Indecisive Girl Looking For A New Car!

[AmyC91]

Hi Everyone,

I've owned a very knackered Vauxhall Corsa since passing my driving test 6 years ago, he's very much on his last legs so i'm looking for a 'new' used car.

The problem i have is i'm incredibly indecisive :/ I like cars, i know a little bit about them but not enough to maintain a specialist car (no matter how much i want a white Honda Civic Type R jap import)

Has anyone got any advise/suggestions for a good looking car; that has a bit of power that a car enthusiast with minimal knowledge (willing/trying to learn!) can maintain?

I have a budget of up to £10,000

Cars i've looked at so far Audi A1 S line (In particular the Competition Line), Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Honda Civic Type R, Mini Cooper S (2007 onwards)....

Any help would be appreciated

Amy

[Blanchimont]

Thought about an Abarth Punto?

[xRIEx]

Fiesta ST?

[TheJimi]

AmyC91 said:

I like cars, i know a little bit about them but not enough to maintain a specialist car (no matter how much i want a white Honda Civic Type R jap import)

If what you really want is a JDM Civic Type R, then -

A) Your budget will easily get you into a cracker with money to spare

and

B) A Civic Type R is not a "specialist" car in terms of maintenance, and especially not in comparison to the other stuff you've listed.

[davamer23]

Bit of a haggle would get one like this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

[Don]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h...

Reliable, quick enough, roof comes off, good looking, great to drive.

OR

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

The same.

[TheJimi]

And yes, S2K is a great shout, particularly if residuals continue to strengthen.

Just don't treat the throttle like a binary switch

[.:ian:.]

AmyC91 said:

Hi Everyone,

I've owned a very knackered Vauxhall Corsa since passing my driving test 6 years ago, he's very much on his last legs so i'm looking for a 'new' used car.

The problem i have is i'm incredibly indecisive :/ I like cars, i know a little bit about them but not enough to maintain a specialist car (no matter how much i want a white Honda Civic Type R jap import)

Has anyone got any advise/suggestions for a good looking car; that has a bit of power that a car enthusiast with minimal knowledge (willing/trying to learn!) can maintain?

I have a budget of up to £10,000

Cars i've looked at so far Audi A1 S line (In particular the Competition Line), Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Honda Civic Type R, Mini Cooper S (2007 onwards)....

Any help would be appreciated

Amy

The only thing specialist about the Type R is setting the valve clearance, which is only £100 at a main dealer every 25K miles, otherwise they are no more or less difficult to maintain than the others in your list.

[kiethton]

My girlfriend was the same 18 months ago, was thining about a ~2008 civic type R but wasn't 100% keen

In the end she got a Scirocco in near identical spec to this (minus NAV but plus factory tints): http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

She loves it, modern enough to drive well, easily tune-able (we think hers has been tweaked a bit already seeing as it near enough keeps pace with my 540i)

Look great with the GT pack (wheels) and black leather with pana roof as per above spec. She paid <£9.5k 18 months ago for her good spec '58' plate from a dealer (69k miles on purchase) and nothing has gone wrong.

Always getting a lot of positive comments from both women (and blokes trying it on...grrr)

[ChemicalChaos]

I seriously would NOT recommend a Cooper S. Failed engine mounts, rust in the door bottoms, deforming suspension turrets and timing chain rattles are just a few of the common issues - and a friend is about ready to torch his one having had them all happen to him!

[J4CKO]

ChemicalChaos said:

I seriously would NOT recommend a Cooper S. Failed engine mounts, rust in the door bottoms, deforming suspension turrets and timing chain rattles are just a few of the common issues - and a friend is about ready to torch his one having had them all happen to him!

Yes, we had one briefly, not really very nice, ride was appalling on runflats, sports suspension and 17 inch wheels, Fiesta we ended up with is preferable.

[battered]

Good suggestions above, or how about a Civic Type S? Most of the benefits of a Type R, but prob easier to live with and cheaper insurance & running costs.

[DavidJG]

Or something a little different

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Higher running costs, but less depreciation. And lots more grinning when you drive it.

[battered]

Boxster very nice but I'm guessing that "AmyC91" was born in 1991, and is therefore going to be 25 this year, having taken her test 6 years ago aged 18 or 19. Under 25 and Boxster insurance? Have deep pockets.

[carinaman]

Spend a bit of money on books, DVDs and some coaching and go for the IAM or RoSPA advanced driving tests. Having done 6 years in a Corsa to get some experience now may be a good time to do it.

It's not that difficult and you'll be better and safer on the roads and get more from driving your next car.

If it's a car to 'learn on' save yourself some money and get one of the last generation of Toyota Celicas?

Possibly good looking to some eyes, Toyota build quality and reliability. Practical enough for tip runs or moving house, not heavy on fuel comes in 140 and 190 bhp flavours. You'll have to check the oil.

You could spend £10K, but you could spend less.

[DavidJG]

battered said:

Boxster very nice but I'm guessing that "AmyC91" was born in 1991, and is therefore going to be 25 this year, having taken her test 6 years ago aged 18 or 19. Under 25 and Boxster insurance? Have deep pockets.

May be surprising - specialist insurers can offer good premiums on Boxsters. I had my first (928GT) at 24, and it wasn't as bad to insure as you'd expect. Full NCD helped here.

[Willy Nilly]

Knackered old 5 Series?

[carinaman]

If you're going to go RWD for this next car, S2000/Boxster I'd recommend going for the IAM or RoSPA advanced test.

I know modern cars have electronic safety nets, but it may better to get some training so you're not reliant on them saving you if you get out of your depth.

If it's about the driving and not the scene or the pose then look at the MR2 Spyder.

Cheap to run, great to drive......

If people are suggesting Boxsters then the MR2 Spyder would seem like a junior Boxster, Elise alike.

I'm not sure I'd be able to gather up an MR2 Spyder if I got out of my depth so again a suggestion to get some more training if going RWD and mid-engined at this time.

Edited by carinaman on Friday 5th February 13:33

[Don]

DavidJG said:

Or something a little different

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Higher running costs, but less depreciation. And lots more grinning when you drive it.

This is a wonderful car (I have one) but it is not cheap to run...and mine is only doing 2-3K miles a year!

[AH33]

I wouldnt recommend the Type R. Just finished a year in one - its very harsh, both in ride and noise. You have to rev it past 6k to make any sort of progress, and when you do, you get 15mpg. It was reliable though, and very fun on the 1% of journeys where I could drive it properly.

Im driving something at the moment that might suit you - needed a city car that was easier to use as a daily and newer, ended up with a DS-3 with the 1.6T 155 THP engine, basically a less powerful cooper S engine. Does 0-60 in 7.3, decent enough for the city and FEELS faster than the civic, must be the extra torque. It also stubbornly refuses to do less than 30mpg when driven without any regard to economy. I live in a city centre, stop start traffic etc, and it gets used very hard. Also comes with every toy imaginable at this price and looks good (imo) in the right colour. Mine was £10k but they start at about £8k I think?

Not mine, but the correct colour. Contrasting roof colours look stupid.