Honda Fit and 5 other small, budget-friendly rides to buy as your first car

If you just got your driver’s license, a well-paying job, or promotion and you plan to buy a car for the first time, picking the best car to start with can be a daunting task.


As a rule of thumb though, it’s important to find something easy to drive, cheap to run, but not boring.

Whether you’re a first learner or you’re looking for the first vehicle you can call your own, our list of best first cars will help you find the ideal first car.

Volkswagen Polo or Golf

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The VW Polo is an exciting and ideal first car packed with plenty of easy-to-use features and tech. The car is also cheap to insure, is good on running costs, comfortable, and can transport quite a lot of your stuff in its cabin space. Plus, the premium image, interior quality, and breadth of engine range make this mid-level car worth considering.

On the other hand, the Golf has more space, a broader appeal, and a wider choice of engines. Its interior is slightly more comfortable and comes with options of 3 or 5 door alternatives.

If you want to buy the VW Golf or Polo as your first car but you just don’t have the cash to do so, you can take advantage of the Shika Dinga a Co-op offer by the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, which offers up to 80% financing on any car you want including VWs.

Subaru Impreza

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Subaru is a favourite with the guys but these days, it’s more like a unisex kind of vehicle. The Impreza may have changed in design over time, but the introduction of a lightweight body, new engines, and better aerodynamics makes it a solid choice for first-time or experienced drivers and/or buyers.


The hatchback feels like a sports car and comes with a modern yet spacious interior, improved performance, good fuel economy, and a sporty look that you can modify to your liking.

With the Shika Dinga a Co-op offer by the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, you can get your hands on this super Subaru Impreza and enjoy 80% financing on the car among other juicy extras

Peugeot 208
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Peugeot makes very dependable cars including this 208 model, which not only looks brilliant but is keenly priced and has a superb interior among cars its size. The car won’t break the bank as it comes with a cheap to run and economical engine plus generous levels of equipment. You can also opt for the electric version if you want. The 208 is comfortable, great looking, and a cost-effective way to get around town.

Mini Cooper

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Minis have also come a long way since the classic Cooper model. If you want a more modern one, the 2020 Mini Cooper doesn’t disappoint. It’s petite but makes a huge statement in terms of style and performance. You can get this beauty in a 2 or 4-door hatchback style or two-door convertible body with retro design touches and great handling.

While the newer Cooper is still small, it’s not as tiny as the original model.

Plus, you get automatic emergency braking and a decent number of standard features, and you can personalize it to your liking.

Also included is an infotainment system and ample space to fit three adults in the back seat without struggle.

Honda Fit

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Honda Fit is a sturdy, roomy, affordable, and versatile car that makes for a good first car. The top-rated vehicle has a roomy and upscale cabin whose rear seats can be folded and flipped in different ways to carry different shapes of cargo.

Standard features include a simple infotainment system, but upper trims come with added features. The 5-seater hatchback scores highly in safety, reliability, comfort, and fuel consumption making it suitable for urban and even long-distance driving on occasions.

You can get it in two engine options linked to a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

The Fit has a spacious interior, handles corners really well, good stability and ride quality. The boot space is ample enough with extra storage shelves underneath the floor of the boot.

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If you want a 4X4 as your first car, the Toyota RAV4 is a solid choice. The car sports a beautiful interior or either fabric or leather, with generous legroom, comfort, and easy entry or exit.

The car has a spacious interior with good fuel economy, and it’s affordable to maintain with spares being easily available locally. You also get plenty of storage space for your hand luggage, water bottle, smartphones, and other small items you can put in the center or glove box, cup holders, and side pockets.

The trunk is also large enough to carry luggage, but you can always fold the second-row seats for extra space to carry bulky luggage. Additional features include Bluetooth, USB charging ports, a touchscreen, and a moonroof.

If you’re ready to import your first car but you’re cash-strapped, the Co-operative Bank of Kenya has your back. Through its partnership with World Navi dubbed Shika Dinga na Co-op, the bank enables you to import vehicles safely with up to 80% asset financing.

You get access to high-end vehicles, and 100% reliable importation, which takes up to 60 days after which you’ll get your car delivered right to your doorstep without risks of stolen parts or other issues.
 
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