What is the best car for a p-plater?

If you’re a p-plater or the parent of a p-plater looking for a first car, here are some safe and affordable options.

Everyone remembers their first car. To ensure you’re creating safe and happy memories, it might be worth doing a bit of research before you buy, rather than just opting for the first car you see online.

James Whitbourn, founder and car broker at carhelper.com.au

, says there are three factors to consider when looking for a p-plater car: safety, cost of ownership and what is legally allowed.

“When it comes to safety, the newer the car, the better. If buying straight from the showroom is beyond your budget, at least look for something that’s come off the production line in the past decade,” Whitbourn says.

Whitbourn explains that by considering cars 10 years old or newer – or, even better, five years old – buyers can ensure a body structure with good collision performance and a decent level of included safety technology.

“The website How Safe is Your Car

 is a great place to research real-world safety stats, and by looking at ‘old models’ data on the ANCAP

 website, buyers can find official safety ratings and included features for most models.”

To keep running costs down, Whitbourn recommends going for a Japanese or Korean model rather than a European car, which he says tend to develop more problems as they age. You can also compare car-running costs at state automobile organisations such as the RACV

.

And when it comes to what kind of car p-platers can buy, there are no restrictions in the ACT, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania. However, NSW

, Victoria

, Queensland

 and South Australia

 do restrict what kind of car p-platers can drive. For details, click on the links.

If you have $30,000 to spend, you can be in the market for a new small hatchback or SUV.

“Buying new avoids almost all the potential pitfalls that come with buying a used car. You also reap the benefits of a car that boasts the latest technologies – including advanced active safety features – and great benefits such as a manufacturer’s warranty, which will typically run for five years,” Whitbourn says.

In choosing his recommendations for small cars, Whitbourn has ruled out some excellent models, such as the Kia Cerato and Volkswagen Golf, because of limited stock and long waiting times. The following are just as good and should be easy enough to get hold of.

1. Mazda3: “Mazda3 is my number one car for p-plate drivers, whether new or used. It brings an enviable blend of driver appeal, economy, low running costs and retained value.” 

2. Subaru XV: “A fine middle ground between a hatchback and an SUV. The model’s standard all-wheel drive is a plus when the going gets slippery.”

3. Volkswagen T-Cross: “Volkswagen’s appealing baby SUV is more available than a Golf as well as being good-looking, nice to drive and extremely economical.”

“The best used cars for p-platers are small hatches and sedans, new enough to still be safe and reliable,” Whitbourn says.

He recommends setting an upper limit of 150,000km on the clock. A budget of $10,000 for a post-2012 car, or $20,000 for a post-2017 car, is reasonable.

Log books can tell you a lot about a car’s history and how well it has been maintained, Whitbourn says. “Avoid cars without service records.”

If you’re not confident about assessing the car’s condition yourself, consider getting a mobile vehicle inspection from a business such as State Roads

. And splash out on a $2 search with the Personal Property Securities Register

 to find out whether the car has any finance owing or has even been written off.

1. Mazda3 & Hyundai i30: “Hugely popular and a bit more expensive than some alternatives. But will hold their value, and are reliable, cheap and easy to fix.”

2. Suzuki Swift: “A size class smaller than the Mazda and Hyundai, the Suzuki is a bit less costly to buy, extremely economical to run, and enduringly reliable.”

If you’re looking for a used car for less than $10,000, Whitbourn recommends buying a ‘light’ sedan or hatchback, which is a class smaller than ‘small’ cars.

His top three suggestions aren’t the cheapest cars on the market, but they “represent the best balance of excellent reliability, low running costs, good safety, and strong resale values”.

“A good used Japanese light hatchback will provide a safe, reliable and low-cost first car that will still be worth a good amount when it’s time to flick the p-plates and upgrade,” Whitbourn explains.

1. Mazda2: “Fun to drive, easy to park and dependable.”

2. Honda Jazz: “Boxy shape and clever folding rear seat make it hugely practical for carrying larger items.”

3. Toyota Yaris: “Baby car from the brand with an unrivalled reputation for longevity.”

^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.}