as a first car i’ve been told to get an old banger (something around 10years old no rust) low CC’s (engine size) in group 1 insurance but i don’t know what cars would be in group 1 (the lowest insurance cost) i’ve looked online for a list but not found anything substantial

what would you suggest

It should be 4-door, 4-cyls, not sporty. I would prefer Honda or Toyota… First time drivers usually have much more expensive car insurance, and it depends from car. You should compare insurance rates while choosing the car – for example here – autoinsurance.maclenet.com