New Driver. 29 years old. What car?
Discussion
This is a ‘what car’ thread.
This is a what car thread from someone who has just passed their driving test at the age of 29.
I’ve always loved cars, so it’s no surprise to me that I’m straight on here looking for suggestions, but it probably is for most people who might not think ‘always loved cars’ and waiting 13 years to take the test amounts to the same thing…
When I was 17 I was very much into cycling (still am) and learning to drive was a) expensive and b) not a priority for getting around. Then I went to uni and the cost was the big factor. Right after uni, I moved to London where I still am, and driving is not only amazingly expensive here when insurance is taken into account, you also don’t really need to, as the public transport is so comprehensive.
But my girlfriend needed a car for work, and my dad, a car dealer (I know!), sorted us with a nice little Korean number. And I was nearly 30. A few driving lessons and some self-taught hours later and he we are. A driver. I’m insured on the Hyundai, but would like something to carry on getting experience in without jeopardising the car the missus needs for work. So what car?
It ought to be cheapish to insure, I’m not bothered about running costs as it’ll be weekend only, and I don’t care if it’s not fast. And one more thing; it should be a car made between 1982 and 1999. The year I was born, and the year I should have passed the bloody test.
(Any other tips appreciated...)
This is a what car thread from someone who has just passed their driving test at the age of 29.
I’ve always loved cars, so it’s no surprise to me that I’m straight on here looking for suggestions, but it probably is for most people who might not think ‘always loved cars’ and waiting 13 years to take the test amounts to the same thing…
When I was 17 I was very much into cycling (still am) and learning to drive was a) expensive and b) not a priority for getting around. Then I went to uni and the cost was the big factor. Right after uni, I moved to London where I still am, and driving is not only amazingly expensive here when insurance is taken into account, you also don’t really need to, as the public transport is so comprehensive.
But my girlfriend needed a car for work, and my dad, a car dealer (I know!), sorted us with a nice little Korean number. And I was nearly 30. A few driving lessons and some self-taught hours later and he we are. A driver. I’m insured on the Hyundai, but would like something to carry on getting experience in without jeopardising the car the missus needs for work. So what car?
It ought to be cheapish to insure, I’m not bothered about running costs as it’ll be weekend only, and I don’t care if it’s not fast. And one more thing; it should be a car made between 1982 and 1999. The year I was born, and the year I should have passed the bloody test.
(Any other tips appreciated...)
Renault 5 GT Turbo. Buy one in standard guise on classic car insurance.
Make it faster the more confident you become
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cars-Motorcycles-Vehicle...
I can vouch for the raider at 3450.00 super mint condition.
Make it faster the more confident you become
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cars-Motorcycles-Vehicle...
I can vouch for the raider at 3450.00 super mint condition.
Edited by SirSamuelOfBuca on Tuesday 19th June 15:47
MonkeyMatt said:
Not sure on budget! but it has to be an MX-5
Anywhere from £500 to £26k then. 
If it's a purely "for fun" second car that doesn't need to move kids, dogs bicycles or anything apart from yourself, and is to learn all about balance, feel and smoothness, this is the right answer.
davepoth said:
MonkeyMatt said:
Not sure on budget! but it has to be an MX-5
Anywhere from £500 to £26k then. If it's a purely "for fun" second car that doesn't need to move kids, dogs bicycles or anything apart from yourself, and is to learn all about balance, feel and smoothness, this is the right answer.
agreed. Insurance shouldn't be too bad either.Riknos said:
davepoth said:
MonkeyMatt said:
Not sure on budget! but it has to be an MX-5
Anywhere from £500 to £26k then. If it's a purely "for fun" second car that doesn't need to move kids, dogs bicycles or anything apart from yourself, and is to learn all about balance, feel and smoothness, this is the right answer.
agreed. Insurance shouldn't be too bad either.The Crack Fox said:
So, you just want "something cheap". That's it ? That's like walking into a restaurant and ordering "food".
To continue the food analogy, you could have a cheese sandwich, but it wouldn't get your tastebuds going like a nice steak now would it ? Tell us what gets your juices flowing (speed/style/economy/practicality/performance/badge/colour/features/whatever) and let us do the rest
To flesh it out further… To continue the food analogy, you could have a cheese sandwich, but it wouldn't get your tastebuds going like a nice steak now would it ? Tell us what gets your juices flowing (speed/style/economy/practicality/performance/badge/colour/features/whatever) and let us do the rest
Budget of around £2k
Citroen DS and SM are ‘dream cars’ – maybe a budget version of an SM would be, uh, 406 coupe? Yeesh.
My old man said he’d be looking for a Talbot Samba convertible… only half joking. I guess something that isn’t fast, but will be charming or interesting in some other way. Or a cheapo convertible so I can drive around with the roof down in cold weather…
Doesn't need to be practicle, economic or have a flash badge. I'm in this for a loss and I don't care!
I'm pretty sure you want a slightly ropey Corsa or Fiesta, as someone said above. It's the first driver spirit!
Also, while the idea may seem pretty undesirable, the reality is great. They're cheap to run, convenient, and you can keep your foot flat to the floor all day and never really cause danger. I elected not to get rid of my Corsa, even though I now could.
Also, while the idea may seem pretty undesirable, the reality is great. They're cheap to run, convenient, and you can keep your foot flat to the floor all day and never really cause danger. I elected not to get rid of my Corsa, even though I now could.
JREwing said:
I'm pretty sure you want a slightly ropey Corsa or Fiesta, as someone said above. It's the first driver spirit!
Also, while the idea may seem pretty undesirable, the reality is great. They're cheap to run, convenient, and you can keep your foot flat to the floor all day and never really cause danger. I elected not to get rid of my Corsa, even though I now could.
When we first needed a car we did run an L Reg Fiesta diesel for a while. I was insured on it as a learner. It was good in that I could comfortably pull away in third, which is often invaluable when learning... but bad in all other respects.Also, while the idea may seem pretty undesirable, the reality is great. They're cheap to run, convenient, and you can keep your foot flat to the floor all day and never really cause danger. I elected not to get rid of my Corsa, even though I now could.
So I appreciate the sentiment, but feel at this advanced age (for a new driver) I could treat myself to something a little more extravagant. Like an Astra or Escort.
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