First car - what to get?
Discussion
Looking to buy my first car, and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
I'd forget about nav, it will (at the price point you're buying) be outdated, clunky and in every measurable way worse than if you use your phone. London parking is a little tight, but not so much that you can't park without sensors, so I wouldn't be too hung up on that either.
For a first car, I'd say "cheap body repairs" ought to be on your list. The Auto bit is what's going to hurt your pocket, damn shame the girl couldn't pass in a manual, but it it what it is.
Keeping the engine size low, but the practicality high, and the dimensions sensible, I'd say something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023040359...
For a first car, I'd say "cheap body repairs" ought to be on your list. The Auto bit is what's going to hurt your pocket, damn shame the girl couldn't pass in a manual, but it it what it is.
Keeping the engine size low, but the practicality high, and the dimensions sensible, I'd say something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023040359...
Vsix and Vtec said:
I'd forget about nav, it will (at the price point you're buying) be outdated, clunky and in every measurable way worse than if you use your phone. London parking is a little tight, but not so much that you can't park without sensors, so I wouldn't be too hung up on that either.
For a first car, I'd say "cheap body repairs" ought to be on your list. The Auto bit is what's going to hurt your pocket, damn shame the girl couldn't pass in a manual, but it it what it is.
Keeping the engine size low, but the practicality high, and the dimensions sensible, I'd say something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023040359...
Absolutely blows my mind that this tat is worth over £5k. This would have been a £1500 car at best before the pandemic.For a first car, I'd say "cheap body repairs" ought to be on your list. The Auto bit is what's going to hurt your pocket, damn shame the girl couldn't pass in a manual, but it it what it is.
Keeping the engine size low, but the practicality high, and the dimensions sensible, I'd say something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023040359...
mb87 said:
Looking to buy my first car, and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
I think a Golf is a safe (boring?) bet. At the higher of your budget you'd get a really nice mark 7. My mark 7 Golf R has parking aids, i thought they are standard items? Buy a quality steering lock.Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
Don't do what I did and buy a fast ford as a first car. To be fair my mechanic was fond it it.
Now that I'm at the age where children are buying cars I'd go safe and boring like a V40. There's one on the driveway. Less likely to be knicked than a golf and ticks all the same boxes.
Honestly, buy what you want but make sure you know the running costs and not just the purchase price. Or live and learn, that's part of the fun so I'm told.
Now that I'm at the age where children are buying cars I'd go safe and boring like a V40. There's one on the driveway. Less likely to be knicked than a golf and ticks all the same boxes.
Honestly, buy what you want but make sure you know the running costs and not just the purchase price. Or live and learn, that's part of the fun so I'm told.
mb87 said:
Looking to buy my first car, and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
I'd forget the Golf or anything else that has a dual clutch unless it has proof of being properly serviced, my suggestion is boring but it's a great family car especially on longer runs, you'll also get Android Auto/Carplay.Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
Insignia SRI VX Line Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307199...
It's bloody hard to beat & as you can see around 10k will get you a decent one.
They also come in 1.5T petrol form but from what you describe the diesel will work for you & it's also better suited to the car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd forget the Golf or anything else that has a dual clutch unless it has proof of being properly serviced, my suggestion is boring but it's a great family car especially on longer runs, you'll also get Android Auto/Carplay.
Insignia SRI VX Line Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307199...
It's bloody hard to beat & as you can see around 10k will get you a decent one.
They also come in 1.5T petrol form but from what you describe the diesel will work for you & it's also better suited to the car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
Agree. But what's the tyre cost on a Vauxhall SRI? Pick the right one if cost is an issue :-)Insignia SRI VX Line Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307199...
It's bloody hard to beat & as you can see around 10k will get you a decent one.
They also come in 1.5T petrol form but from what you describe the diesel will work for you & it's also better suited to the car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
mb87 said:
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
Do not get one of these - the petrols use the unreliable EA111 engine that likes to snap its timing chain, blow its turbos, coke up, leak oil, drink fuel, consume coil packs, etc, etc. The cars in general also suffer from water ingress into the cabin that can screw up the electrics and cause rust.Under £15,000
Diesel - Rather than the Mk6 Golf, I'd go for a Mk7 - probably something like this Euro 6 GTD with FSH
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306309...
Petrol (well, petrol hybrid actually) - Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVT-h - watch out it's not a clocked ex-taxi - very popular with taxi/private hire drivers as they are cheap to run and reliable. I'd do a VCheck if you decide to buy, just to be safe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
Under £10,000
Diesel - Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi Sportwagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307019...
Petrol - Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305227...
Under £5000
Diesel - Slim pickings for a Euro 6 under £5k, to be honest I wouldn't recommend it - Here's a Vauxhall Insignia 1.6 CDTi with over 200k on the clock
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308040...
Petrol - Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307310...
ZX10R NIN said:
mb87 said:
Looking to buy my first car, and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
I'd forget the Golf or anything else that has a dual clutch unless it has proof of being properly serviced, my suggestion is boring but it's a great family car especially on longer runs, you'll also get Android Auto/Carplay.Live in London so Euro 4 / 6 for petrol / diesel would be helpful.
Car will mainly be used for weekend trips around the UK, and maybe a few longer trips to Europe as we have family and friends over there.
Must be able to carry a bike, ideally inside for security, though could go on a rack occasionally.
Will mainly be just two of us travelling - but space for a couple of friends when needed would be welcome.
Must be automatic as the Girl can't drive 'stick'. Sat nav and parking sensors ideal to have.
Will be parked on the street so can't be a magnet for thieves.
Would like reliable and where repairs / replacements aren't going to cost the world.
Budget - started off at £5k but gradually expanded to £15k. Would rather spend closer to the bottom of this range but would like to know if there is value in spending more? This is not a forever car, just something to get us started.
I'm currently thinking Mk6 Golf in GT spec - around £6k for 100k miles and DSG gearbox. Seems to cover most of the boxes, although no sat nav or parking aids. And some reading I have done suggests the Mk6 is not that reliable?
So...am I on the right track or what else should I consider? Thanks all in advance for any thoughts.
Insignia SRI VX Line Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307199...
It's bloody hard to beat & as you can see around 10k will get you a decent one.
They also come in 1.5T petrol form but from what you describe the diesel will work for you & it's also better suited to the car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308010...
I found them pretty stodgy to drive though and rear visibility was terrible with blind spots . I live on a street of terraced houses where we have on street parking and I hated parking that thing. This might be a consideration if you live in London.
Huge boot , but I’ve since found that I don’t really need a car that big . I ride bikes and have had no problem fitting one into a Golf or Mazda3 , with the rear seats folded down and wheel removed so think any car that size would be fine.
OP should maybe consider the Astra instead if you want value , several examples of which I’ve driven and liked much more than the Insignia.
Of the cars suggested so far I’d look at a third gen Mazda 3 but go with a 2.0 litre petrol not the diesel.
I ran a Golf 7 for two years and 80k miles. Great car to drive but it had its fair share of niggles .
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:18
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:20
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:24
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:27
Alfa Pete said:
I ran a couple as company cars. Very comfortable and you get lots for your money.
I found them pretty stodgy to drive though and rear visibility was terrible with blind spots . I live on a street of terraced houses where we have on street parking and I hated parking that thing. This might be a consideration if you live in London.
Huge boot , but I’ve since found that I don’t really need a car that big . I ride bikes and have had no problem fitting one into a Golf or Mazda3 , with the rear seats folded down and wheel removed so think any car that size would be fine.
OP should maybe consider the Astra instead if you want value , several examples of which I’ve driven and liked much more than the Insignia.
Of the cars suggested so far I’d look at a third gen Mazda 3 but go with a 2.0 litre petrol not the diesel.
I ran a Golf 7 for two years and 80k miles. Great car to drive but it had its fair share of niggles .
I’ve never owned a mazda 3 but did own a 6 that was a rust bucket but otherwise a good car. Good shout. I also cycle and boot size is a consideration. I regret going saloon for the current car. Small details matter.I found them pretty stodgy to drive though and rear visibility was terrible with blind spots . I live on a street of terraced houses where we have on street parking and I hated parking that thing. This might be a consideration if you live in London.
Huge boot , but I’ve since found that I don’t really need a car that big . I ride bikes and have had no problem fitting one into a Golf or Mazda3 , with the rear seats folded down and wheel removed so think any car that size would be fine.
OP should maybe consider the Astra instead if you want value , several examples of which I’ve driven and liked much more than the Insignia.
Of the cars suggested so far I’d look at a third gen Mazda 3 but go with a 2.0 litre petrol not the diesel.
I ran a Golf 7 for two years and 80k miles. Great car to drive but it had its fair share of niggles .
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:18
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:20
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:24
Edited by Alfa Pete on Sunday 6th August 05:27
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