Sons First Car - Corsa or Fiesta?

[Scrubs]

He's 17 and on his provisonal just now. Getting regular lessons and I am taking him out in the Arnold Clark duel control car every week or so but would be easier just buying him a car now so we can take it out whenever.

He likes the Corsa and the Fiesta. Looking to spend around 5K max. Don't know much about either of the models these days tbh. Insurance seems a tad less with the Fiesta for some reason once he has passed. Prefer a petrol as well. Thoughts on what's more reliable or/and a better drive?

[Burgerbob]

My personal preference is the fiesta. But if you are buying for your son, I'd suggest find a garage that has both on stock in the right price bracket and let him choose.

[ambuletz]

the fiesta has always been the better car. if you want to know what theyre both like there are plenty of reviews online. check out the carwow and carbuyer reviews of the fiesta and corsa on youtube.

additional note. you might want to look around here for the thread about the 1,0 ecoboost found in the fiesta.

Edited by ambuletz on Friday 26th November 19:26

[Canon_Fodder]

Fiesta all day long in terms of the better drive.

I like these

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111199...

[bearman68]

Fiesta

[ZX10R NIN]

The Fiesta is the better car but you'll get a newer Corsa, I'd also say take a look at the DS3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157...

208 Ice Velvet

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109267...

Mazda 2 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111159...

All normally come back with sensible numbers insurance wise.

[ChrisH72]

As a fiesta owner I’m a bit biased and would say it’s an excellent choice.

I have no idea on insurance costs for a 17 year old but I’d imagine something like a Zetec S to be a bit pricey? If not then the 1.6 petrol is a good shout and has enough power for sensible fun. There are even a couple of special editions like the Metal or S1600 which are worth seeking out. They were slightly tweaked to 133bhp.

If you were wanting something more sedate then a 1.2 Zetec is fine. It’ll still handle well.

I do quite like the Corsa and can see why they’re popular with youngsters. Good value and also there were a few models which were all show and no go with big alloys and body kit paired to an 80bhp 1.2 petrol.

Either way I’d be looking at 3dr as both look a lot better and less like a shopping trolley.

[Scrubs]

Cheers for the replies and advice folks. Will take all the info into consideration.

[LightningBlue]

Why narrow choices to Fiesta or Corsa? What about Renault Clio, Kia Rio, Peugeot 208, Seat Ibiza etc? Nothing wrong with looking in the segment above as well. You can even get things like Honda CRZ for that money, they drive very nicely and are built well. Limiting to two very standard choices is pointless when equally good alternatives are available.

Edited by LightningBlue on Friday 26th November 22:26

[duckson]

My son has passed his theory and has his practical in late Jan, I’m personally looking at either Mazda2 or Yaris.
Insurance wise it depends how much you want to spend but the 1.3 Mazda2 and 1.0 Yaris were most reasonable, 1.5 Mazda Sport was quite a bit more for example.

I’ve mainly been using Direct Line for quotes as they have a Driveplus app you just need to load on your phone and you’ll end a getting a circa £400/500 discount on quotes. Also DL quotes for me tend to be cheaper than running anything through Go Compare or similar.

[CG2020UK]

Sister had Fiesta and Fiancée had Corsa.

Definitely Fiesta better car.

Fiancée agrees lol.

Cannonfodders Zetec S looks great

[LosingGrip]

I had a Corsa a few years ago. It wasn’t actually a bad car. I got no enjoyment out of it (it was to cut down on fuel costs mainly). My most reliable car I’ve owned.

Cheap to insure (for me) and run.

Also held up well when getting t-boned by a van!

I’ve only driven a Fiesta ST for a test drive so can’t comment on what a normal Fiesta is like.