look for something that seems solidly built, has ample safety features and you think your going to be comfortable with. im not saying you shouldnt go out and buy a performance car as your first car, just i wouldt think twice before doing it. your most likely to crash when your on your P's than most other times so you dont want a road rocket to increase the chances of it happening. either way at the end of the day its your money to spend on the car you want