Page 1 of Buying my first car...what to get?

Hi folks,

I`ve just passed my theory and hazard perception test and am doing an intensive driving course next month to finally get a licence and I need some advice on what my first car should be.

I know absolutely nothing about them and am not really interested in flashy speedsters - I`m 33 and just want something with four wheels that`s easy to drive and that can take me to the supermarket, down to the coast or out to the country for a long weekend. I live in London but don`t intend to be driving through the centre of the city.

Budget would be around £5K (second hand of course) so what do you reckon? The wife likes the look of the new Mini Cooper but there`s no way we`d get one for £5K is there?

Any advice much appreciated. :)

How about a four year old Focus. You may be able to get a high mileage model Zetec 1.8 for that price.
Great wee car and reliable/safe as well .

Just a thought mate :)

Choagy FFCUK The SPL :)

Have a butchers at autotrader.co.uk to see what you can get for your money.

You`re prolly looking at a small car - Fiesta, Polo, that kind of thing because insurance (esp in London) is going to be a wee bit costly.

How about that for a bit of vague advice :)

Edit: Yeah, Focus is good choice.

This item was edited on Tuesday, 19th September 2006, 20:51

I would avoid Fiats as they are expensive to repair when things start going wrong with them . I would agree with the Ford Focus Zetec- nice practical car that is fun to drive.


I like Golf TDIs


MINI Coopers Here


Personally - I think the new MINI cooper is over priced for what it is. - Bit feminine too imo :¦ . I wouldn`t say NO tho :).

This item was edited on Tuesday, 19th September 2006, 21:37

Can recommend a Fiesta too, the new model is suprisingly roomy, comes with ABS and a CD player as standard, most have Air Con.

Sarah managed to get a limited edition Fiesta Black about 2 years ago, it is pretty much the same as the Zetec but has black leather seats and larger alloys.

Insurance is not bad on it either, it is a 1.4 16 valve and was cheaper to insure than her older 1.2 8 valve base model Clio. It goes suprisingly well for a 1.4, very good on fuel too.

She is insured with Norwich Union Direct, they do a scheme to boost you no claims discount, your insurance is over 10 months instead of 12 but they still give you 1 years NCD at the end of every 10 months

All the best

Gerald.

How about this.

or This

and also this

The Jackal

This item was edited on Wednesday, 20th September 2006, 10:16

Glad to see I`m not the only one learning late (test next week, a couple of days before my 30th), not sure what to get either, but it needs to have a big enough boot for Ellis` pushchair and carrycot, so really looking at the Picasso/Meriva/Note type models.



My Photos

Still Grinning ;) - Ellis Rose born on 24/08/06

Since you are 33, and depending on your circumstances you may be OK, but its wise to allocate at least a 1/4 of your budget for insurance. Its, basically, a f***ing rip off.

I was having a similar discussion with a lad in our office. Hes 23, lives at home and has just passed his test. Naturally, he had seen an impreza in the paper for 4 grand. The look on his face when he did the autotrader quote-a-tron was priceless.

Anyway, for a new driver, I would suggest getting an old run around. Doesnt really matter if you prang it, the parts wont cost too much, insurance wont be too high and if you dont get on with driving, you havent spent a lot. There are dozens of old style fiestas, 70-80k on the clock, 6 or 7 years old for about 1500 quid kicking around. Same with old 106s, corsas, KAs, Escorts....you know the sort I mean.

IMHO, for your first motor, there is no point in spending the full 5 grand on it. Get something that will tide you over until you get your first years no-claims under your belt and go from there.

Its not the most exciting advice ever, but it stood me in good stead. I reversed my first car into a bollard in a supermarket....

Pretty much agree with nick - plus, being in London, you`ll likely get some scrote trying to nick it every other week. Not much point having a flash car when everyone is trying to drive into you.

My first car was a Vauxhall Nova in silver and rust, £75 and will-they-won`t-they brakes :D

I would avoid high milage at any cost. If you go to Exchange & mart, motors you can search with say, less than 20,000 miles. Try different makes & models, Vauxhall, Ford, Honda, Citreon (good cars but can be bought cheap) & so on. All the best with your search.

Todays The Day. Tomorrow can wait...