Adam Chisnall, 21, is moving on from a Fiat Cinquecento. His budget is £3,000. His car will need to get him to work and back - that's Bognor Regis to Chichester - and cope with the odd camping trip or getaway. For insurance reasons, he needs engine size to be about 1.2 litres.

I'm sure Adam wants a small engine because insurance at his age is expensive. It's worth recapping on schemes that help younger drivers get cover for less.

The Pass Plus advanced driving course is recognised by several insurers for premium calculation purposes; Norwich Union is reported to offer a 50 per cent discount to those with Pass Plus rating (see www. passplus.org.uk). This government-backed driving course costs about £150 for six lessons (including driving on the motorway).

We recently wrote about www.marmaladebenefits. co.uk, which offers a nine-month policy, a new car and a much lower premium, usually below £1,000. That's something Adam will have to follow up, as he could spread his budget over three years and he'll get a modern, safe, midsize hatchback like a Fiat Grande Punto, which is part of the scheme.

Adam tells me he's been looking at cars such as the Seat Ibiza and Renault Clio Grande, but doesn't think they are within budget. He's wary of French cars and doesn't like Fords. That's a shame, because a Fiesta would be a good choice, but let's start looking for small, practical cars in the lowest possible insurance group.

A CAR FOR THE HEAD

Just about any car and most motorbikes would be better than the Cinquecento at commuting and holding luggage. I would point Adam in the direction of the Rover 200. The smallest 1.1-litre model is group 3, and Adam will get a smart, reliable, well-equipped small hatch. I found many for sale; the best was a 1999 three-door example at £2,000 that had a driver's air-bag and a reasonable 50,000 miles.

Rover's 200 was a classy thing, nicely styled, great to drive, well finished. Both the three- and five-door lacked room in the rear, but that needn't bother Adam. Always one of the cheapest Rovers to run, service intervals are a useful 12,000 miles apart; about one service a year. The entry-level model returns 42mpg overall.

One problem for some drivers may be the low position of the steering column, even though it is height adjustable. The neat dashboard has switches in odd places, too. But this little car is very agile; the steering is precise, and it clings to corners. It's refined rather than sporty, although the engine is lively. Adam would be pleasantly surprised by this car.

A CAR FOR THE HEART

I reckon Adam could manage a Seat Ibiza. It won't be the latest version, but I found a 2002 1.2-litre Chilli with just 27,000 miles at £2,995; at a dealer, too, so it would come with a decent warranty. It has air conditioning (hence the name), which Adam will appreciate on his commute and on weekends away. And it's insurance group 3.

There are Seat Ibizas to suit everyone, powered by frugal petrol and diesel engines right up to some impressive high-performance models (although Adam will have to wait until he's 25 for one of those). What buyers get is a very efficient three- and five-door hatchback that has decent room in the front but compromised head and legroom at the rear.

The Ibiza is reasonably good at minimising outside noise, but the firm suspension may cause problems on rough roads. Drivers will be comfortable, and they have a simple, clear dashboard. Build quality is high, running costs are low, and fuel consumption and servicing costs are reasonable. In short, the Ibiza could not be easier to own.

CAR CHOICE

Please write to Car Choice, Features, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or e-mail James Ruppert at carchoice@ independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and phone number, details of the type of vehicle in which you are interested and budget.