*Buying your first car? Check out our 7 top buys*

The time has come.

You've been mixing cement with your uncle Tommy for that extension up the road, making breakfast rolls down in the deli and auctioning off all your worldly possessions on DoneDeal for long enough...

You finally have the dosh you need to buy your first car. But which one should you choose?

When buying your first car, affordability and safety is king. You also want a little slice of cool; you don't want to be seen in the same wheels as your granny now, do you?

Toyota Aygo (2005-)

Far cooler than it's bigger Yaris brother, the baby of the Toyota family boasts the Japanese company's legendary reliability with grown-up road manners.

 

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Esplorando Copenhagen con la nuova Aygo di @toyota_italia 💓 come potevo non sceglierla nel nuovo colore magenta? 🙈 @toyota.europe #AygoJustGo #Aygo

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Smart Roadster (2003-)

There isn't a car nut in the country who doesn't have a grá for Smart's short-lived coupe/convertible offering. Powered by a minuscule 700cc engine, the Roadster is guaranteed to get about on the smell of fuel. AND, it's a future classic, so you won't lose a penny on it.

 

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Fiat 500 (2007-)

Slip inside the retro 500 and you could easily be scooting along the cobbled streets of Siena. Surprisingly spacious, the Cinquecento also bucked Fiat's reputation for reliability, proving to be a trustworthy friend for longer-mileage drivers.

 

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Volkswagon Up! (2011-)

Our favourite Volkswagen in YEARS, the Up! brought some much-needed fun back into the German brand. On the market since 2011, there should be enough good-value second-hand examples floating about to make this offering worthy of a top spot on your list.

 

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Kia Picanto  (2011-) 

Gone is the day when the word Kia was met with sneers and derision. Loaded with extras that would make cars twice its price blush, the second generation Picanto is the real deal.

 

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Renault Twingo III (2014-)

Okay, this might be at the very top of your budget, but we couldn't resist including the super-cute Twingo in our list. It's rear-engined too, which enables the car to stay planted to the road in every condition.

 

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Mini Second Generation (2006-)

As quintessentially British as Big Ben and bulldogs, the Mini is certainly a heart over head purchase. Yes, it's not the most practical. And, yes, its relatively thirsty compared to other offerings on this list, but then you see one. Love at first sight.

 

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