Which car do you recommend for a first time buyer?

Any model Toyota Corolla.

It shouldn't let you down and parts are cheap! Performance is easy as well!

I have to disagree with fatrab on his advise. Hyundai builds an EXCELLENT car. Not only am I a Hyundai owner, I am also a Hyundai salesman. About 50% of my customers are buying their second, third, or even fourth Hyundai. I get trades in here all the time that have 200k + miles on them. My customers rave about how dependable they are. However, the resale value on them is not all that great, which should put you in a position to get a great quality used car for your price.

Also consider Toyota and Honda.

I'd stick to popular models, fiesta, focus, corsa, astra etc. Avoid Alfa Romeo & Fiat like the plague! Peugeot diesels are ok but avoid petrol models, too many electrical faults. Most of the japanese manufacturers are a safe bet too - mazda, nissan, honda and toyota - but avoid hyundai, kia, daewoo/cheverolet - they may look cheap but future value & build quality is questionable.

Hope this helps

Depends on what type of car you fancy & what you expect from it. For the usual new driver requisites of economy, reliability, small size & cheap insurance, go for Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz. £2k will get you a nice 5-6 year old Yaris or a high mileage early Jazz.

If you want reliability & cheap running costs, use an independent garage for servicing & repairs & avoid Fiat or Ford cars.

Don't forget to take into account the cost of insurance, which I would expect to be quite high, for you.

I bought a Eunos Roadster (MX5 import) last year for under 2 grand (incl insurance, etc). Love it. Can't wait for the summer, when I can take the top down again

I bought a 95 Nissan Altima 5speed for way less than that, and it has been GREAT! Amazing gas mileage, and runs like a champ, quiet and smooth.

Hi, i just bought my first car and did a bit of research on the net and came up with a Ford KA. They are cheap to insure, nippy size, reliable, good mileage and reasonably prised. mine was £4200 but it is only a year old, im sure you can get one for your budget if you look around. id definalty recommend one.

any car you buy have it checked out by a mechanic well worth the money

a Ford Fiesta is always a good car to buy.

livin in london you only want somethin small like a corsa or fiesta 1.0-1.1