, which offers more power and significantly more space (this could be a dealbreaker for a tall teen).

2. Mazda

If it’s reliability you’re after, it’s hard to go wrong with a Mazda. A 2025 Mazda 2, priced from $22,870, offers premium styling to rival its European competitors and great fuel efficiency. At a similar price, a 2023 Mazda 3 will give you more cargo space and a sportier engine. New Mazdas come with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance.

3. Toyota

Buying a Toyota will require a slightly bigger budget, but if you want something with great resale value, this is your best bet. A 2025 base-level hatchback starts at $25,880 and positions itself as one of the safest hatchbacks in Australia. An extra $3000 will get you the hybrid version of the Ascent Sport – one of the cheapest new hybrid models on the market. For a bigger small car, you can get a 2022 Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid for about $25,000. Toyota offers a five-year warranty and seven years of emergency assistance.

4. Hyundai

Unlike the other brands on this list, Hyundai’s most affordable new car is an SUV – the Venue. Prices for the Venue range start at $22,500 and include a five-year warranty. A similar spend will buy you a 2022 or 2023 Hyundai i30, a model that topped the Australian sales charts for years thanks to its attractive styling and sporty performance.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}