Advice for a 17 year old?
Discussion
Hi. I would like some advice. Has anyone found a cheap(ish) way of insuring a cool first car. im 17 and need something decent. My parents both have nice cars (Range Rover, 190SL, 80s targa) and point blank refuse to let a corsa sit on the drive. Yet, paradoxically they refuse to contribute. Great, so a good car or no car. Ive though about a fully comp. policy on some £100 "thing" (hidden somewhere out of sight!) and hoping I'm covered 3rd party on another car. But this seems to be a hit or a miss, any experience?
Ive also tried fleet insurance through the business, but it came in at £5000 a car. Not ideal. IBut Ive heard that Classic insurance is cheap, but I'm struggling to find something i like. In an ideal world, i would love something like a 944 or a E30 but its not likely to happen, unless someones a genius? And, Im not interested in anything thats small, and would prefer a convertible, possible a coupe. So sorry, no minis or saloons etc. I quite like the Spitfires or a MGB spider but don't like the quite puny, foppish image that comes with them. I live near Glasgow and i think we would last about ten seconds. The Stags more like what I'm after but so far its been too expensive to insure. Anyone got any suggestions for a cool, manly classic sports car (not necessarily British) thats cheap to buy (couple of grand) and insure.
Also, what insurance companies are there for Classic Insurance, Ive tried the obvious ones - Adrian Flux, Lancaster etc but wondered if there was any others who are generous towards 17 year olds?
Many thanks.
Please Note: I'm not here to be castigated for "running before you can walk" and I am fully aware that i am in the most dangerous driving demographic being 17 and male. However, i would really appreciate and no doubt benefit from any advice offered.
Ive also tried fleet insurance through the business, but it came in at £5000 a car. Not ideal. IBut Ive heard that Classic insurance is cheap, but I'm struggling to find something i like. In an ideal world, i would love something like a 944 or a E30 but its not likely to happen, unless someones a genius? And, Im not interested in anything thats small, and would prefer a convertible, possible a coupe. So sorry, no minis or saloons etc. I quite like the Spitfires or a MGB spider but don't like the quite puny, foppish image that comes with them. I live near Glasgow and i think we would last about ten seconds. The Stags more like what I'm after but so far its been too expensive to insure. Anyone got any suggestions for a cool, manly classic sports car (not necessarily British) thats cheap to buy (couple of grand) and insure.
Also, what insurance companies are there for Classic Insurance, Ive tried the obvious ones - Adrian Flux, Lancaster etc but wondered if there was any others who are generous towards 17 year olds?
Many thanks.
Please Note: I'm not here to be castigated for "running before you can walk" and I am fully aware that i am in the most dangerous driving demographic being 17 and male. However, i would really appreciate and no doubt benefit from any advice offered.
ef94 said:
Has anyone found a cheap(ish) way of insuring a cool first car. im 17 and need something decent.
There's no such thing as a 'decent' first car for a 17 year old that's cheap to insure. You're pretty much going to get bummed by the insurance companies no matter what car you choose.What sort of motor are you after? Plenty of 80's 90's hot hatches that would make a perfect first car and not be killers on insurance... One of my first was a MK2 Golf, but instead of going for the insurance crippling GTi I found an immaculate 1.6 "Driver" still had all the handling fun of a golf, didn't feel underpowered and a tidy one will hold it's own on the driveway!
you wont have any luck getting a 'decent' car on affordable insurance. If your parents are that much of a snob, try and get them to buy you a modern supermini, such as an iQ, or fiat 500, that looks relatively funky. If a car doesn't work, consider doing your CBT and getting a learner legal motorbike or scooter.
mark 2 Golf..Driver is a good call..look for owned by a middle aged housewife/pensioner in the home counties, still a few knocking about on the various car sites if you look carefully..your folks shouldn't feel so anti a Golf..a classless car, as opposed to a barry boy chaved up Corsa!!
Insurers give massive discounts for people who use the search function and don't fill general gassing with the same old crap every day.
Your 17. You don't deserve a nice car. You have to put up with something crap until you do deserve a good car.
Alternatively, why bother with insurance? If you get caught, you'll get a ban, but just carry on driving. If they seize your car buy another one with the money you've saved. That's probably the only way you'll get a decent car on the cheap.
Your 17. You don't deserve a nice car. You have to put up with something crap until you do deserve a good car.
Alternatively, why bother with insurance? If you get caught, you'll get a ban, but just carry on driving. If they seize your car buy another one with the money you've saved. That's probably the only way you'll get a decent car on the cheap.
I think the notion that it's impossible to insure anything desirable or involving to drive just because you're 17 is wrong. All this talk of bus passes is defeatist!
What about a classic mini? What about a cult ford? MK1 or 2 Golfs, Pug 205's... All involving to drive, all sub 1.6L...
I've only just turned 25 and I've always been a petrol head so know the frustration in trying to insure something that isn't a 1.2 corsa sxi like every other mug.
My advice would be, find a classic hot hatch, but avoid the desirable "badge" models. These are the ones that were always nicked, and always written off, and therefore command the higher insurance groups. Go for a smaller engine, and buy old. All of this will lower the price of insurance.
What you could end up with is a small, lightweight hot hatch, with a fun size engine that needs some revs, but in a chasis that wont be overpowered, meaning you might crash in eight months, instead of four!
Even better is that old engines are easier to work on and mend yourself, so you can learn a bit about motors, and save a few quid.
I have fond memories of going round every island in coventry on three wheels in my old MK2! It looked better than all my mates 1.2 Corsa's, was as quick if not quicker, and a damn sight more involving to drive! I was on minimum wage at the co-op, if I could afford it, anyone could!
Because it was a 1990, the age bought the price down, it wasn't the boy racer GTi, insurance was cheaper on it than on a Rover 400. Was group 9 if I remember correctly.
There are tons of desirable, cult classic cars without the red go faster badges, that you will be able to insure and enjoy. Don't listen to the nay sayers! Get on classifieds and find yourself something with a bit of class! It'll be the best driving years of your life!
What about a classic mini? What about a cult ford? MK1 or 2 Golfs, Pug 205's... All involving to drive, all sub 1.6L...
I've only just turned 25 and I've always been a petrol head so know the frustration in trying to insure something that isn't a 1.2 corsa sxi like every other mug.
My advice would be, find a classic hot hatch, but avoid the desirable "badge" models. These are the ones that were always nicked, and always written off, and therefore command the higher insurance groups. Go for a smaller engine, and buy old. All of this will lower the price of insurance.
What you could end up with is a small, lightweight hot hatch, with a fun size engine that needs some revs, but in a chasis that wont be overpowered, meaning you might crash in eight months, instead of four!
Even better is that old engines are easier to work on and mend yourself, so you can learn a bit about motors, and save a few quid.
I have fond memories of going round every island in coventry on three wheels in my old MK2! It looked better than all my mates 1.2 Corsa's, was as quick if not quicker, and a damn sight more involving to drive! I was on minimum wage at the co-op, if I could afford it, anyone could!
Because it was a 1990, the age bought the price down, it wasn't the boy racer GTi, insurance was cheaper on it than on a Rover 400. Was group 9 if I remember correctly.
There are tons of desirable, cult classic cars without the red go faster badges, that you will be able to insure and enjoy. Don't listen to the nay sayers! Get on classifieds and find yourself something with a bit of class! It'll be the best driving years of your life!
Edited by Tom Clarke on Friday 15th April 02:47
So takes me back to my teen years 
Nice one on being sensible, first off. Most young people come here, talk like a cretin and get no advice. I hope you stick around.
Unfortunately, cheap insurance is a bit of an oxymoron for us young'uns. There aren't any secrets when it comes to finding a nice car that can be insured on the cheap, its just a case of seeing what you can afford and then going with that until the insurance drops and you have more freedom. You could try kit cars, there aren't many that are massively daily driver friendly, but you never know. I have heard others who have had kits as their first car.
I do think its a bit harsh that your parents refuse to have a banger on the drive, yet are offering no help to find something that isn't falling to bits. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a chat with them about the insurance and open their eyes a bit as to the cost and the fact that you are going to be forced down the non-prestige car route. If you get a banger, at least it won't matter if you back it into a lamppost like most young drivers.
Unfortunately, cheap insurance is a bit of an oxymoron for us young'uns. There aren't any secrets when it comes to finding a nice car that can be insured on the cheap, its just a case of seeing what you can afford and then going with that until the insurance drops and you have more freedom. You could try kit cars, there aren't many that are massively daily driver friendly, but you never know. I have heard others who have had kits as their first car.
I do think its a bit harsh that your parents refuse to have a banger on the drive, yet are offering no help to find something that isn't falling to bits. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a chat with them about the insurance and open their eyes a bit as to the cost and the fact that you are going to be forced down the non-prestige car route. If you get a banger, at least it won't matter if you back it into a lamppost like most young drivers.
mk1 golf. cant go wrong. cheap car, but it doesnt matter what car you get, insurance companies WILL get you!
as for your rents! tell them if they want you to have a nice car that they will have to pay for it! otherwise you will get what you can afford!
my first car was a 1.3 fiesta so suck it up and keep your head down for 3 or 4 years then start dreaming of nice cars.
as for your rents! tell them if they want you to have a nice car that they will have to pay for it! otherwise you will get what you can afford!
my first car was a 1.3 fiesta so suck it up and keep your head down for 3 or 4 years then start dreaming of nice cars.
My 18 year old son has an old 1.3 Fiesta. His policy at 17 cost him £2,650. And he only got it that low because he agreed to have a 'GS black box' fitted which means that if he drives between 23.00-05.00 he gets a further £60 'fine'.
Your choice of car is almost irrelevant - his is virtually worthless - it's the cost of driving you need to have resolved.
Your choice of car is almost irrelevant - his is virtually worthless - it's the cost of driving you need to have resolved.
1) Manage your expectations. You're not going to be unleashed on candies Range Rover or a 911 until 25 for good reason.
2) Your 'drive on 3rd party' with a vehicle sat insured elsewhere is a terrible plan. It's most likely unlawful, and insurance companies are wise to it and normally exclude 3rd party cover from policies for those under 25 for that reason (and to prevent themselves from being liable for a 17 year old in a powerful car).
3) Again, 'classic' policies tend to only be available to older drivers.
There are no short cuts, there are no 'tricks' to cheap insurance. Age and building no claims bonus are your only friends, that and living in a postpone not classed as a step down from Tripoli by insurers.
So:
Get the best training you can. Be diligent in being a good driver and avoiding silly accidents early in your driving career.
If you can do without a car for a couple of years, do so and save money. The additional couple of years no claims bonus do not offset the ludicrous cost of insurance for 17 year olds. You will never get that £3k back.
Look for cheap, fun older cars with small engines and low weight. As mentioned MK1/2 golfs, K11 micras, little chuckable things with which you can BUILD EXPErIENCE SAFELY. Keep running quotes until you find something affordable.
I wish you the best of luck, but its not easy being a young pistonhead!
2) Your 'drive on 3rd party' with a vehicle sat insured elsewhere is a terrible plan. It's most likely unlawful, and insurance companies are wise to it and normally exclude 3rd party cover from policies for those under 25 for that reason (and to prevent themselves from being liable for a 17 year old in a powerful car).
3) Again, 'classic' policies tend to only be available to older drivers.
There are no short cuts, there are no 'tricks' to cheap insurance. Age and building no claims bonus are your only friends, that and living in a postpone not classed as a step down from Tripoli by insurers.
So:
Get the best training you can. Be diligent in being a good driver and avoiding silly accidents early in your driving career.
If you can do without a car for a couple of years, do so and save money. The additional couple of years no claims bonus do not offset the ludicrous cost of insurance for 17 year olds. You will never get that £3k back.
Look for cheap, fun older cars with small engines and low weight. As mentioned MK1/2 golfs, K11 micras, little chuckable things with which you can BUILD EXPErIENCE SAFELY. Keep running quotes until you find something affordable.
I wish you the best of luck, but its not easy being a young pistonhead!
Your parents haven't really learnt the parenting game yet, have they.
I suggest telling them you really like the idea of a car but can't afford it and therefore are looking at motorcycles.
Make some moves toward getting your bike training and leave some magazines around with pictures of half naked girls draped over fast looking bikes around. (pretty much any bike magazine)
I think its likely one of them will take you to one side and steer you away from the dark, lethal, and w
e infested side of life. Thats the time you present the problem of not having enough money.
I suggest telling them you really like the idea of a car but can't afford it and therefore are looking at motorcycles.
Make some moves toward getting your bike training and leave some magazines around with pictures of half naked girls draped over fast looking bikes around. (pretty much any bike magazine)
I think its likely one of them will take you to one side and steer you away from the dark, lethal, and w
e infested side of life. Thats the time you present the problem of not having enough money.Does rather remind me of a discussion I overheard in an Insurance Broker the other day.
Age 18
Car - Did not hear
Drivers Me and my mum
NCB. - none
Crash - Well I had one last monday, insurance company not placed blame yet (I bet!)
Mum's history - two fault claims
Next thing I heard was the call handler - why do you think £3k is ridiculous....
OP I know you say that you don't want to hear it, but it needs to be said Run before you can Walk at your peril.
I'm not really sure what is wrong with cars that other young drivers start off with to be honest. If you parents are banning specific cars then surely it's them you need to be talking to rather than GG.
Age 18
Car - Did not hear
Drivers Me and my mum
NCB. - none
Crash - Well I had one last monday, insurance company not placed blame yet (I bet!)
Mum's history - two fault claims
Next thing I heard was the call handler - why do you think £3k is ridiculous....
OP I know you say that you don't want to hear it, but it needs to be said Run before you can Walk at your peril.
I'm not really sure what is wrong with cars that other young drivers start off with to be honest. If you parents are banning specific cars then surely it's them you need to be talking to rather than GG.
V8mate said:
My 18 year old son has an old 1.3 Fiesta. His policy at 17 cost him £2,650. And he only got it that low because he agreed to have a 'GS black box' fitted which means that if he drives between 23.00-05.00 he gets a further £60 'fine'.
Your choice of car is almost irrelevant - his is virtually worthless - it's the cost of driving you need to have resolved.
A black box fitted and it's still £2,650? Your choice of car is almost irrelevant - his is virtually worthless - it's the cost of driving you need to have resolved.
Thank god I'm not that age anymore! I remember feeling like I was getting raped by insurance and that was less than half the price and with no big brother watching me all the time!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff