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.
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
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?
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!
t) photos of it 
eddy02 said:
Susuki looks ace in black BTW.
Thanks, it was a toss up between red and black. The low milage and close distance of the seller made the decision for me! jc84 said:
This thread ended the right way. Great choice OP. Enjoy
Thank you sir! I'm sure I willblprice1 said:
A Suzuki Swift Sport was the first car I bought (at the grand old age of 21)for the same reasons that the OP mentioned. It's a fun little thing, quick enough to excite but not too fast that insurance companies start to shaft you. You can even get some pretty decent lift off oversteer if you're particularly commited! As I already mentioned, the cost of insurance is low, I paid £600 with 0 NCB, with a sub £500 renewal.
I kept mine for around 18 months and I liked it so much that I persuaded my girlfriend to buy it off me around 4 months ago. The only thing the Swift cost me (or her in fact) is the regular maintenance any car would need.
Just for reference, I changed mine for a MK3.5 MX5 due a change in financial position and the fact that I still have access to the aforementioned semi-practical car for the times when we need to take luggage to the airport/family need a lift etc. If you want any information, www.ssoc.co.uk is a pretty good resource - I found it very useful when buying/owning mine.
Ben
You pretty much summed up my thought process there. It's a good laugh, and keeps me out of trouble mostly. I kept mine for around 18 months and I liked it so much that I persuaded my girlfriend to buy it off me around 4 months ago. The only thing the Swift cost me (or her in fact) is the regular maintenance any car would need.
Just for reference, I changed mine for a MK3.5 MX5 due a change in financial position and the fact that I still have access to the aforementioned semi-practical car for the times when we need to take luggage to the airport/family need a lift etc. If you want any information, www.ssoc.co.uk is a pretty good resource - I found it very useful when buying/owning mine.
Ben
I've been on SSOC, seems ok. Not the best because I don't share many swift owners urge to modify my car! Still, they seem like a friendly bunch.
I would LOVE an MX5, definitely going to be getting a two seater next
Best get some sleep, got the 'pleasure' of driving 100 miles in a hired Vauxhall Mokka tomorrow. Yay.
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