The main thing as already mentioned is insurance.
So the key thing is you want something cheap to insure while you build up a no claims bonus. Let the insurance rating be your guide for your first vehicle.
Unless you have to keep up with your mates in which case you need something flashy and fast and sod the expense. you are only young once.
But don't think of a work vehicle just yet, save that for later.
In my day it was the likes of a Ford Capri. The depth of your pocket determined if you got a 2LS or a 1.6L Unless you really wanted cheap and you had a mini (the original mini)
I started with a mint condition Mk1 Escort 1300E them progressed to a Mk3 Capri 3.0S aged 18. Insurance costs were still reasonable around 1987. Fuel costs were not as the Cappa has a hot 3.1 and did 20mpg. Spent most of my wages at the time in local petrol station on 4 star but didn't regret it. Great memories of those cars, you only live once.
Next up was my first own van for work. Bedford Chevanne - the van version of the great handling Chevette which had a General Motors musclecar powerhouse under the bonnet, the legendary 1256.
Would take a lottery win to buy a 1300E or a 3-litre S these days.
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