Am I being stupid?
Discussion
So I'm 20 in September, and I'm looking to change my car fairly soon.
I've seen a nice swift sport (58) near me, and honestly - it seems like the right balance of performance, enjoyment and practicality. I'm definitely not drawn to the swift for the modifying scene, just quite like what the car has to offer.
I've been tempted to get a mk1 TT, but I'm scared of maintenance costs. Not sure if the swift would be much better though. My head is telling me to get something sensible and boring (1.25 fiesta) but my heart is telling me to get something more exciting.
So am I being stupid for wanting something more fun? Or would you argue i'm being stupid for not getting the car i want? Anybody care to offer me some advice and help me make a decision?
Info:
Currently drive a 2003 punto.
Budget for next car is around 5 grand.
I've seen a nice swift sport (58) near me, and honestly - it seems like the right balance of performance, enjoyment and practicality. I'm definitely not drawn to the swift for the modifying scene, just quite like what the car has to offer.
I've been tempted to get a mk1 TT, but I'm scared of maintenance costs. Not sure if the swift would be much better though. My head is telling me to get something sensible and boring (1.25 fiesta) but my heart is telling me to get something more exciting.
So am I being stupid for wanting something more fun? Or would you argue i'm being stupid for not getting the car i want? Anybody care to offer me some advice and help me make a decision?
Info:
Currently drive a 2003 punto.
Budget for next car is around 5 grand.
As someone three years your senior and having had the privilege of enjoying some fine metal in my time, there are a few things you need to set straight for yourself first.
The most important thing at our age (young-20s) - a house. It's fine throwing away a few quid behind fancy cars at a young age - realistically it's the only time you have to enjoy them - once houses, marriage and kids come along, cars take a bit of a back seat. I can almost guarantee that the older PH folks here will prioritise against cars as, honestly, it's just a hobby.
That said - with your excess money, can you realistically afford to piss that up the wall on a fancy car if you need to buy a house in the next two years? Doesn't sound like anything important at 20 but put it this way - by buying a house you can save enough on mortgage vs rent in order to have 20% more money actually available to play with.
I know how hard-headed a 20 year old is (hell, it's only been three years, for a lot of PH folks that's nearly 5% of their lifetime :P) but just use your head. PM me if you want a bit more advice. There's a lot to be gained by biding your time, and nothing to be gained by spunking your money early just because you have it.
There's a popular saying in the professional world; "slowly slowly, catchy monkey". Except in this case the monkey is a Skyline.
The most important thing at our age (young-20s) - a house. It's fine throwing away a few quid behind fancy cars at a young age - realistically it's the only time you have to enjoy them - once houses, marriage and kids come along, cars take a bit of a back seat. I can almost guarantee that the older PH folks here will prioritise against cars as, honestly, it's just a hobby.
That said - with your excess money, can you realistically afford to piss that up the wall on a fancy car if you need to buy a house in the next two years? Doesn't sound like anything important at 20 but put it this way - by buying a house you can save enough on mortgage vs rent in order to have 20% more money actually available to play with.
I know how hard-headed a 20 year old is (hell, it's only been three years, for a lot of PH folks that's nearly 5% of their lifetime :P) but just use your head. PM me if you want a bit more advice. There's a lot to be gained by biding your time, and nothing to be gained by spunking your money early just because you have it.
There's a popular saying in the professional world; "slowly slowly, catchy monkey". Except in this case the monkey is a Skyline.
HenryBee said:
Liked the TT just for the performance.
Open to suggestions of what I can get for £5k, and afford insurance on that's as quick as a TT?
Quick isn't everything Open to suggestions of what I can get for £5k, and afford insurance on that's as quick as a TT?
The TT is a good at covering ground. I drove a 225 for a few days, it was comfortable, quiet and fairly quick. A decent car... But fun? Nah, not really. Too wallowy, and rather a weighty feel. Plenty of better metal to have fun in for £5k.
I like the swift a lot. I cant comment on the feel as I wasn't driving. But from the passenger seat it seemed great, and the driver (Real petrolhead) commented on how great it was, and he's had many a hot hatch.
If speed is your thing though, why not get a 330ci? Insurance is relatively cheap on those, at least no more than a TT. Better performance, and handling.
IMO? Buy the Swift
sebhaque said:
As someone three years your senior and having had the privilege of enjoying some fine metal in my time, there are a few things you need to set straight for yourself first.
The most important thing at our age (young-20s) - a house. It's fine throwing away a few quid behind fancy cars at a young age - realistically it's the only time you have to enjoy them - once houses, marriage and kids come along, cars take a bit of a back seat. I can almost guarantee that the older PH folks here will prioritise against cars as, honestly, it's just a hobby.
That said - with your excess money, can you realistically afford to piss that up the wall on a fancy car if you need to buy a house in the next two years? Doesn't sound like anything important at 20 but put it this way - by buying a house you can save enough on mortgage vs rent in order to have 20% more money actually available to play with.
I know how hard-headed a 20 year old is (hell, it's only been three years, for a lot of PH folks that's nearly 5% of their lifetime :P) but just use your head. PM me if you want a bit more advice. There's a lot to be gained by biding your time, and nothing to be gained by spunking your money early just because you have it.
There's a popular saying in the professional world; "slowly slowly, catchy monkey". Except in this case the monkey is a Skyline.
Not trying to start an argument but that was probably the most patronising thing i've read on PH for a while and theres quote a lot of it on the boards to begin with The most important thing at our age (young-20s) - a house. It's fine throwing away a few quid behind fancy cars at a young age - realistically it's the only time you have to enjoy them - once houses, marriage and kids come along, cars take a bit of a back seat. I can almost guarantee that the older PH folks here will prioritise against cars as, honestly, it's just a hobby.
That said - with your excess money, can you realistically afford to piss that up the wall on a fancy car if you need to buy a house in the next two years? Doesn't sound like anything important at 20 but put it this way - by buying a house you can save enough on mortgage vs rent in order to have 20% more money actually available to play with.
I know how hard-headed a 20 year old is (hell, it's only been three years, for a lot of PH folks that's nearly 5% of their lifetime :P) but just use your head. PM me if you want a bit more advice. There's a lot to be gained by biding your time, and nothing to be gained by spunking your money early just because you have it.
There's a popular saying in the professional world; "slowly slowly, catchy monkey". Except in this case the monkey is a Skyline.
As sensible as it is to start saving for a house its also f
king boring, £5k down on a motor to enjoy young is nothing in the long term and the right sensible purchase should hopefully see a good if not equal return on resale.The popular saying I like is "you can sleep in a car, but you can't race a house".
Anyway my tuppence is stick 5k in as a maximum on PH classifieds, ebay etc and narrow down what you can get for your money.
I agree with the poster on a 330, I rock the saloon and while it isnt the most exciting car is a damn bit quicker than what others at my age drive (22).
Other things could be Mazda 3 MPS which are starting to come in at 5kish, the swifts look like a good purchase but a bit slow for me.
What about Fiesta ST? Mk1s are around the 4.5-5k mark now as well.
Plenty of metal for the cash
Pebbles167 said:
Quick isn't everything
The TT is a good at covering ground. I drove a 225 for a few days, it was comfortable, quiet and fairly quick. A decent car... But fun? Nah, not really. Too wallowy, and rather a weighty feel. Plenty of better metal to have fun in for £5k.
I like the swift a lot. I cant comment on the feel as I wasn't driving. But from the passenger seat it seemed great, and the driver (Real petrolhead) commented on how great it was, and he'
If speed is your thing though, why not get a 330ci? Insurance is relatively cheap on those, at least no more than a TT. Better performance, and handling.
IMO? Buy the Swift
Thanks for sharing sent real world experience (Y)The TT is a good at covering ground. I drove a 225 for a few days, it was comfortable, quiet and fairly quick. A decent car... But fun? Nah, not really. Too wallowy, and rather a weighty feel. Plenty of better metal to have fun in for £5k.
I like the swift a lot. I cant comment on the feel as I wasn't driving. But from the passenger seat it seemed great, and the driver (Real petrolhead) commented on how great it was, and he'
If speed is your thing though, why not get a 330ci? Insurance is relatively cheap on those, at least no more than a TT. Better performance, and handling.
IMO? Buy the Swift
I realise quick isn't everything, that's why I arrived at the swift!
Also considered a 330 of some description, but the insurance is a killer
How about http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
And save the £700 left over for the expensive maintenance?
And save the £700 left over for the expensive maintenance?
Afromonk said:
sebhaque said:
As someone three years your senior and having had the privilege of enjoying some fine metal in my time, there are a few things you need to set straight for yourself first.
The most important thing at our age (young-20s) - a house. It's fine throwing away a few quid behind fancy cars at a young age - realistically it's the only time you have to enjoy them - once houses, marriage and kids come along, cars take a bit of a back seat. I can almost guarantee that the older PH folks here will prioritise against cars as, honestly, it's just a hobby.
That said - with your excess money, can you realistically afford to piss that up the wall on a fancy car if you need to buy a house in the next two years? Doesn't sound like anything important at 20 but put it this way - by buying a house you can save enough on mortgage vs rent in order to have 20% more money actually available to play with.
I know how hard-headed a 20 year old is (hell, it's only been three years, for a lot of PH folks that's nearly 5% of their lifetime :P) but just use your head. PM me if you want a bit more advice. There's a lot to be gained by biding your time, and nothing to be gained by spunking your money early just because you have it.
There's a popular saying in the professional world; "slowly slowly, catchy monkey". Except in this case the monkey is a Skyline.
Not trying to start an argument but that was probably the most patronising thing i've read on PH for a while and theres quote a lot of it on the boards to begin with The most important thing at our age (young-20s) - a house. It's fine throwing away a few quid behind fancy cars at a young age - realistically it's the only time you have to enjoy them - once houses, marriage and kids come along, cars take a bit of a back seat. I can almost guarantee that the older PH folks here will prioritise against cars as, honestly, it's just a hobby.
That said - with your excess money, can you realistically afford to piss that up the wall on a fancy car if you need to buy a house in the next two years? Doesn't sound like anything important at 20 but put it this way - by buying a house you can save enough on mortgage vs rent in order to have 20% more money actually available to play with.
I know how hard-headed a 20 year old is (hell, it's only been three years, for a lot of PH folks that's nearly 5% of their lifetime :P) but just use your head. PM me if you want a bit more advice. There's a lot to be gained by biding your time, and nothing to be gained by spunking your money early just because you have it.
There's a popular saying in the professional world; "slowly slowly, catchy monkey". Except in this case the monkey is a Skyline.
As sensible as it is to start saving for a house its also f
king boring, £5k down on a motor to enjoy young is nothing in the long term and the right sensible purchase should hopefully see a good if not equal return on resale.The popular saying I like is "you can sleep in a car, but you can't race a house".
Anyway my tuppence is stick 5k in as a maximum on PH classifieds, ebay etc and narrow down what you can get for your money.
I agree with the poster on a 330, I rock the saloon and while it isnt the most exciting car is a damn bit quicker than what others at my age drive (22).
Other things could be Mazda 3 MPS which are starting to come in at 5kish, the swifts look like a good purchase but a bit slow for me.
What about Fiesta ST? Mk1s are around the 4.5-5k mark now as well.
Plenty of metal for the cash
Enjoy cars when you are younger, worry about a house later.
Quite the contrary of what seb said!
I got married at 20, My wife gave birth to our daughter when I was 21, I filed for divorce when I was 23, and I'm currently looking at buying a house now I'm 25.
Ive had loads of hot hatches, several quick motorbikes, performance saloons, posher cars etc.
You'll be on bigger bucks when youre older and can get a house then, for the time being use that 5k and get a car
Afromonk said:
How about http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
And save the £700 left over for the expensive maintenance?
It's harsh to tempt me like that. I've just watched layer cake and this looks like the same colour as the rs6 in that! And save the £700 left over for the expensive maintenance?
HenryBee said:
Appreciate all the replies, would offer more lengthy replies if I wasn't on my phone!
I feel like I've got a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other!
Honestly mate, things work out in the end. I feel like I've got a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other!
I had the same feelings as you when I started buying quick cars, but when you get a bit older and get a big career (assuming you haven't already) then you can think about marriage and houses and sruff.
I'd suggest a few test drives if possible. It depends what kind of driver you consider yourself. If you like to give it plenty of welly into corners and stuff often with a grin on your face, Get something light and nimble. Ie: Suzuki Swift Sport. If you like to haul ass down the motorway and big roads while looking cool and being comfortable, get a good looking soft coupe. Ie: Audi TT.
The reason I suggested the 330ci as it manages to do both things fairly well
I'm surprised insurance is such a killer, BMW's are usually not bad. Try the 330cd also, good performance and economy.Pebbles167 said:
Honestly mate, things work out in the end.
I had the same feelings as you when I started buying quick cars, but when you get a bit older and get a big career (assuming you haven't already) then you can think about marriage and houses and sruff.
I'd suggest a few test drives if possible. It depends what kind of driver you consider yourself. If you like to give it plenty of welly into corners and stuff often with a grin on your face, Get something light and nimble. Ie: Suzuki Swift Sport. If you like to haul ass down the motorway and big roads while looking cool and being comfortable, get a good looking soft coupe. Ie: Audi TT.
The reason I suggested the 330ci as it manages to do both things fairly well I'm surprised insurance is such a killer, BMW's are usually not bad. Try the 330cd also, good performance and economy.
Well that's good to hear, cheers!I had the same feelings as you when I started buying quick cars, but when you get a bit older and get a big career (assuming you haven't already) then you can think about marriage and houses and sruff.
I'd suggest a few test drives if possible. It depends what kind of driver you consider yourself. If you like to give it plenty of welly into corners and stuff often with a grin on your face, Get something light and nimble. Ie: Suzuki Swift Sport. If you like to haul ass down the motorway and big roads while looking cool and being comfortable, get a good looking soft coupe. Ie: Audi TT.
The reason I suggested the 330ci as it manages to do both things fairly well
I'm surprised insurance is such a killer, BMW's are usually not bad. Try the 330cd also, good performance and economy.I guess I don't know which bracket I fit into yet! Think driving a punto has definitely made me more of a corner lover than a motorway blaster though
To be honest, the 330 insurance is manageable. And if the car is going to cost less I could justify it. Or even wait till I get my 2 Yeats ncb.
Just got an insurance quote of £5500 on an s4 haha!
Afromonk said:
I'm currently in the other boat, have 4 years NCB going on 5 and now at the point that insurance on things like S4's is in the hundreds not thousands but don't have the cash to throw at buying one, let alone fuelling it and maintaining it properly.
Be careful, I was in a similar boat once, and bought the cheapest example of the long desired car. Proved to be so much trouble, and I didn't have the money to keep it going. Often the case sadly
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff