Sporty first car?
Discussion
Hi everyone,
New member that's learning to drive. I'm looking at spending below 1.5k (preferably) on something that's a bit more exciting than most cars. I know I'll be limited by insurance, and if there is nothing to be done then I'm sure I'll still enjoy the freedom of a car, no matter the type.
Essentially, I dislike hatchbacks as a general rule, especially the cheaper examples. The only half decent models I like the look of are the Polo R-Line, BMW 1 series and Merc A-Class, in case anyone has any recommendations along these styling lines.
What I've been looking at are Toyota Celicas. For well under my budget, and decent examples at under a k, they seem pretty perfect. Good looking, punchy enough for a first car (especially the 190hp models), and FWD, which let's face it is probably better for a first car. Yeah, inside is a bit drab, but that's what you get at these prices. If anyone has any info on insurance for these (especially the difference between the 140 and 190), I'd be very grateful.
So to sum up, I'm looking for a decent looking car, preferably coupe (but I'm realistic), for under 1.5k, that's fairly cheap to run. Beyond a Celica, I can't see anything that fits the bill. In addition, the insurance can't be crippling for a new driver.
Appreciate the help! Don't be scared to be honest if nothing can be done.
New member that's learning to drive. I'm looking at spending below 1.5k (preferably) on something that's a bit more exciting than most cars. I know I'll be limited by insurance, and if there is nothing to be done then I'm sure I'll still enjoy the freedom of a car, no matter the type.
Essentially, I dislike hatchbacks as a general rule, especially the cheaper examples. The only half decent models I like the look of are the Polo R-Line, BMW 1 series and Merc A-Class, in case anyone has any recommendations along these styling lines.
What I've been looking at are Toyota Celicas. For well under my budget, and decent examples at under a k, they seem pretty perfect. Good looking, punchy enough for a first car (especially the 190hp models), and FWD, which let's face it is probably better for a first car. Yeah, inside is a bit drab, but that's what you get at these prices. If anyone has any info on insurance for these (especially the difference between the 140 and 190), I'd be very grateful.
So to sum up, I'm looking for a decent looking car, preferably coupe (but I'm realistic), for under 1.5k, that's fairly cheap to run. Beyond a Celica, I can't see anything that fits the bill. In addition, the insurance can't be crippling for a new driver.
Appreciate the help! Don't be scared to be honest if nothing can be done.
Are you based in the UK?
The Celica does seem to be one of those misfit cars where presumably there have not been a huge number of claims by 17 year olds on them. As a result one of my mates eldest lad has a Celica 2.0GT and the insurance cost LESS than that of Corsa 1.2 , I was stunned, granted it's still around £2k but it's less than the £3k+ that some insures wanted on the common first cars.
The Celica does seem to be one of those misfit cars where presumably there have not been a huge number of claims by 17 year olds on them. As a result one of my mates eldest lad has a Celica 2.0GT and the insurance cost LESS than that of Corsa 1.2 , I was stunned, granted it's still around £2k but it's less than the £3k+ that some insures wanted on the common first cars.
That was my thinking, the only reason I thought it might be half reasonable for such a decent car. I realise insurance will be a killer, just wanted to hear other people's experience with it, and the Celica as a car (as well as possible alternatives of course!). Thanks for the replies so far.
If you decide on a Celica 140, pay the extra and get a facelift model (03-onwards) as they have a redesigned engine block to reduce/get rid of the noted oil burning of the early ones. You will probably pay more like £1200-1300 for a nice facelift. And yes, as a current 53 plate owner, they are incredibly cheap to insure for some unknown reason.
fivepointnine said:
If you decide on a Celica 140, pay the extra and get a facelift model (03-onwards) as they have a redesigned engine block to reduce/get rid of the noted oil burning of the early ones. You will probably pay more like £1200-1300 for a nice facelift. And yes, as a current 53 plate owner, they are incredibly cheap to insure for some unknown reason.
I had a 53 reg 140 and it had the exact same piston ring issue as the old ones. I think the hark of "they are better" was just due to short-sightenedness at that point in time. I think of it like all 140's are equally as likely to crap themselves past 100k.Yaris T-Sport,
Suzuki swift sport,
Suzuki ignis sport,
old shape renault megane coupe,
Original mini.
Should be able to find a decent enough example of each of these for your budget, 2 mates have Yaris' and both love them. Suzuki swift sport is a decent shout, lad I work with had one as his first car so I assume the insurance is reasonable. Ignis isn't my cup of tea but got a good write up when it was shed of the week. No idea on the megane, probably one of the 'sportiest' looking you could get at your age though.
This is assuming your 1.5k budget was for the car...
Suzuki swift sport,
Suzuki ignis sport,
old shape renault megane coupe,
Original mini.
Should be able to find a decent enough example of each of these for your budget, 2 mates have Yaris' and both love them. Suzuki swift sport is a decent shout, lad I work with had one as his first car so I assume the insurance is reasonable. Ignis isn't my cup of tea but got a good write up when it was shed of the week. No idea on the megane, probably one of the 'sportiest' looking you could get at your age though.
This is assuming your 1.5k budget was for the car...
It doesn't matter how it is to drive or how comfortable it is if the insurance is too high.
You have access to the internet. It will take you 5 mins for a quick check then you begin searching.
TBH the Celica will be a lot.
You may have to go for a Polo 1.2/1.4
Any Audi S Line will be a lot and most likely over your budget to buy.
An A Class old shape will be within your budget but again insurance will be the killer..
You will have to be realistic with what you can get within your budget and as a new driver.
Insurance costs do reduce even with 1 years NCD.
You have access to the internet. It will take you 5 mins for a quick check then you begin searching.
TBH the Celica will be a lot.
You may have to go for a Polo 1.2/1.4
Any Audi S Line will be a lot and most likely over your budget to buy.
An A Class old shape will be within your budget but again insurance will be the killer..
You will have to be realistic with what you can get within your budget and as a new driver.
Insurance costs do reduce even with 1 years NCD.
If it is your first car you will never get insurance under £1,500 if it is above a 1.4.
One car I was looking at for my daughter who is looking for her first car is the Fiat Panda 100HP.
Yes it does not sound very exciting but they are great to drive and fast enough to give you a laugh.
This was £1,200 for a year which was IMO cheap for something quite fast.
I was offered a Ford Puma 1.4 which was very low miles and in good condition without rust. Unfortunately just because it was a coupe the insurance was a joke.
The Celica/Puma etc. are cheap due to younger drivers not being able to insure the cars.
Get a few years under your belt first unless you can afford £2,000 plus just for insurance.
One car I was looking at for my daughter who is looking for her first car is the Fiat Panda 100HP.
Yes it does not sound very exciting but they are great to drive and fast enough to give you a laugh.
This was £1,200 for a year which was IMO cheap for something quite fast.
I was offered a Ford Puma 1.4 which was very low miles and in good condition without rust. Unfortunately just because it was a coupe the insurance was a joke.
The Celica/Puma etc. are cheap due to younger drivers not being able to insure the cars.
Get a few years under your belt first unless you can afford £2,000 plus just for insurance.
MonkeyMatt said:
If you like the idea of a coupe it might be worth looking at the Hyundai Coupe and Alfa GT
The Coupe 1.6 is IG 16.Just to compare, a Polo 1.2 SE is IG 5, the 1.4 SE IG 7.
The Alfa GT is IG 28 (1.8TS Cloverleaf)
Most cars over 1.4 will be expensive to insure.
The Ford Puma 1.4 which has been mentioned previously is IG 19!
I presume because it's a coupe and slightly sporty.
GreatGranny said:
The Coupe 1.6 is IG 16.
Just to compare, a Polo 1.2 SE is IG 5, the 1.4 SE IG 7.
The Alfa GT is IG 28 (1.8TS Cloverleaf)
Most cars over 1.4 will be expensive to insure.
The Ford Puma 1.4 which has been mentioned previously is IG 19!
I presume because it's a coupe and slightly sporty.
I've never see insurance groups have any relevance to quotes this side of 1999 though.Just to compare, a Polo 1.2 SE is IG 5, the 1.4 SE IG 7.
The Alfa GT is IG 28 (1.8TS Cloverleaf)
Most cars over 1.4 will be expensive to insure.
The Ford Puma 1.4 which has been mentioned previously is IG 19!
I presume because it's a coupe and slightly sporty.
It's often a balance of statistical risks, so a 3.0 V6 Jag can be a fraction of the price of a 1.1 Saxo to insure for a 17 year old.
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