{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"What is the best car for a p-plater?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re a p-plater or the parent of a p-plater looking for your teenager’s first car, here are some safe and affordable options.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"What is the best car for a p-plater?","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1698228951712/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater-banner.jpeg","alt":"Women holding p letter board in front of red car","width":1695,"height":960},"date":"2019-12-14T18:30:00.000Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"What is the best car for a p-plater?","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"What is the best car for a p-plater?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re a p-plater or the parent of a p-plater looking for your teenager’s first car, here are some safe and affordable options.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/page_header.shellimg.jpeg/1698063583206/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater-banner.jpeg","alt":"Women holding p letter board in front of red car","width":3840,"height":960},"date":"2019-12-14T18:30:00.000Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Dec. 15, 2019"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/author.shellimg.png/1696922925556/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re a p-plater or the parent of a p-plater looking for a first car, here are some safe and affordable options.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEveryone 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.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJames Whitbourn, founder and car broker at \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://carhelper.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ecarhelper.com.au\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E, says there are three factors to consider when looking for a p-plater car: safety, cost of ownership and what is legally allowed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E“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.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhitbourn 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.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E“The website \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://howsafeisyourcar.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow Safe is Your Car\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E is a great place to research real-world safety stats, and by looking at ‘old models’ data on the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ancap.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EANCAP\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E website, buyers can find official safety ratings and included features for most models.”\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo 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 \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/cars/car-running-costs-survey.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERACV\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnd 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, \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-prohibited-vehicles-provisional-p1-and-p2-drivers\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENSW\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ps/prohibited-vehicles-for-p-plate-drivers\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVictoria\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/applying/provisional/restrictions\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EQueensland\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/safe-driving-tips/high-powered-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESouth Australia\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E do restrict what kind of car p-platers can drive. For details, click on the links.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_768496680","model":{"title":"Best small cars for p-platers","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you have $30,000 to spend, you can be in the market for a new small hatchback or SUV.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E“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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIn 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_1969459781","model":{"title":"James Whitbourn’s 3 new small-car suggestions","text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Mazda3\u003C/b\u003E: “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.” \u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Subaru XV:\u003C/b\u003E “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.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Volkswagen T-Cross:\u003C/b\u003E “Volkswagen’s appealing baby SUV is more available than a Golf as well as being good-looking, nice to drive and extremely economical.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_13194","model":{"title":"Best used cars for p-platers","text":"\u003Cp\u003E“The best used cars for p-platers are small hatches and sedans, new enough to still be safe and reliable,” Whitbourn says.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHe 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.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELog 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.”\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re not confident about assessing the car’s condition yourself, consider getting a mobile vehicle inspection from a business such as \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://stateroads.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EState Roads\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E. And splash out on a $2 search with the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ppsr.gov.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EPersonal Property Securities Register\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E to find out whether the car has any finance owing or has even been written off.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_13194_2078898119","model":{"title":"James Whitbourn’s top used-car suggestions","text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Mazda3 & Hyundai i30:\u003C/b\u003E “Hugely popular and a bit more expensive than some alternatives. But will hold their value, and are reliable, cheap and easy to fix.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Suzuki Swift:\u003C/b\u003E “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.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_1319442881","model":{"title":"Best cheap cars for p-platers","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIf 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EHis 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”.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E“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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text","model":{"title":"James Whitbourn’s top 3 cheap used-car suggestions","text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Mazda2:\u003C/b\u003E “Fun to drive, easy to park and dependable.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Honda Jazz:\u003C/b\u003E “Boxy shape and clever folding rear seat make it hugely practical for carrying larger items.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Toyota Yaris:\u003C/b\u003E “Baby car from the brand with an unrivalled reputation for longevity.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1083298350","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva 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.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"colstart":9,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy_cop_2074471448/text","model":{"title":"Recommended 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best cars for P-platers under three categories: new, used and cheap.","date":"2019-12-14T18:30:00.000Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"What is the best car for a p-plater? | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-is-the-best-car-for-a-p-plater"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to 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