Buying your first car is a momentous occasion. It's a big decision as buying a car is often your first big purchase, and even if you decide to buy a house, it will most likely be the second largest purchase you make. Choosing the right car isn't always easy, but we've created a list of ten of the best buys you can make, keeping a few important considerations in mind.
Related: How do I buy my first car?
While you may be interested in a stylish BMW or a classy Mercedes-Benz, smart money will steer clear of premium products, especially for your first car. Premium brands carry premium prices, and that goes for the maintenance and upkeep as well, especially if you're buying an older, used example. This can completely ruin your ownership experience.
Choosing an affordable alternative with agreeable running costs means you will spend more time on the road and less time scraping loose change together to pay for a service or tyres. Our list of the Top 10 best buys covers a range of body styles and budgets and has new and used options for you to consider. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a great place to start.
3 most important factors when buying a first car
1. Suzuki Swift
The compact and friendly hatchback is known to be affordable to buy and run. Reliability is excellent, and the Swift has everything you need to enjoy your daily commute. The extensive dealership network also means you should be able to find a dealer near you.
2. Kia Picanto
An alternative to the Swift, the Kia Picanto is a well-rounded package for those looking to get into their first set of wheels. They make great new and used buys, but the newer ones impressed us with their grown-up disposition and road manners.
3. Toyota Urban Cruiser
Whether looking at the first generation on a used car lot or considering a new, second-generation example, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is a solid choice. It's a model shared with Suzuki in their Vitara Brezza (1st Gen) and the Grand Vitara (2nd Gen), and either make is as good. This offers a little more space and improved road visibility, helping you avoid hazards and drive safer.
4. Suzuki Fronx
Again, a model shared with Toyota, the Fronx is an absolute winner! This crossover is known as the Starlet Cross when fitted with a Toyota badge, and both offer astounding value for money and excellent running costs. They're proving to be as reliable as they are stylish!
5. Toyota Starlet
Reliability and affordability are the name of the game, and there's no denying that Toyota and Suzuki excel in both departments. That's why the shared platform Starlet and Baleno get the nod here. Somewhat larger than the Swift but not as sporty as the Fronx, the Starlet/Baleno combo is easy to drive, light on fuel, and practical.
6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
It's hard to ignore the Tiggo 4 Pro. Packed with features and priced very agreeably, it has shown that it offers what South African drivers want. It's a little heavier on fuel than some of the others, but the 10-year/1 000 000 km warranty on the engine (for the first owner only) makes this a rather attractive new car purchase.
7. Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 is another compact hatchback that is easy to drive, light on fuel, and reliable. It makes a great used car buy; even the older version, the Getz, is a great companion. Newer models certainly have more features, but if you're budget-conscious, you won't be sorry with an older, used example.
8. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio may be discontinued from the new car lineup, but it was a valuable member of their portfolio for many years. The shift to crossovers saw it fall out of favour, but we still think it's a great value proposition in the used car market. Reliable and efficient, the Rio may be a little more expensive to maintain than others, but nothing that should scare you away from this great all-rounder.
9. Honda Jazz
Sticking with the used car theme, a used Honda Jazz (now called the Fit) is an excellent choice. As reliable as a Swiss bus driver's watch, the Jazz will keep on ticking over for many years without trouble. The engines are frugal, and the gearboxes (even the autos) are a joy. Throw in the Magic Seat capabilities, and you will have a surprisingly practical hatchback.
10. Mazda CX-3
The last one on the list is a little more premium and costs a little more to maintain, but that's not to say it's unreliable or expensive to run. Modern Mazdas are not particularly problematic and offer impressive trim and build quality. The compact and affordable CX-3 is a good call if you're looking for that premium feel.
