Anyone who is just starting to drive a car does not necessarily need a high-horsepower luxury car to start with. A small car does it too - if it meets certain criteria.
Inexpensive, safe and not too fast: The best way for novice drivers to start their car career is with a small used car. Five examples of particularly reliable models in the price range from 5,000 to 15,000 euros.
The fuel saver - Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2012 to 2020)
The combination is just right: the city car, which is not even four meters long, and the Toyota hybrid drive that is as complex as it is economical. If you drive carefully, you will get a 3 before the decimal point in the fuel consumption display, even in city traffic. The standard automatic ensures a smooth driving experience without annoying gear changes, even in stop-and-go traffic. Due to the concept, progress is a bit slower and less efficient on country roads and motorways, but you don't become a traffic obstacle. On the minus side are the somewhat uncomfortable chassis, the drivetrain sound that takes some getting used to and the generally not ample space. And the relatively high used car price: below the 10,000 euro limit, the offer is currently still manageable.
The Reliable - Mazda2 (2007 to 2014)
Models from the small Japanese manufacturer always do well in the reliability statistics from ADAC and TÜV. This also applies to the second generation of the brand's entry-level car. The small car, which is offered with three or five doors, also scores points with extensive basic equipment (among other things, ESP is not always on board with the competition at the time), good workmanship and agile handling. In return, comfort on bad roads is rather moderate, the clarity of the body suffers from the dynamic shape.
The space saver - Honda Jazz (2008 to 2015)
"Magic Seats" is what the Japanese call their special seating concept, in which the back seat can be folded up like in a cinema to free up storage space for bulky items. Combined with the slightly van-like body, the Jazz offers a lot of space and storage space despite being just under four meters long. In addition, there is a comfortable entry, the proper processing and a good standard safety equipment. Despite its small dimensions, the Honda is not a fuel-saving miracle, at most the rather expensive hybrid version is a little more economical. And the performance is manageable.
The Handy - Kia Picanto (2011 to 2017)
Unlike the other candidates presented, the Picanto is formally not a small car, but a micro car. With a length of almost 3.60 meters, it is correspondingly fast and agile in city traffic. The space on the two front seats is okay, but it offers noticeably less free space in the back and in the trunk than the roughly 40 centimeters longer small car competition. Even more than a decade after its debut, the design of the three- or five-door Korean is still impressive. However, the lack of a standard ESP at the market launch was no longer up-to-date. The anti-skid system, which is important for novice drivers, was only available in the middle equipment lines.
The price tip - Mitsubishi Space Star (since 2012)
With a starting price of around 10,000 euros, the five-door car, which is a good four meters long, is one of the cheapest models on the German market even as a new car. On the used market you can get it either cheaper or with extra equipment. If you choose a newer model, you can also benefit from the five-year guarantee (from first registration).
The frugal Japanese can score points above all in city traffic, but the 71 hp engine lacks power and the chassis lacks comfort for long cross-country journeys. In terms of ambience and technical equipment, the five-seater cannot hide the fact that it is now a decade old.
