What cheap fun runabout for girlfriend?
Discussion
She is taking lessons at the moment and is starting to look for a firt car. Of course
I am trying to influence her decision as I'll be driving it from time to time. She wants something that looks nice and is the right colour. I think she should get something which is reliable, nice to drive, cheap to run and basically all of the traits you would want in a first time car. Budget is probably around £1500.
I suggested the MK1 Ford car. She says "the newer one looks nicer".
So suggestions please (no mx-5).
I am trying to influence her decision as I'll be driving it from time to time. She wants something that looks nice and is the right colour. I think she should get something which is reliable, nice to drive, cheap to run and basically all of the traits you would want in a first time car. Budget is probably around £1500.
I suggested the MK1 Ford car. She says "the newer one looks nicer".
So suggestions please (no mx-5).
pembo said:
Triumph Man said:
Which Ford Car? Escort mk1? Cortina mk1? 
How about a Polo? Or perhaps a Skoda Fabia?
We all know he means KA How about a Polo? Or perhaps a Skoda Fabia?
To add to my Fabia suggestion, my sister has one and it has been brilliant. No rust issues that you would find on a Ford of similar vintage, and quite peppy. Hers is the 100 bhp 1.4 engine, and it is quite reasonable on insurance. It also has a feeling of solidity to it.
redgriff500 said:
How old is she - ie does Insurance group the major factor ?
Puma 1.4
Ka (not my thing, and crap in a crash but they are good to drive)
Fiesta 1.25 (Yamaha engine)
Clio's drive well (as I found out after buying my daughter a dull 206)
Puma - great cars but poor rear visibility. I had the 1.7 version myself.Puma 1.4
Ka (not my thing, and crap in a crash but they are good to drive)
Fiesta 1.25 (Yamaha engine)
Clio's drive well (as I found out after buying my daughter a dull 206)
Fiesta 1.25 - good shout, had one of these a number of years back and the chassis/engine combination was quite good.
Captain Muppet said:
Micra.
Or buy her a book on feminism and get her to sort it out herself. Pandering to female laziness does nothing to promote the equlity they claim they want. Plus if you pick a car it'll be your fault when it needs servicing or breaks down.
Or a Civic.
Not sure if that was meant tongue in cheek or not but I actually agree with you. I know a few girls/women like that who can not do a bloody thing for them selves, or they pretend they can't.Or buy her a book on feminism and get her to sort it out herself. Pandering to female laziness does nothing to promote the equlity they claim they want. Plus if you pick a car it'll be your fault when it needs servicing or breaks down.
Or a Civic.
OP, Splash out a bit more for a StreetKA.
If it has to be a Ford then I'd suggest a Puma, a Street KA or a MK1 KA. The trouble with all of them is that for £1500 they'll be likely starting to rust and therefore in the eyes of a girl will be knackered.
If she (or you) can buy something French then a 206CC would suit a lady looking for a fun runabout (unless she really wants handling finesse) or perhaps a Suzuki SJ/Vitara or Jimny would appeal to her as all are available with open tops, can be driven off road and will stop her moaning about the lack of grip in the snow (if we ever get any again).
If she (or you) can buy something French then a 206CC would suit a lady looking for a fun runabout (unless she really wants handling finesse) or perhaps a Suzuki SJ/Vitara or Jimny would appeal to her as all are available with open tops, can be driven off road and will stop her moaning about the lack of grip in the snow (if we ever get any again).
nammynake said:
redgriff500 said:
How old is she - ie does Insurance group the major factor ?
Puma 1.4
Ka (not my thing, and crap in a crash but they are good to drive)
Fiesta 1.25 (Yamaha engine)
Clio's drive well (as I found out after buying my daughter a dull 206)
Puma - great cars but poor rear visibility. I had the 1.7 version myself.Puma 1.4
Ka (not my thing, and crap in a crash but they are good to drive)
Fiesta 1.25 (Yamaha engine)
Clio's drive well (as I found out after buying my daughter a dull 206)
Fiesta 1.25 - good shout, had one of these a number of years back and the chassis/engine combination was quite good.
Had a 1998 R plate 1.25 si many years ago when the wife was learning to drive and can confirm it is a far superior vehicle than the KA she replaced it with. More practical, better to drive (the engine and gearbox felt light years ahead of those in the KA), great around town and managed to do a decent job on A roads/motorways.
Can't praise them enough.
I would also go with the MK1 KA. My gf picked one up for £1600 a year ago. Its an 03 with only a small piece of rust around the petrol cap which is a known issue. Its got aircon, elec windows, cd player. Not bad vfm.
Probaly not the most economical compared to its rivals, but cheap to insure, tax and is cheap to fix if things go wrong.
Plus its nippy, holds it own on the motorway and is fun to drive.
If not a KA what about a Mk3 Clio?
Probaly not the most economical compared to its rivals, but cheap to insure, tax and is cheap to fix if things go wrong.
Plus its nippy, holds it own on the motorway and is fun to drive.
If not a KA what about a Mk3 Clio?
Random suggestion... how about a Mk4 Astra Coupe? And before the badge snobs go "Aaaaargh, it's a Vauxhall, I'd rather die" bear in mind a grand will buy a 2000 to 2004 model with the 1.8 16v engine and if you're lucky, even in decnt spec like an Edition 100, Linea Rossa or an SE2. Cheap to buy, cheap to fix if it goes wrong, good mpg, safe, look good and still has the all important bling factor. Slightly biased as I bought my wee sister a 53 plate Bertone last year... and touch wood, so far it's not put a foot wrong.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff