What's a good first car??
Discussion
Hi, my names Ellie.
Basically looking at potential first cars but I'm a rooky and have no idea what I should/should not be looking for. I have £4k to spend, I'm a student so I need something that is reliable, relatively cheap to run and preferably has low insurance.
Some cars that I like include: Ford Streeka, VW Beetle (newer model), Fiesta mk6, Focus mk1, Tigra mk2 and Fiat Grande Punto. I've been advised not to go with French cars and that Ford's are the most reliable but I really have no idea whether or not that's true (are French cars really that bad?). Also, I would LOVE a convertible but apparently insurance is higher?
Anyway, need to buy a car by the end of summer (September time) and I would really appreciate advice or car's I should look at or avoid etc. Thanks
Basically looking at potential first cars but I'm a rooky and have no idea what I should/should not be looking for. I have £4k to spend, I'm a student so I need something that is reliable, relatively cheap to run and preferably has low insurance.
Some cars that I like include: Ford Streeka, VW Beetle (newer model), Fiesta mk6, Focus mk1, Tigra mk2 and Fiat Grande Punto. I've been advised not to go with French cars and that Ford's are the most reliable but I really have no idea whether or not that's true (are French cars really that bad?). Also, I would LOVE a convertible but apparently insurance is higher?
Anyway, need to buy a car by the end of summer (September time) and I would really appreciate advice or car's I should look at or avoid etc. Thanks
Thanks, loads of tips. I was on my mum's insurance for two years but only with a provisional licence and i think its only Tesco that accept that as 2 years no claims. unfortunately my mum wont put me on her insurance in fear I might ruin all her Sunday driving hard work to get a stupidly low insurance 
I said to someone I like the little Mircra's but I keep getting stick for liking "granny cars", I didn't even think they looked that bad! Also 2 seater's are quite attractive because at uni I live with climbers who have already said they'll be nagging me for lifts so a 2 seater's a great excuse to not be able to taxi them everywhere :P
Luggage space isn't a huge issue, the Streetka actually has a boot which is handy. I will be doing occasional long trips as I live near Cambs but go to uni in Bangor N.W Wales (please refrain from sheep jokes!). On the off chance on a log trip I am in a crash I really don't want a car that's going to be crushed like its made of foil... I need some safety.
The £4k I have is all for a car, by the end of summer I should have another £1k for insurance but I don't know whether I should blow it all on insurance in one go and not have any money spare in case it breaks down/needs repairs etc. I don't know whether I should keep the cash in case anything goes wrong or pay the insurance in 1 go? I definitely have at least £3 to spend entirely on a car.
I had looked at that MX5 but I think someone told me that I might find it hard to drive because of where the engine is? I may be confused with something else but I do remember looking at that car and I did like it
Great feedback everyone, thank you!
I said to someone I like the little Mircra's but I keep getting stick for liking "granny cars", I didn't even think they looked that bad! Also 2 seater's are quite attractive because at uni I live with climbers who have already said they'll be nagging me for lifts so a 2 seater's a great excuse to not be able to taxi them everywhere :P
Luggage space isn't a huge issue, the Streetka actually has a boot which is handy. I will be doing occasional long trips as I live near Cambs but go to uni in Bangor N.W Wales (please refrain from sheep jokes!). On the off chance on a log trip I am in a crash I really don't want a car that's going to be crushed like its made of foil... I need some safety.
The £4k I have is all for a car, by the end of summer I should have another £1k for insurance but I don't know whether I should blow it all on insurance in one go and not have any money spare in case it breaks down/needs repairs etc. I don't know whether I should keep the cash in case anything goes wrong or pay the insurance in 1 go? I definitely have at least £3 to spend entirely on a car.
I had looked at that MX5 but I think someone told me that I might find it hard to drive because of where the engine is? I may be confused with something else but I do remember looking at that car and I did like it
Great feedback everyone, thank you!
ambuletz said:
^ Perhaps you're confusing that with an MR2? If anything, an MX-5 will be an absolute joy to drive.
Probably was then, I would just love a little convertible for those days I can just put the roof down and drive anywhere for no reason. Have to say Wales offers some amazing roads and scenery! I'm already getting excited 
But then my head says no get a Punto/Polo/Fiesta something more 'sensible' and I'm genuinely just stuck again.
GKP said:
My daugter, who, judging by what you've written, is slightly younger than you, whizzes around in her Toyota Yaris. She loves it. Possibly because it's her first car and all that goes with having a first car is a good thing, however, I must admit to not disliking it when I have reason to grab the keys.
But it's a reliable and safe little vehicle, has room for her mates in the back (although performance from the 67bhp engine is blunted by the weight of extra passengers!) it's cheap to run, but like all cars driven by teenagers is expensive to insure. Budget £2k pa for a new driver, although as you're a touch older I'd expect the cost to be slightly less.
Sorry to sound all sensible and dull, but I'd suggest keeping clear of anything with 'sporty' connotations for a while until you've had a year or two of independent driving experience, simply for he sake of your wallet and the local hedgerow.
Ha yes well there's a good point. My friend has a Toyota Yaris and I really like it but was put off when she took 4 of us out and she had her foot the whole way down and it felt like we were doing 30mph it was so frustrating. Maybe I should see what its like with just me. But it's a reliable and safe little vehicle, has room for her mates in the back (although performance from the 67bhp engine is blunted by the weight of extra passengers!) it's cheap to run, but like all cars driven by teenagers is expensive to insure. Budget £2k pa for a new driver, although as you're a touch older I'd expect the cost to be slightly less.
Sorry to sound all sensible and dull, but I'd suggest keeping clear of anything with 'sporty' connotations for a while until you've had a year or two of independent driving experience, simply for he sake of your wallet and the local hedgerow.
I like Polo's but they always remind me of little wind-up toy cars :/ But if they are as reliable as people say and hold their value then its definitely in my top 3.
If I'm not going to get a convertible then I have to go with a sensible and/or economical car tbh. Does anyone know much about VW Beetles? I saw a blue one, 52 reg, cream leather interior which I LOVED but it's a 2L. I would love one if their reputation is good, they seem to hold their value really well. Otherwise a Ford Focus, Fiesta, Punto or Polo will have to be on the hatchback cards.
giggity said:
Reliable: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2918954.htm
Spend a little more and you can get an early new shape. However no idea about insurance on them...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2906133.htm
I like those! Is mileage a big issue? I've been searching cars with less than 60,000 miles but how high is too high? Steer clear of over 100,000 miles? Spend a little more and you can get an early new shape. However no idea about insurance on them...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2906133.htm
Maybe I should start a new topic of which car out of a Focus/Fiesta/Golf/Polo/ any other reliable car.
So frustrating... Too much choice!
MG CHRIS said:
What about kia picanto or similar you get 7 years warranty so get a 55-06 and you will have 2-3 years of warranty left. If not suzuki swift nice cars not many problems on them. I wouldn;t suggest a 2 litre bettle will be thristy on petrol compared to polo, swift that sort of car.
Even on used ones? Classic Grad 98 said:
To be frank (sorry Ellie) you can forget pretty much everything you suggested, on the basis of cost of insurance or the cost of initial purchase. Most of the models you mentioned are only available 1.6l upwards. There is some bad advice on this thread from people who probably haven't looked at how much insurance for young people costs these days.
Those that have suggested yaris, ka 1.3 etc and recommend you get insurance quotes are on the money.
However I sympathise with the fact you want something different- so we must think outside the box. For instance, take a look at the Nissan Figaro. Based on the 'bubble' micra, with a 1.0 turbo and an auto 'box. It's an appreciating classic which means it's interesting, qualifies for affordable insurance and due to its lineage it's also reliable and usable. I think you'd love it ;-)
I know I know Those that have suggested yaris, ka 1.3 etc and recommend you get insurance quotes are on the money.
However I sympathise with the fact you want something different- so we must think outside the box. For instance, take a look at the Nissan Figaro. Based on the 'bubble' micra, with a 1.0 turbo and an auto 'box. It's an appreciating classic which means it's interesting, qualifies for affordable insurance and due to its lineage it's also reliable and usable. I think you'd love it ;-)
Its only insurance that is holding me back! The only things I Have going for me are my age, potentially 2 years no claims and Bangor has lower insurance for some reason, probably because it so small and mostly one way systems. As for that Nissan, I've never seen one of those before! I don't know if its really 'me' but it is pretty funky I'll give it that Yazza54 said:
My Fiat Stilo was a good car, loads of kit, A/C, 5CD changer etc etc and was a cheap buy. Had that at 19 with 1 year NCB before I built the GTM. How old are you Ellie?
Yellow maybe not to everyones taste but gives you an idea
I love yellow and I've just turned 20. What was insurance like for you with the Stilo? Yellow maybe not to everyones taste but gives you an idea
Edited by Yazza54 on Sunday 19th June 14:13
tercelgold said:
Petrol ford fiesta is the default choice, good fun to drive, there are so many available and it costs almost nothing to run.
If it's your first car as well then a fiesta is a great starting point.
Fiesta and Polo have the lowest insurance. I put in MX5 thinking why not - insurance was more than the cars worth... Insurance isn't actually horrendous, Polo was £1000 and Fiesta £1200, Streetka was £1400, Focus £1500 so it's not that bad this even includes break down cover. Fiesta seems to be getting quite a good response on here, I was hoping people would tell me to get a convertible but nvm If it's your first car as well then a fiesta is a great starting point.
Edited by tercelgold on Sunday 19th June 14:33
ambuletz said:
Just remember Ellie, you're not going to get any money back from insurance. £2000 one year, then £2000 the next. That's £4000 down a drain you will never see again. For around £2k chances are, you'll be able to buy the car, and sell it on again in 1-2 years, at nearly the same price.
So, go for the cheapest car to insure then. In that case, what costs less to run, a Fiesta or a Polo? Synchromesh said:
I've got a Polo and have to say I've been very pleased with it. For under £4k, which was my budget incidentally, you should be able to get a very good condition 9n model (9n is the model from 02-05).
For my £4k I got a 2003 Polo 1.4 Sport 100 (picture in my profile) with FSH and 42,000 miles. If you weren't so interested in performance I'd stick to the 1.4 75 or 86 bhp as it, as it would be cheaper to insure, more economical, and has just as much low down torque so wouldn't feel any slower in the "real world". Avoid the 1.2, as they are very underpowered with just 55 or 65 bhp, in quite a heavy car for it's class.
What I like most about it is it's all round solidity which makes it feel "a class above" (e.g. interior lights that dim down slowly), nice interior, good spec (A/C, cd changer, excellent stereo sound quality, 4 airbags, etc) and comfortable ride.
What I dislike is that the handling isn't very "sharp" (but is comfortable instead so it's swings and roundabouts), the lack of torque for the horsepower (i.e. it only comes alive over 4k rpm) and the fuel economy (25mpg around town, 35mpg on a mixed run, and 40mpg at 80mph). However, these criticisms would be reduced by opting for the 1.4 75 or 86 bhp instead, which would also be cheaper to buy and insure.
On the subject of insurance mine costed £1000 for the year, as an 18 y/o male with 1 year NCB, parked on the street in Bristol. This was with Admiral, and I'm sure you're insurance would be less than mine.
Here are some examples, all for under £4k:
1) This is the 86 bhp model, which is more powerful AND more economical than the 75 bhp as it's FSI
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
2) For something a little different you could get the DUNE model. It looks a little 'funkier' but don't expect it to better off road than a normal polo, it's differences are only cosmetic
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
3) Your budget will JUST scrape you into the earlier 9n2 models (05-09) which are basically just a facelift of the 9n, but the same underneath.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
HTH
ETA: This and that...
That's great thank you, Polo is in the top 3 For my £4k I got a 2003 Polo 1.4 Sport 100 (picture in my profile) with FSH and 42,000 miles. If you weren't so interested in performance I'd stick to the 1.4 75 or 86 bhp as it, as it would be cheaper to insure, more economical, and has just as much low down torque so wouldn't feel any slower in the "real world". Avoid the 1.2, as they are very underpowered with just 55 or 65 bhp, in quite a heavy car for it's class.
What I like most about it is it's all round solidity which makes it feel "a class above" (e.g. interior lights that dim down slowly), nice interior, good spec (A/C, cd changer, excellent stereo sound quality, 4 airbags, etc) and comfortable ride.
What I dislike is that the handling isn't very "sharp" (but is comfortable instead so it's swings and roundabouts), the lack of torque for the horsepower (i.e. it only comes alive over 4k rpm) and the fuel economy (25mpg around town, 35mpg on a mixed run, and 40mpg at 80mph). However, these criticisms would be reduced by opting for the 1.4 75 or 86 bhp instead, which would also be cheaper to buy and insure.
On the subject of insurance mine costed £1000 for the year, as an 18 y/o male with 1 year NCB, parked on the street in Bristol. This was with Admiral, and I'm sure you're insurance would be less than mine.
Here are some examples, all for under £4k:
1) This is the 86 bhp model, which is more powerful AND more economical than the 75 bhp as it's FSI
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
2) For something a little different you could get the DUNE model. It looks a little 'funkier' but don't expect it to better off road than a normal polo, it's differences are only cosmetic
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
3) Your budget will JUST scrape you into the earlier 9n2 models (05-09) which are basically just a facelift of the 9n, but the same underneath.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
HTH
ETA: This and that...
Edited by Synchromesh on Sunday 19th June 15:29
great links there insurance is surprisingly good too! Nice Polo you you have there! Hard to find similar Polo's for that price now! Maybe I'm not searching hard enough.MX5guy said:
Hey, I used my MX-5 with the roof down during the winter, when it was -10. I'm wondering if I'll go for it when it's -20 this winter. Part of the worry is you're not supposed to lower the roof when it's less than -5. Anyway, it's got nothing to do with the temperature being -10, it's about wearing the right clothes for it. Just have lots of layers and it's great fun. Plus you get a lot of friendly waves/ people thinking you're crazy!
Surely your face suffers doing that unless you wear a sky mask/balaclava, in which case yes you do look crazy. Too cold for me I'm afraid! That is another point though, I need a car that can handle some pretty steep icy Welsh hills. Maybe I'll get the Fabia now and the MX-5 for the summer : P Yazza54 said:
Sporty mx5 bird to skoda pensioner in one day thanks to pistonheads 
You're doing the right thing though.
I KNOW! What the hell? I came on thinking yeah Ph will tell me what I want- blow my money on some fun. But no, I'm being swayed to a Fabia! And I was told Micra's are too granny-looking... I guess I'll be happy next year when You're doing the right thing though.
I come back on with some more money, more NCB and am deciding between some proper cars.
Even though the Streetka is (apparently) so bad, it is pretty nice. My sister had one and I loved it. I'm gutted the insurance for the MX-5 is so stupid otherwise HELL YES. My purse will be better off if I get a Polo or Fabia but I want a FUN car. If I have a couple of years without driving at all will that help with the insurance or do I actually have to be on some sort of insurance to build up no claims?
I'd almost rather wait and not drive at all and get a car I really want later, but then any car would be so much better and I'll have freedom...
Synchromesh said:
Thanks. Not too hard to find although Polos aren't as common as, say, Fiestas - use the search function on Auto trader. These are all within 100 miles of Bangor, and there were more.
You should also decide if you want 5 door or 3 door. One of the main reasons I chose the Polo was wanting 5 door ruled out quite a few possibilites in terms of my choice of car.
With some very nice Polos available for under £4k, I don't see any reason for choosing the Fabia over it (which is the same car underneath), as some of the Polo's key strengths (namely the interior) are negated by choosing the Skoda.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Those are pretty nice, I think the Polo will be better when it comes to selling as well. You should also decide if you want 5 door or 3 door. One of the main reasons I chose the Polo was wanting 5 door ruled out quite a few possibilites in terms of my choice of car.
With some very nice Polos available for under £4k, I don't see any reason for choosing the Fabia over it (which is the same car underneath), as some of the Polo's key strengths (namely the interior) are negated by choosing the Skoda.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Mighty Flex said:
On the MX5 note, I came close to getting one a few weeks back (damn you PH!), and insurance quotes were comparable to a middle of the range engined supermini. I did notice that the prices went in this order (all mk1s)
Most expensive was the 90bhp 1.6, Followed by the original 1.6, with the more powerful 1.8 coming out the cheapest.
It was only about £50 difference over the whole lot, but interesting...
What company was that with? Most expensive was the 90bhp 1.6, Followed by the original 1.6, with the more powerful 1.8 coming out the cheapest.
It was only about £50 difference over the whole lot, but interesting...
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