Cheap, young person's, what car...

Cheap, young person's, what car...

Author
Discussion

irocfan

Original Poster:

40,719 posts

192 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
my step-daughter's friend is currently looking at buying a cheap car and I've been sort of roped in for advice (knowing the square root of fk all about car mechanics or, indeed, cars for that age-grouping price level!!) so I've decided to try and cheat. Tonight they're off to look at a Smart forfour but in the (likely IMO) event that they come back disappointed what alternatives are there out there at shed money?

I guess the budget is the main restraining factor but from the fact that they're looking at a forfour I would imagine that something 'funky'/different is preferred... any thoughts?

benjijames28

1,702 posts

94 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
I've had a lot of relatively cheap small cars, and I would recommend all of them to be honest.

Renault Clio, I had 3 of these ranging from I think 1998 to 2004, nice little cars.

Peugeot 107, ex wife owned two of these a 08 and a 12 plate, brilliant motors, cheap as chips to run, and maintain.

Ford Fiesta, mine was a 2010 model with 1.2 85bhp engine, it was a bit thirsty for its size but 40mpg was achievable with day to day driving. Highest I got was 46 going to London and back. These handle very well, defo a massive step above the other suggestions.

I would be staying away from smart cars. If your into that budget I would look at a Skoda citigo, or vw up, seat mii.

mightymouse

1,438 posts

230 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
Just sold (suppose given is more like it laugh) to my daughter, a rather nice full service historied, 41K One owner, 06 Seat Ibiza 1400 Sport.
She loves it party

watchnut

1,166 posts

131 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
My daughter has just bought a 1.0 toyota Yaris, 2005 plate 80k on clock , no service history other than the rear bearings had been done. £1100, £1250 to insure with black box and chance to get back £250 of that if her driving is good (so far advised £71 coming back to her at end of 1st quarter if she continues to drive as she is doing now

I don't think it is the car as such you should worry about it's the INsurance cost post driving test passed prior to purchase!

Ask your local garage what car they see the least of, or what they think of a "yaris" Clio"...what ever

It appears to me that any "super mini" about 10 years old has a high price because "young/novice" drivers love them. As a parent I would love her to have a V70/Merc/5 series, cause if it/they crashed it they would have a better chance of less injuries

you must get her the best she/you can afford. Must have "ABS" (all post june 2005 cars have it).....as they are taught to emergency stop in "ABS" cars.

They should have the acceleration of a striking slug, and the brakes of a formula 1 car! smile

ZX10R NIN

27,738 posts

127 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
A Clio in Dynamique form is a good shout.


irocfan

Original Poster:

40,719 posts

192 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
thanks for the feedback guys...

I've made quite a few suggestions for her friend (unfortunately as my step-daughter and her brother both have Clio's I can't see that being a well received suggestion!) but apparently she is. for some reason, adamant that it's to be a forfour.