Insurance friendly car for tall young male driver
Discussion
I am in the market for a second hand car (banger budget, £3k), for a new driver who has just passed his test at 22 years old. But the usual reliable cheap insurance stuff like Micras isn't much use to him as he's 6'3". He has tried a few superminis and just can't get a comfortable driving position.
So does anyone of this height (I'm an average 5'9" so never have a problem myself) know of any cars, maybe of a larger Focus type size, which accommodate tall drivers comfortably, both legroom to the pedals and headroom, but which still attract low insurance premiums for new male drivers? Reliability is the next biggest consideration after accommodation. Sadly we apparently live in the UK version of Compton and insurance premiums are nasty in our post code, so it's a fairly important aspect.
My initial though was "Vauxhall Astra", but apparently that's a colossal "no" due to the badge. Sigh.
Thanks for any help!
So does anyone of this height (I'm an average 5'9" so never have a problem myself) know of any cars, maybe of a larger Focus type size, which accommodate tall drivers comfortably, both legroom to the pedals and headroom, but which still attract low insurance premiums for new male drivers? Reliability is the next biggest consideration after accommodation. Sadly we apparently live in the UK version of Compton and insurance premiums are nasty in our post code, so it's a fairly important aspect.
My initial though was "Vauxhall Astra", but apparently that's a colossal "no" due to the badge. Sigh.
Thanks for any help!
I'm 6'1 so not quite as tall but owned a VW Lupo for a couple of years as a daily runabout. Quite cleverly designed as the back and boot is tiny, but the space in the front of the car for driver and passenger was normal. Can get a 1.0 version but appreciate they're quote old.
I've had no issues with my 2010 Twingo either, so perhaps that era 1.2 would work or even a GT which has the 1.2 turbo engine with 100bhp. Good fun car.
I've had no issues with my 2010 Twingo either, so perhaps that era 1.2 would work or even a GT which has the 1.2 turbo engine with 100bhp. Good fun car.
6'3" isnt unusually tall, depends on build and torso/leg ratio what's a good fit.
More basic cars, without a centre console to block your knee, can let you sit comfortably with your legs slightly splayed when a car that hems you in may not.
I suggest a tour of a car supermarket etc and just sit in lots of stuff.
More basic cars, without a centre console to block your knee, can let you sit comfortably with your legs slightly splayed when a car that hems you in may not.
I suggest a tour of a car supermarket etc and just sit in lots of stuff.
Thanks for the suggestions, that was fast!
Polo is interesting, I'd assumed they would be too small for him. A friend's son has one so maybe I'll ask if we can have a look around that one.
I do think though, that, given he's going to be driving on motorways fairly regularly (Leicestershire to Edinburgh), I'd rather he's in something a bit bigger, Astra/Focus sized. Where is the sweet spot in that category of car regarding comfort/space/insurance group I wonder?
Polo is interesting, I'd assumed they would be too small for him. A friend's son has one so maybe I'll ask if we can have a look around that one.
I do think though, that, given he's going to be driving on motorways fairly regularly (Leicestershire to Edinburgh), I'd rather he's in something a bit bigger, Astra/Focus sized. Where is the sweet spot in that category of car regarding comfort/space/insurance group I wonder?
My 6' 4" son drives a Mercedes A-class W169 that's approaching 20 years old and you'll easily find them available with your "banger budget".
https://www.auto-data.net/en/mercedes-benz-a-class...
https://www.auto-data.net/en/mercedes-benz-a-class...
InitialDave said:
6'3" isnt unusually tall, depends on build and torso/leg ratio what's a good fit.
This is a good point, I think it's leg length that's the problem with this lad. Even in his learner car (nearly new Clio) he could barley get his legs in the footwell and his knees were up in the instructor's face even with the seat right back.Sometimes I'm very grateful I'm an average sized bloke, the world is designed to fit me.
I bought a 2011 Toyota Avensis last year for £3100 aged 22. Insurance cost me £1200 as a new driver which was about the same as many hatchbacks i was looking. Probably because nobody under 30 is buying a large toyota estate. Plenty of space for me as 6ft tall. Might be worth looking at large saloon/estates as insurance on them can be similar if not less than hatchbacks
What you have their is an over fussy kid.
6 foot 6 and not found anything that I can't get comfortable to drive from the Saloon, hatch or estate market, shredded an aygo for more than a year. Micra is no issue.
Surprisingly though. Bigger engines can be cheaper for new drivers, upto 1.6, for your budget try a 1.6 Focus.
Sounds like a Ford Fusion would suit him, old people love them for the ease of getting in and out.
6 foot 6 and not found anything that I can't get comfortable to drive from the Saloon, hatch or estate market, shredded an aygo for more than a year. Micra is no issue.
Surprisingly though. Bigger engines can be cheaper for new drivers, upto 1.6, for your budget try a 1.6 Focus.
Sounds like a Ford Fusion would suit him, old people love them for the ease of getting in and out.
Recently got both my daughters into BMW 116i’s. They are remarkably cheap on insurance (cheaper than Fiestas and Clio’s) for them at 19 & 22 respectively with a couple of years driving. Worth checking for your son. They are a decent size with plenty of seat adjustment. You might get a leggy F20 2nd gen for your budget. Ours were both just over £4k with 70k miles on them.
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