best 2nd car

[VS02]

Hi,

I’m 19 and have owned a 1.0 60bhp Polo for 2 and a half years now. It’s been good , with insurance a ridiculously low figure for someone my age (£660 no black box this year, no fronting, and £850 nbb last year), its delivered crazy mpg, never gone wrong and I think it looks pretty good for a small car too.

However as I’ve grown up a bit now and started using the car a lot harder than just town jaunts while I was a learner, I think I might be outgrowing it a bit.
It’s far too slow for anything other than town journeys (0-60 in 16 seconds), has no creature comforts to speak of (no central locking, armrest, cruise, a/c or anything).
And its awful on the motorway due to ticking over at nearly 4,000rpm at 70, and with no road manners to speak of. I ended up taking my mate’s 1.25 Fiesta to Liverpool and back, and that was very composed at high speeds.


I’m at uni now, so have barely used my car, and have been working as a delivery driver to survive and save up for my next machine. I’m transferring universities next year (either to Sheffield or coming back to London to study at Kings) so I will be making use of my car more. Driving a ford transit custom and using new Sprinters at my last job with all the gizmos has made me almost feel like those are a must in my next car too. Living near London and doing motorway jaunts every single day has also made me want an automatic, I don’t feel like a car enthusiast anymore for saying that, but its true.


Anyway enough waffle, here are my criteria


£12-18k including insurance (Trade in my old car+ savings cash or finance - yes this budget is doable for me as I work a lot and dont spend)
Automatic
Must not be horrific to insure for an under 21 So no Golf R’s etc
Fast enough to make me smile (remember my current car takes 16 seconds )
All the creature comforts
Would be interested in something left field but not something too out of the box for my criteria like an Infiniti or Volvo
Should be able to be comfortable to take on a long trip. I’m hoping to go on a driving holiday this summer once I’ve finished my university exams.

I had these cars on my mind.

Fun choices:
Vw golf GTI Mk7 dsg
Mini Cooper S F56
Toyota GT-86 auto (sacrilege?)
Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG ( insurer will probably laugh at me down the phone )

Predictable choices:

BMW 120i/220i/320i/420i LCI (b48 remap potential, insurance allowing)

Boring sensible choices:
VW Golf mk7.5 1.4
Mercedes W177 premium (out of my budget)

I don’t know how much a lot of these cars will cost to insure. But the BMW 120i and 220i came at a smidge above a 1000. The Mercedes A class , and the golf 1.4 were both affordable to insure. They both cost less than a thousand to insure.

I nearly bought a Golf 7.5 last year, but I decided to hold it for another year. It just seemed to be a decent car, nothing special though (it’s a golf)

I have tunnel vision on these cars, so anyone care to give me some left field choices?

Had a drink so this might all be worded all confusing

Thanks

Edited by VS02 on Monday 7th March 21:59

[georgeyboy12345]

How much is insurance for a mk7 Golf GTI? Have you had a quote?

[M.F.D]

Out of interest, why are you limiting to auto only? I assume your current Polo is a manual?

Out of the options listed, the Cupra would be my recommendation. Really good cars. I would be interested to see the difference between insurance for the Golf and the Leon, you might be surprised. There are far more factors to insurance than the power it produces.

[VS02]

georgeyboy12345 said:

How much is insurance for a mk7 Golf GTI? Have you had a quote?

Not had a quote. I’ll have a look later and report back

[VS02]

M.F.D said:

Out of interest, why are you limiting to auto only? I assume your current Polo is a manual?

Out of the options listed, the Cupra would be my recommendation. Really good cars. I would be interested to see the difference between insurance for the Golf and the Leon, you might be surprised. There are far more factors to insurance than the power it produces.

Yes, my current Polo is a 5 speed manual.

Auto only at the insistence of my parents, who both now drive solely auto and don’t want to go back. We share cars regularly. I don’t really have a problem with a manual - especially in something like a Cooper S or a GT-86. The only time I wish I was in a auto is in gridlocked traffic - living between London and Sheffield city centre, this is a lot of the time

[LightningBlue]

If you’re thinking Golfs how about a Scirocco or a TT DSG? Might have to be the Bluemotion 180bhp Scirocco but worth checking insurance for the full fat 2.0TSI

[cerb4.5lee]

I was very happy in the F56 manual(you can get them with an auto too) Cooper S that I had for 3.5 years. So I'd happily recommend them.

I've always liked the GT86, but I think that I'd miss the shove of a turbo engine in one of those.

[eleveneleven]

Plenty of great cars with that budget but i'd get some quotes first so you know roughly where you stand.

Anything over 150BHP with a turbo should be enough to keep you entertained coming from a Polo.

Personally I would avoid the usual suspects, The left field choices will definitely be better as insurance car quotes are not solely based on engine size/performance. It has more to do with crash & theft statistics.

There are fast cars out there that get mostly overlooked by boy racers so premiums should be reasonable

Honda Civic (1.5 Turbo 180BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

Octavia VRS - A golf GTI in a more practical package. (217BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112160...

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio (240BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...

Astra SRI Turbo (200 BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112090...

Hyundai Veloster Turbo (185BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202192...

[VS02]

LightningBlue said:

If you’re thinking Golfs how about a Scirocco or a TT DSG? Might have to be the Bluemotion 180bhp Scirocco but worth checking insurance for the full fat 2.0TSI

I had a look at the TT and wow! I did not expect to be able to get the current gen TT for around £16k! In my eyes they look fantastic, definitely lost the girly look of the generation before it. Even the 306bhp TTS can be had for 20k, shame as that would probably cost too much for me to insure. The interior still looks space age with the bucket seats.


Scirocco is a little too old for me, as I know it is based on the Mk5 golf. I’d like something newer than at least 2014, ideally as my Polo is a 2016 i would like something newer than that but I know beggars can’t be choosers with all the cars on my list

[VS02]

eleveneleven said:

Plenty of great cars with that budget but i'd get some quotes first so you know roughly where you stand.

Anything over 150BHP with a turbo should be enough to keep you entertained coming from a Polo.

Personally I would avoid the usual suspects, The left field choices will definitely be better as insurance car quotes are not solely based on engine size/performance. It has more to do with crash & theft statistics.

There are fast cars out there that get mostly overlooked by boy racers so premiums should be reasonable

Honda Civic (1.5 Turbo 180BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

Octavia VRS - A golf GTI in a more practical package. (217BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112160...

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio (240BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...

Astra SRI Turbo (200 BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112090...

Hyundai Veloster Turbo (185BHP)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202192...

I definitely like the Civics, last year I was seriously considering one of those against a VW Golf. I have yet to drive one though, so I’ll await judgement for that.

I like the Skoda too, but I would buy one in estate form, I think they look especially good as an estate.

The other three I am not that keen on, but they are sensible choices. My main priorities are 1) driving enjoyment 2) comfort for four people 3) pace

[Boringvolvodriver]

The Alfa in the QV form May be high on the insurance - I can recommend the 170 TCT having had one as a company car for a couple of years - shame They wouldn’t let me but it from them when I left the company.

Also have a look at the Ibiza FR in auto format - step son has one and whilst appears down on power, it is very entertaining to drive and will feel a lot quicker than your existing car.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say keep it to warm hatches & your insurance should be reasonable with all the modern infotainment as well as looking smart.

So my first pick is the Megane GT Nav they're hard to find but well worth a look:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202142...

Q30 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202182...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201311...

[CG2020UK]

Insurance is a minefield.

I had my fiancée insured on my Golf GTI Mk7 as soon as she passed her test with the remap declared. The collision avoidance scanner and the lack of young people writing them off mean it isn’t too bad.

Her Peugeot 208GTI was something like £1000~ a year when she was still in her first year while the 70bhp Corsa was £1750~.

Found the Golf R and Cupra really not that much higher than the GTI. Fiesta STs and Corsa VXRs would be higher on insurance.

I find BMWs would be a lot higher than hot hatches. Obviously RWD and the people they attract would mean they wouldn’t be to great statistically.

I use compare the market and just stick in a number plate of a car I fancy to see.

[Regbuser]

Merc 218 350

[VS02]

A bit of an alternative view point, a family member suggested the idea of an EV. My family owns PHEV’s and Atkinson cycle hybrid vehicles, so the idea of a battery electric vehicle is appealing. However the only cars with a half decent range in my budget are the Corsa-e and the Renault Zoe. My employer hands out Corsa-e company vehicles, and they don’t seem that bad . Is getting an Ev at this price point worth it? I was already told to stay away from leasing before by PH at my age so this leaves only the e-208, Corsa-e, and Renault Zoe. I was thinking maybe 250nm torque delivered instantaneously in a little car might be fun?

[M.F.D]

VS02 said:

A bit of an alternative view point, a family member suggested the idea of an EV. My family owns PHEV’s and Atkinson cycle hybrid vehicles, so the idea of a battery electric vehicle is appealing. However the only cars with a half decent range in my budget are the Corsa-e and the Renault Zoe. My employer hands out Corsa-e company vehicles, and they don’t seem that bad . Is getting an Ev at this price point worth it? I was already told to stay away from leasing before by PH at my age so this leaves only the e-208, Corsa-e, and Renault Zoe. I was thinking maybe 250nm torque delivered instantaneously in a little car might be fun?

You've went from looking at hot hatches to EV's.

Not had first hand experience of either EV you are referring to, but sounds pretty grim compared to what you were looking at initially.

[Sofa]

If you're paying for everything yourself, then sack off the auto and just buy a manual? Might upset your parents but it'll be your money at the end of the day... and if they're really that invested then I very much doubt they'll be contributing to a Cooper S or a GT86.

That said- and I cannot emphasise this enough as a 23 year old if you're still a student and you're looking at spending that much money on a car I'd strongly advise you put it in savings. If it's something you've always dreamt of then fair enough (I've just spent £10k on a potentially ropey 125i, a car I've wanted for the last 2 years and ticks boxes I've had since I was 16, so I'm not against spending money on cars), but the fact you're having to ask here for advice on how to spend £12-18k of your money as a student means it probably won't be worth it...


Ignoring all that...

You could probably quite happily drop down to an F56 Cooper. I've driven it in auto (7spd DCT) form and it's punchy enough (put it this way, I've done about 700 miles in the outside lane of the M5 in them and never really been troubled) particularly coming from your Polo. I'd also heartily recommend any of eleveneleven's suggestions- the Alfa Giulietta is a really desirable car, particularly in Cloverleaf form, a good friend absolutely loves his Civic of that gen, another is very fond of his very similar Astra, and I've never heard bad things about the Veloster or Octavia. ZX10R NIN's suggestions, are, as always very insightful too.

And to be honest, I've never understood the whole idea of wanting an auto because you do long motorway journeys. You blast it up the sliproad, rowing through the gears, and then leave it in 6th surely? Traffic excluded, but you're a student so you're not exactly going to be hitting rush hour every day!

Edited by Sofa on Saturday 12th March 03:20

[VS02]

M.F.D said:

VS02 said:

A bit of an alternative view point, a family member suggested the idea of an EV. My family owns PHEV’s and Atkinson cycle hybrid vehicles, so the idea of a battery electric vehicle is appealing. However the only cars with a half decent range in my budget are the Corsa-e and the Renault Zoe. My employer hands out Corsa-e company vehicles, and they don’t seem that bad . Is getting an Ev at this price point worth it? I was already told to stay away from leasing before by PH at my age so this leaves only the e-208, Corsa-e, and Renault Zoe. I was thinking maybe 250nm torque delivered instantaneously in a little car might be fun?

You've went from looking at hot hatches to EV's.

Not had first hand experience of either EV you are referring to, but sounds pretty grim compared to what you were looking at initially.

It’s more parent pressure, because they own the car I am trading in. I’m sure I can persuade them otherwise, of course I’d rather drive a GT-86 than a Vauxhall corsa ev.

[VS02]

Sofa said:

If you're paying for everything yourself, then sack off the auto and just buy a manual? Might upset your parents but it'll be your money at the end of the day... and if they're really that invested then I very much doubt they'll be contributing to a Cooper S or a GT86.

That said- and I cannot emphasise this enough as a 23 year old if you're still a student and you're looking at spending that much money on a car I'd strongly advise you put it in savings. If it's something you've always dreamt of then fair enough (I've just spent £10k on a potentially ropey 125i, a car I've wanted for the last 2 years and ticks boxes I've had since I was 16, so I'm not against spending money on cars), but the fact you're having to ask here for advice on how to spend £12-18k of your money as a student means it probably won't be worth it...


Ignoring all that...

You could probably quite happily drop down to an F56 Cooper. I've driven it in auto (7spd DCT) form and it's punchy enough (put it this way, I've done about 700 miles in the outside lane of the M5 in them and never really been troubled) particularly coming from your Polo. I'd also heartily recommend any of eleveneleven's suggestions- the Alfa Giulietta is a really desirable car, particularly in Cloverleaf form, a good friend absolutely loves his Civic of that gen, another is very fond of his very similar Astra, and I've never heard bad things about the Veloster or Octavia. ZX10R NIN's suggestions, are, as always very insightful too.

And to be honest, I've never understood the whole idea of wanting an auto because you do long motorway journeys. You blast it up the sliproad, rowing through the gears, and then leave it in 6th surely? Traffic excluded, but you're a student so you're not exactly going to be hitting rush hour every day!

Edited by Sofa on Saturday 12th March 03:20

That’s very true, thank you for your input. Yes I have seen a couple of F56 cooper 1.5’s, they do make a nice noise too (going off the 118i) and a lot on the market with lots of options. I know they are different classes, but have you driven a Mk7 Golf tsi by any chance? How would you compare the two?

[TameRacingDriver]

Pretty sure they do an MX5 auto if you don't need back seats.