How realsitic is a Hillman Imp as a first car?
Discussion
Here is a classic car young enthusiasts policy: https://www.footmanjames.co.uk/news/classic-car-in...
In terms of how much it will cost, ask them!
In terms of how much it will cost, ask them!
What odd replies!
A classic car can be a superb first car, particularly so if you want to learn how things work and are happy to get your hands dirty. You will build a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable for the rest of your motoring career.
Insurance at 17 today will be expensive regardless of the car; think 2-3k or more.
A classic car can be a superb first car, particularly so if you want to learn how things work and are happy to get your hands dirty. You will build a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable for the rest of your motoring career.
Insurance at 17 today will be expensive regardless of the car; think 2-3k or more.
I know that you're a teenager which means you think yourself not only the best driver in the world but also invincible, but it's worth bearing in mind that a Hillman Imp is probably about as safe as a motorbike. That means you and your youthful compadres will be at the mercy of your own driving and that of other road users.
Looking back on the way I used to drive as a teenager, I can see why parents want their kids in the safest, newest and most unimaginative first car going.
Looking back on the way I used to drive as a teenager, I can see why parents want their kids in the safest, newest and most unimaginative first car going.
I hope you are handy with your hands and are not going to worry if you don't actually get where you are heading to!
A 50+ old car is not anywhere near as reliable as a 10yo fiesta - if you are trying to insure it as your main car then most classic insurance companies either won't insure it or charge as much as the more modern fiesta, I think the days are gone when you could beat the system, also classic insurance usually doesn't have a NCB so it won't help you later either.
A 50+ old car is not anywhere near as reliable as a 10yo fiesta - if you are trying to insure it as your main car then most classic insurance companies either won't insure it or charge as much as the more modern fiesta, I think the days are gone when you could beat the system, also classic insurance usually doesn't have a NCB so it won't help you later either.
classicaholic said:
I hope you are handy with your hands and are not going to worry if you don't actually get where you are heading to!
A 50+ old car is not anywhere near as reliable as a 10yo fiesta - if you are trying to insure it as your main car then most classic insurance companies either won't insure it or charge as much as the more modern fiesta, I think the days are gone when you could beat the system, also classic insurance usually doesn't have a NCB so it won't help you later either.
You can get classic insurance on your only car much more cheaply than a modern car (though perhaps not if under 21). A 50+ old car is not anywhere near as reliable as a 10yo fiesta - if you are trying to insure it as your main car then most classic insurance companies either won't insure it or charge as much as the more modern fiesta, I think the days are gone when you could beat the system, also classic insurance usually doesn't have a NCB so it won't help you later either.
Go for it! I had a Triumph Herald convertible as my first car in the late 90s: it was ancient by then. Really good fun and much more character than a modern. I even used mine to get to and from University in Scotland, 400 miles away. You'll have to enjoy tinkering though. If you do and you accept the safety limitations then it's a good choice.
Dr G said:
A classic car can be a superb first car, particularly so if you want to learn how things work and are happy to get your hands dirty. You will build a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable for the rest of your motoring career.
Insurance at 17 today will be expensive regardless of the car; think 2-3k or more.
This. ^^^Insurance at 17 today will be expensive regardless of the car; think 2-3k or more.
I cut my teeth doing head gaskets by the side of the road and doughnuts etc
As above you will learn a lot about routine maintenance and some bygone things like points and carbs etc etc..
Been looking into cars for my 17yo son for when he passes his test. Cheapest I could find was a 1.6 petrol Focus at £1200. Anything old was at least twice the price including my first car, a rattley, rusty Talbot Horizon 1.3 GL which came in at roughy £3k. It was s
te 30 years ago, I’d take a modern any day.
te 30 years ago, I’d take a modern any day. I'd say go for it, you only live once 
But bear in mind-
you need to be able to fix stuff yourself otherwise it will get expensive, fast
you probably will have an accident in the first year or so of driving, so try not to make it a big one
see if you can actually get insured on it, ins companies can be funny about rear wheel drive cars and young drivers
But bear in mind-
you need to be able to fix stuff yourself otherwise it will get expensive, fast
you probably will have an accident in the first year or so of driving, so try not to make it a big one
see if you can actually get insured on it, ins companies can be funny about rear wheel drive cars and young drivers
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