good first cars for a 16 year old

Picking a first car for a 16‑year‑old? Aim for small, safe, and cheap to fix—heroics can come later.

Look for a 5‑star ANCAP rating (2018+ where possible) and tech like AEB and lane‑keep assist, then check insurance before you fall in love.

Solid choices: Toyota Yaris/Corolla, Mazda 2/3, Hyundai i30, Kia Rio/Cerato, Suzuki Swift, and Honda Jazz—reliable, frugal, and not allergic to parallel parking.

Autos make city life easy, manuals teach mechanical sympathy; both beat ridesharing with Mum.

Set a sensible budget for servicing, tyres and rego, then let them earn their stripes—slowly.