The costs that matter
The price on the windscreen is only the start. Over a few years, tax, insurance, fuel, servicing and tyres can add up to more than you paid for the car, so a slightly dearer car that’s cheaper to run can be the better buy. Here’s what to look at.
Road tax
For cars first registered between March 2001 and March 2017, road tax (vehicle excise duty) is based on the car’s CO2 emissions. That makes many small, efficient cars from those years very cheap to tax. Cars registered from April 2017 pay a flat standard rate after the first year, whatever their emissions. You can check the exact rate for any car on GOV.UK using its registration.
Insurance
Every car sits in an insurance group from 1 (cheapest) to 50. Small hatchbacks with small engines and basic trims are usually in the lowest groups, which is why they’re popular first cars. Your age, postcode, job and record matter as much as the car, so get a quote on the exact registration before you commit.
Fuel and engine size
Small, modern petrol engines, such as 1.0 and 1.2-litre three-cylinders, are light on fuel for town driving and short trips. Diesels can be more economical on long motorway runs, but they suit high mileages better than short hops, and older diesels may not be clean air zone compliant.
Servicing, tyres and parts
Popular small cars are cheap to look after: parts are plentiful, most garages know them well, and their smaller wheels take less expensive tyres. A full service history, a fresh service and a long MOT at purchase also mean fewer surprises in your first year.
Small cars that keep costs down
These are the kinds of cars we specialise in. They’re small, popular and cheap to run, and each one we sell comes with at least 3 months’ warranty, a 75-point check and a minimum of 9 months’ MOT:
A quick checklist
- Check the road tax on GOV.UK.
- Get an insurance quote on the exact registration.
- Check the MOT history, and how long the MOT is when you buy.
- Ask about the service history and the next service due.
- Check the tyres, and how much a set costs for that size.
- If you drive in Birmingham or London, check the car is clean air zone compliant.
Not sure which car suits you? Tell us your budget and how you’ll use it and we’ll find the right one.