Best car for me - sub £10k budget

[06blawton]

Hi there

In a couple of months or so, I'll be looking to get a new motor and I'm looking for a bit of advice.

Here's a little about me:

- At the time of buying the new car I'll be 19 with just over a years NCB
- I currently have a 1.25 2007 ford fiesta - while I've formed a decent bond with the old gal', I'm looking for something just a little bit more thrilling and that's a much better motorway car (the fiesta is terrible)
- I have a budget of £10k
- Insurance must be at least reasonable
- Practicality isn't a huge issue really, as long as I can fit myself and the odd bag or two I'm happy
- Something which is a good daily drive but also decent fun on the backroads is ideal
- Not really keen on the idea of a diesel - not a worthy trade off

• If money was no object, an M3 would be the perfect matchup .. however sadly at this moment in time money is very much an object *

Cheers!

[R1gtr]

Most people will suggest Integras, Civic Type-R, Astra Vxr, Focus ST, Renault Sports, BMW 330s, Nissan 350z etc.

But at your age Insurance will be a contributing factor so I would suggest a Suzuki Swift Sport, you could get nice older version for 5k with money for insurance left over.

Save the rest for when you have a couple more years NCB, the Swift will be perfect for a few years fun Motoring.

[Eski1991]

A TVR on a classic policy (If you can find one available for younger drivers).

[NadiR]

R1gtr said:

Most people will suggest Integras, Civic Type-R, Astra Vxr, Focus ST, Renault Sports, BMW 330s, Nissan 350z etc.

But at your age Insurance will be a contributing factor so I would suggest a Suzuki Swift Sport, you could get nice older version for 5k with money for insurance left over.

Save the rest for when you have a couple more years NCB, the Swift will be perfect for a few years fun Motoring.

This man talks sense, the Swift Sport is a great shout. Have a look at the Twingo 133 as well, 6k will get you a low mileage 4 year old example of both cars, while your whole budget will get you a year old example, and with both being in a relatively low insurance groups, group 8 and 9 respectively, they should prove to be a heck of a lot cheaper to insure with then the Type-R's, RS's, VXR's and ST's.

[JackP1]

I have had a fiesta ST since 20 ( 2 year driving 2 yr ncb ), even then with the car costing 8k and the insurance at about 1400, that would be about your moneys worth.

Its been a good and still have it now 3.5 years on and 30kmiles extra on the clock, insurance is down to £650 with all mods declared ( about 12 in total )

CTR would be a good shout but insurance would be horrific.

ETA: Read your comment about motorways, better write off the fiesta and the CTR as the gear ratios are awfully bad for long cruises!

[agent006]

Why not halve the budget and use the £5k left over to splash out on the insurance for something more interesting?