Suggestions for a first car!
Discussion
So I recently graduated from uni, got a job and decided i can now afford a car 
so now the dilema of what to buy....
My budget is about 2k (could maybe be persuaded up to 2.5k if its a good deal) I do a fair bit of mountain biking so ideally would want something that I can get a rear mounted bike rack for. As I will be out quite a bit in winter would prefer to avoid rear wheel drives. Another key consideration is fuel economy want something with a stated upper economy of around 50mpg (knowing this will probably return like 38 in real life). I want somethign that is fun to drive but willing to accept it wont be very fast and with mileage of like 60-80k miles on the clock.
I really want a lot for a little so far I have been looking at Mazda 3s and Toyota Celicas (bike racks for these are very expensive
) I know I could probably get a golf mk iv but I think they just look a little to dated these days .......... All suggestions welcomed!
so now the dilema of what to buy....My budget is about 2k (could maybe be persuaded up to 2.5k if its a good deal) I do a fair bit of mountain biking so ideally would want something that I can get a rear mounted bike rack for. As I will be out quite a bit in winter would prefer to avoid rear wheel drives. Another key consideration is fuel economy want something with a stated upper economy of around 50mpg (knowing this will probably return like 38 in real life). I want somethign that is fun to drive but willing to accept it wont be very fast and with mileage of like 60-80k miles on the clock.
I really want a lot for a little so far I have been looking at Mazda 3s and Toyota Celicas (bike racks for these are very expensive
) I know I could probably get a golf mk iv but I think they just look a little to dated these days .......... All suggestions welcomed!Focus tdci.
I paid £2300 for mine with 60k and fsh, near mint condition. You can pick them up for around £1500, but listen for dodgy DMF's and injectors, but I personally don't think these issues are as common as people make out!
I get 40-45mpg mixed, and approx 50-55mpg on a run, also quite good fun to hussle along b-roads!
I paid £2300 for mine with 60k and fsh, near mint condition. You can pick them up for around £1500, but listen for dodgy DMF's and injectors, but I personally don't think these issues are as common as people make out!
I get 40-45mpg mixed, and approx 50-55mpg on a run, also quite good fun to hussle along b-roads!
MattCharlton91 said:
Focus tdci.
I paid £2300 for mine with 60k and fsh, near mint condition. You can pick them up for around £1500, but listen for dodgy DMF's and injectors, but I personally don't think these issues are as common as people make out!
I get 40-45mpg mixed, and approx 50-55mpg on a run, also quite good fun to hussle along b-roads!
I had a Focus TDDi. Although I had loads of problems with it (my own fault, I saw the signs that said run away but didn't) it was good for what I needed. Cheap to run, insurance wasn't too bad at 21/22. I paid £2300 for mine with 60k and fsh, near mint condition. You can pick them up for around £1500, but listen for dodgy DMF's and injectors, but I personally don't think these issues are as common as people make out!
I get 40-45mpg mixed, and approx 50-55mpg on a run, also quite good fun to hussle along b-roads!
I've had a Mk1 Focus 1.6 since I was 18 (I'm 21 now) and in all respects it's been the perfect first car. Cheap on insurance, 40mpg is easily achievable, reliable, relatively spacious (last time I took it away, we managed to fit 2 full sized bikes inside with the front wheels off, plus all other luggage).
Although it's not my first car, I would suggest a K10 Nissan Micra.
I bought it for £300, insurance is peanuts for me and i'm 21. Its economical and nippy. I have also seen one with a bike rack on, however seeing as it's an old car i'm not sure how you would get on finding one that would fit in Halfords or wherever.
I bought it for £300, insurance is peanuts for me and i'm 21. Its economical and nippy. I have also seen one with a bike rack on, however seeing as it's an old car i'm not sure how you would get on finding one that would fit in Halfords or wherever.
You'd be best to find a couple of insurance quotes for different categories of vehicles, eg small/medium sized hatches, coupes, a warm/hot hatch to see what you're dealing with
Oops, just clocked that you have! Can you get sorted out bikewise with a Celica? Might be easier with a Clio 172/182, loads about for £2-2.5k with a bit of haggling
Oops, just clocked that you have! Can you get sorted out bikewise with a Celica? Might be easier with a Clio 172/182, loads about for £2-2.5k with a bit of haggling
Edited by simoid on Wednesday 17th October 22:54
Skoda Fabia 1.4Tdi. Available from £2,000-£2,500
60mpg - we averaged this over 4 years 50k miles. They're insanely economical.
Not horrible to drive. Honestly! They're fine!
Cheap insurance.
Reliable.
Bike goes in the back with the seats down no problem.
Downsides? Image really, and it's by no means fast but then as a first car you want cheap reliable motoring for a couple of years whilst you build no claims bonus.
60mpg - we averaged this over 4 years 50k miles. They're insanely economical.
Not horrible to drive. Honestly! They're fine!
Cheap insurance.
Reliable.
Bike goes in the back with the seats down no problem.
Downsides? Image really, and it's by no means fast but then as a first car you want cheap reliable motoring for a couple of years whilst you build no claims bonus.
My first car was a 1.4 SRI Corsa "Chavtastic I know" I actually still have it sat on the drive way... It did me well on fuel if you didnt drive it like a complete tool can be tastefully modified without looking like a dyer chav. You can get bike racks for these aswell, My friend has the same car and got his bike rack off eBay for £30, Hope this helps.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff