Longtime lurker, new member and an unoriginal first post

[Massivewettie]

Hello all, I've lurked around here for some time but think it's time I joined up as I have a couple of queries...

I'm 23 and am looking at buying my first proper car now I've left uni and have a job. Currently driving round in my mums knackered 1l Seat Arosa as a named driver on her policy.
I have a budget of (ideally) £2k or thereabouts and want a car which is slightly different than the rubbish Astras, Fiestas, hatchback crap that everyone seems to drive around in. Insurance is obviously a consideration so big old cheap barges (is this PH enough?) aren't really an option, but I would like something comfortable.
Have been looking at Saab 93's (the first gen model) + the convertibles and also at the usual MX-5 gubbins (insurance is OK on these - £1.4k)...Looking at petrol as I wouldn't do the mileage to warrant a diesel but it would have to be able to deal well with motorways/long journeys.

Does anyone have any handy suggestions/tips? I don't really fancy travelling more than about 20 miles (live in Birmingham) to see a car so it would have to be reasonably mainstream.

Also, what is the situation regarding test-drives and insurance? As I don't have my own policy I wouldn't be insured if I had a drive in a private sellers car, how can I get around this?

Cheers for your help guys, sorry to post such an unoriginal new thread...

[Massivewettie]

anyone?

[carguy88]

I'm your age and also looking at buying "my" first car. I'll be following this thread with interest! =)

BTW: if you want something mainstream and not too expensive a late 90s hot hatch might be a good choice. Think 306 GTi, Civic VTi, etc

Edited by carguy88 on Thursday 2nd February 22:00

[TNTom]

I had a saab 9-3t convertible at 22, 51 reg. £1500 quid was a nice car, a few toys, heated seats ect. Now got a mx5. really does depends on your own personal style.

[wildman0609]

when i finished uni i got a 6cyl e36. absolutely loved it. wasn't the most sporty of cars but the i6 is so addictive and sounds great. racked up 16000 miles in a year mainly on motor ways and was perfect for it.

now have a civic type r and miss the e36 a lot.

[Darkk]

carguy88 said:

I'm your age and also looking at buying "my" first car. I'll be following this thread with interest! =)

BTW: if you want something mainstream and not too expensive a late 90s hot hatch might be a good choice. Think 306 GTi, Civic VTi, etc

Edited by carguy88 on Thursday 2nd February 22:00

I think you should get a bicycle....

[Massivewettie]

TNTom said:

I had a saab 9-3t convertible at 22, 51 reg. £1500 quid was a nice car, a few toys, heated seats ect. Now got a mx5. really does depends on your own personal style.

How was it for day to day motoring?
The ones in my price range have reasonably high mileage. I don't really fancy getting a car which is going to cost me shed-loads in repair bills etc

[Massivewettie]

does any one know the score with insurance and test drives?

[miniman]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3579540.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3592073.htm

[crofty1984]

Massivewettie said:

does any one know the score with insurance and test drives?

Google "day insurance" It's about £20-£30 a pop.

[TNTom]

Massivewettie said:

How was it for day to day motoring?
The ones in my price range have reasonably high mileage. I don't really fancy getting a car which is going to cost me shed-loads in repair bills etc

didnt have it long as the mpg was pretty poor and i do about 40 miles plus a day to work and back, having the cruise control was always a bonus, all together a nice comfortable car. had 104k when i bought it, did about 2k in 2/3 months. only thing i spent was on fuel. just watch out for the usual over heating ect, take someone along with you who has resonable knowladge on cars ect, and dont be afraid to buy private.

Edited by TNTom on Friday 3rd February 01:54

Edited by TNTom on Friday 3rd February 01:54

[carguy88]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3607637.htm

[sethadbp]

Darkk said:

I think you should get a bicycle....

That's right.

[vrsmxtb]

crofty1984 said:

Google "day insurance" It's about £20-£30 a pop.

Erm, unless you have your own policy that lets you drive other vehicles with consent (usually third party only), or the owner has some kind of trade policy , there won't be a way of legally test driving anything. Only options are day insurance, private land or taking a knowledgeable friend/relative and trust the test drive to them.

ETA: Sorry, attached to wrong quote. Agree with crofty1984!

[Boydie88]

You say rubbish Astras, but take a look at the mk4 Bertone Coupe - and more specifically the SE2 version - very smart interior and Europa Blue - very rewarding colour if kept clean.