We round up five of the best used cars to insure for less.

Drivers aged 17 to 21 could pay up to £6,485 more to insure a Peugeot 206 GTI than similar-aged drivers who own a standard 206.

A young driver’s insurance premium could cost twice the car's value if they drive a sporty model.

And car modifications which improve top speed and acceleration can add an average £2,682 to premiums, according to uSwitch.com.

So which cars are the most affordable for young drivers to insure?

View great first cars under £1,000:

Fiat Punto

Used Puntos come in a variety of trim levels but you’ll get a lower quote with the 1996 1.1-litre 55 S model. Stick to the petrol versions and look for Puntos with power-steering, airbags and anti-theft systems.

There are more than 3,000 used Puntos for sale on Auto Trader.

Search for a used Fiat Punto

Ford Fiesta

Britain’s most popular supermini is cheap to insure thanks to its reliability and wide availability of parts.

For a used bargain stick to the Mk.4 1995-2002 model. There are more than 10,000 used Fiestas for sale on Auto Trader.

Search for a used Ford Fiesta

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Volkswagen Polo

The 1995 – 2000 Volkswagen Polo is a safe and practical small hatchback, with the entry-level 1-litre Polo offering the cheapest insurance costs.

There are more than 5,000 used Polos for sale on Auto Trader.

Search for a used Volkswagen Polo

Peugeot 106

As well as offering low insurance costs, the Peugeot 106 is a bargain to buy and parts are low-priced.

Production ran from 1991 to 2003, with immobilisers fitted as standard from 1996 – look out for these as they should lower the insurance quote. There are more than 1,000 Peugeot 106s for sale on Auto Trader.

Search for a used Peugeot 106

Renault Clio

Renault’s classic Clio supermini is an affordable choice for young drivers, especially the 1990-1997 Mk.1 model.

Be prepared to pay a higher insurance bill for Clios with alloy wheels and electric sunroofs. There are 351 Clios over ten years old for sale on Auto Trader.

Search for a used Renault Clio

View a video review of the latest Renault Clio:

What else should I consider before buying?

• Choose a car which is cheap to buy
• Cars which are easy to repair with plenty of cheap parts available should cost less to insure
• Fitting an alarm or immobiliser could push down premiums
• Cars with fast acceleration and top speeds may be expensive to insure as they’re statistically involved in more crashes
• Take a Pass Plus course after passing your test. This saves drivers an average £357 on car insurance.

Disclaimer: prices correct at time of publishing.