A decent first car?

[ashylolz]

Hi guys (and gals), I'm getting to the stage where i should start thinking about what car I should pick as my first one. I understand that this car will likely get bumped and scratched along the way, however I would like something enjoyable that also sounds good and looks good. I'd also prefer it to be manual and petrol. I'm a fan of classic cars (race and road), but not a fan of the older safety features so I was wondering if there are any suggestions which may tick all the criteria. I'm just brainstorming ideas at the moment so cost isn't an issue right now (although nothing too unrealistic). Thank you!

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

ashylolz said:

understand that this car will likely get bumped and scratched along the way,

Why would you think like that?

I guess your first car will be decided by insurance premiums.

[ashylolz]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Why would you think like that?

Haven't always thought like that, but from what people have told me that seems to be the general consensus and should be something I bear in mind when selecting my first vehicle.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

ashylolz said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Why would you think like that?

Haven't always thought like that, but from what people have told me that seems to be the general consensus and should be something I bear in mind when selecting my first vehicle.

they obviously think you are going to be a duffer!

[ashylolz]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

they obviously think you are going to be a duffer!

Well judging by my first attempt at go karting a few years back, I can’t really blame them although I feel like I’ve improved since then though since I’ve gotten into simulation racing.

[Jim AK]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

I guess your first car will be decided by insurance premiums.

^^This^^

And it should be small & probably Japanese.

Forget looking & sounding good too. Get some experience & NCB on something like the above then buy your `classic`

I`m told it`s sometimes hard to get cover on a classic if you`re young too.

[ashylolz]

Jim AK said:

Forget looking & sounding good too.

Ah, seems I should have set my priorities straight. I feel as though I may have gotten ahead of myself there.

[Valgar]

Is there an insurance cost limit? This is normally a limiting factor, normally prices for a Micra would start at around £1000, anything above that and it quickly gets silly.

A budget for the car?

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Why would you think like that?

I guess your first car will be decided by insurance premiums.

Statistically speaking 1 in 4 inexperienced younger drivers are involved in an accident in the first two years, and that's just declared ones

[sparks_E39]

A Mercedes 190e would be cheap to insure. The 2.0 can be had for £1500iah for a decent one.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

What's your budget?

[ashylolz]

Valgar said:

A budget for the car?

If all goes well, I should be able to spend about £7500 although I’d rather keep below that. Insurance preferably <£3700.

Edited by ashylolz on Thursday 15th February 19:47

Edited by ashylolz on Thursday 15th February 19:52

[Valgar]

Suzuki Swift Sport might be insurable?

306 GTi-6, future classic

Edited by Valgar on Thursday 15th February 20:00

[ashylolz]

sparks_E39 said:

A Mercedes 190e would be cheap to insure. The 2.0 can be had for £1500iah for a decent one.

I’ve had a look at the Mercedes 190E and I’m a fan of the styling. I’ve heard the 2.0s are rather underpowered and sluggish though.

[ashylolz]

Valgar said:

Suzuki Swift Sport might be insurable?

306 GTi-6, future classic

Edited by Valgar on Thursday 15th February 20:00

Both those cars seem like good options. I was looking at 205 GTIs but the 306 certainly seems like the more sensible option.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

How old are you? £7500 is a healthy budget, but insurance will be a big factor. Even in very mundane wheels first cars for 17 year olds can easily be £2-3000 P/Y. Are you eligible for classic car insurance at your age?

[ZX10R NIN]

The Grande Punto T Jet has a nice mix of new safety features as well as an old school turbo delivery & they also have the added bonus of being insurance friendly.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Punto Evo T Jet

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or the Alfa Mito that comes in 105/120/140/155/170bhp forms:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Twingo RS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The above are insurance friendly but obviously get some quotes.

[sparks_E39]

ashylolz said:

I’ve had a look at the Mercedes 190E and I’m a fan of the styling. I’ve heard the 2.0s are rather underpowered and sluggish though.

Not so, I’ve driven one. They aren’t underpowered at all, although they encourage gentle driving. 0-60 is about 10 seconds and they can easily keep up with traffic.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

sparks_E39 said:

ashylolz said:

I’ve had a look at the Mercedes 190E and I’m a fan of the styling. I’ve heard the 2.0s are rather underpowered and sluggish though.

Not so, I’ve driven one. They aren’t underpowered at all, although they encourage gentle driving. 0-60 is about 10 seconds and they can easily keep up with traffic.

If a classic policy is possible then you could do a lot worse than a mid 80's Merc. Superbly engineered, and you don't need to worry about safety in them, you could drive over a land mine in them.

[ashylolz]

Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:

How old are you? £7500 is a healthy budget, but insurance will be a big factor. Even in very mundane wheels first cars for 17 year olds can easily be £2-3000 P/Y. Are you eligible for classic car insurance at your age?

I’ll be 17 soon and unfortunately there aren’t many companies offering classic car insurance until you’re 21.

[ashylolz]

ZX10R NIN said:

The above are insurance friendly but obviously get some quotes.

That Mito Cloverleaf looks quite tidy. The Fiat and Renaults look like sensible options as well. Appreciate the links!