Advice - Ideal first car?

WirelessMonkey · May 14th, 2009, 4:04 PM

Ok so I'm not 17 'till September. However the question is still valid and will interest quite a few people.

As for choices, there are a many. And if I'm honest, I don't like going with the norm. So something like a 1.2 Corsa SXI is just not ticking my boxes. Mostly, I wouldn't mind 1.6 Focus Zetec, as I'm going on my mum's insurance it wont be that much more a month than a Corsa. Plus it's a great car.

Other options? Well i could follow in the footsteps of my brother and get a Punto 1.2 Sporting. Although, if I'm honest, It's like sitting in a rocket propelled paper bag. It may only be a 1.2 but the fact fiat managed to make it from the thinnest metal on earth made it fly, in a scary "this is in no way safe" kind of way. Back to a ford 1.6 unit, there's always the Ford Fiesta Zetec S. Although insurance is a good £25 a month more than the Focus. I'm not looking for something that will go "well fast innit" just something that isn't going to be beaten off the lights buy a toddler on his big wheel. At least with a Focus its a good solid car and will last me a few years.

What do you guys think is a good choice?

Aston Martin · May 14th, 2009, 4:12 PM

Avoid the Punto, it's a dreadful car. Can't go wrong with a Focus.

public · May 14th, 2009, 4:16 PM

I just realised they made a 1st gen Punto Turbo. 1.4 litres, 130hp. Huh.

Posmo · May 14th, 2009, 5:14 PM

An ideal first car should be cheap, reliable and the the driven wheels should be at the rear of the car. Just go on autotrader and look for cheap, well kept motors, but keeping in mind the rear-wheel drive factor.

Also, one more thing to consider is rear wheel drive. If you are using your moms insurance, you might want to look at rear wheel drive cars, since you will almost cerainly crash one when showing off your rally-antics to your friends.

In short, look for something dependable and rugged.

..and rear wheel drive.

Nabster · May 14th, 2009, 5:16 PM

I suppose since you're in the UK my suggestion of something supercharged or with an engine larger than 4 liters so you learn to respect the vehicle won't fly...

Dr_Grip · May 14th, 2009, 5:22 PM

Golf II. 'Nuff said. Handles well, is reliable, parts are dead cheap, you can service it yourself, what more can one want?

Speedtouch · May 14th, 2009, 5:25 PM

The Focus is a great car and all, but its a large car, and with a 1.6 it won't be as good a choice as something like a Fiesta, and even so, I definitely wouldn't go for the 1.6 in that. Also - how much are you looking to spend on insurance? Or is it a case of the parents will be paying for all this.

If that is the case I will be removing myself from the thread, as it simply makes my blood boil. When your parents can't afford something like that themselves, you'll understand why.

Edit: I would also add 1 for a Golf II - forgot about it.

Brother Michael · May 14th, 2009, 5:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posmo

An ideal first car should be cheap, reliable and the the driven wheels should be at the rear of the car. Just go on autotrader and look for cheap, well kept motors, but keeping in mind the rear-wheel drive factor.

Also, one more thing to consider is rear wheel drive. If you are using your moms insurance, you might want to look at rear wheel drive cars, since you will almost cerainly crash one when showing off your rally-antics to your friends.

In short, look for something dependable and rugged.

..and rear wheel drive.

You can hardly notice you've just bought a RWD Sierra. You have handled it so well and been very low profile about the whole thing.

public · May 14th, 2009, 5:43 PM

I think he's trying to tell us something, but I can't quite figure out what it is.

WillDAQ · May 14th, 2009, 5:43 PM

If you can afford anything RWD with two seats, get it!

WirelessMonkey · May 14th, 2009, 5:46 PM

Firstly RWD would mean me buying something that i will pay for twice over every year in insurance. And while on the subject of insurance, yes, i will be paying for it by myself. Focus, after i pass on my mums insurance is anywhere upwards of £100, a Fiesta Zetec S which i really am swaying towards, upwards of £125. Golf mark 2 is so tempting, always loved them. I guess i'd go for a 1.6 Driver or something like that.

WillDAQ · May 14th, 2009, 5:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessMonkey

Firstly RWD would mean me buying something that i will pay for twice over every year in insurance.

This is why I have a Smart Roadster... group 10 insurance, it's the same to insure as your typical Fiesta or Focus... otherwise an acquired taste however.

What sort of budget have you got for the car?

WirelessMonkey · May 14th, 2009, 5:59 PM

£2000ish, if it's something slightly over that i can always knock a few quid off. If it's less than £2K then i get more money to spend on the car images/smilies/smile.gif

public · May 14th, 2009, 6:02 PM

Golf Mk2 sort of makes sense, if you manage to find something that's not been modded and molested by five generations of boyracers. It would stand out from the Ford crowd images/smilies/smile.gif

WirelessMonkey · May 14th, 2009, 6:04 PM

Yep, however i may mod it and molest it. Tastefully of course. It's just Mk2 Golf's seem to be quite rare on Autotrader :/

EDIT: The more mk2's in my reach i look at, the more i think they aren't for me.

v7stiftw · May 14th, 2009, 6:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedtouch

The Focus is a great car and all, but its a large car, and with a 1.6 it won't be as good a choice as something like a Fiesta, and even so, I definitely wouldn't go for the 1.6 in that. Also - how much are you looking to spend on insurance? Or is it a case of the parents will be paying for all this.

If that is the case I will be removing myself from the thread, as it simply makes my blood boil. When your parents can't afford something like that themselves, you'll understand why.

Edit: I would also add 1 for a Golf II - forgot about it.

It's just amazing to me that a Focus is considered a "large" car everywhere besides the US images/smilies/lol.gif

As your first car, hard to say.. Most people here will drive just about anything as long as the price is right.

WillDAQ · May 14th, 2009, 6:21 PM

It really depends how much you "don't like going with the norm". I couldn't buy a hatchback on the simply basis that they're the beige of motoring. I'd rather be stuck at the side of the road in something flamboyant than in something FWD with 4 seats. Obviously the servicing costs of flamboyance are going to be higher so you need to look at cost vs. fun.

Just been on autotrader.co.uk looking, so many unusual options for your £2k:
1) Decent MR2 - A mate has one of these (mk1) and if you can find a good one (and insure it) then you will have fun. (maybe also an MGTF or an MX5)
2) Ford Puma, Vauxhaul Tigra etc. Slightly girly but still more fun than a hatch and more practical than the MR2.
3) 100k mile rep mobile - something like a Passat, Mondeo. Not exactly thrilling but if you're just looking for something better than your mates this could be good.
4) Alfa Romeo 156 - Are you a petrol head? Can you afford the misery?

WirelessMonkey · May 14th, 2009, 6:32 PM

Ive looked at a Puma, way to much insurance. Its 125bhp coupe, insurance hell for a 17 year old. As, unfortunately is any Alfa images/smilies/sad.gif

this makes me very sad because my first choice would be a 156/147 1.6 TS but i cant afford the insurance. images/smilies/sad.gif

Anyway heres quotes i have:

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec - £1,126.65 - monthly cost around £100
Audi A3 1.6 - £1,513.82 Monthly cost around £140
Fiesta Zetec S - £1,380.75 - Monthly cost around £125
Alfa Romeo 147 - £1,419.30 - Monthly cost around £130
Ford Puma - £3,126.20
Mazda MX5 1.6i - £2,738.93

See what i mean about sports cars and being raped for insurance?

avanti · May 14th, 2009, 6:40 PM

get a turbo brick!

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/779/newspoiler0xj.jpg

WirelessMonkey · May 14th, 2009, 6:43 PM

I'll have the wheels. Keep the car.

May 14th, 2009, 4:04 PM	#1
WirelessMonkey Joined: Jul 26th, 2007 Last Online: February 22nd, 2010 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Age: 17 Posts: 764 Car: 2009 Renault Clio GT. LFS Status: Rep Power: 42	Advice - Ideal first car? Ok so I'm not 17 'till September. However the question is still valid and will interest quite a few people. As for choices, there are a many. And if I'm honest, I don't like going with the norm. So something like a 1.2 Corsa SXI is just not ticking my boxes. Mostly, I wouldn't mind 1.6 Focus Zetec, as I'm going on my mum's insurance it wont be that much more a month than a Corsa. Plus it's a great car. Other options? Well i could follow in the footsteps of my brother and get a Punto 1.2 Sporting. Although, if I'm honest, It's like sitting in a rocket propelled paper bag. It may only be a 1.2 but the fact fiat managed to make it from the thinnest metal on earth made it fly, in a scary "this is in no way safe" kind of way. Back to a ford 1.6 unit, there's always the Ford Fiesta Zetec S. Although insurance is a good £25 a month more than the Focus. I'm not looking for something that will go "well fast innit" just something that isn't going to be beaten off the lights buy a toddler on his big wheel. At least with a Focus its a good solid car and will last me a few years. What do you guys think is a good choice? __________________ R888 Tyres are Immoral. The law according to Jezza Twitter Account

May 14th, 2009, 4:12 PM	#2
Aston Martin Wirelees noob Joined: Sep 20th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Hull, England Posts: 2,484 Rep Power: 45	Avoid the Punto, it's a dreadful car. Can't go wrong with a Focus. __________________ Final Gears biggest... and possibly only Panda Fan. "The last really fast car I drove was Ferrari’s 599 GTB Fiorano. Hardly a slouch, the 599 reaches 62mph in 3.7 seconds and 124mph in 11 seconds. But drive the Ferrari 599 past a stationary Veyron at 62mph during its 11 second 124mph sprint and the Bugatti will catch up by the time the Italian reaches 124mph." "I wish it would be Gumball every day." "Anyway, you can push the Veyron into corners up to 30 percent faster than you should and the electronics will always sort you out."

May 14th, 2009, 4:16 PM	#3
public Imaginative Username++ Joined: Nov 26th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Finland Age: 25 Posts: 3,397 Car: 1991 Mazda 323F Rep Power: 323	I just realised they made a 1st gen Punto Turbo. 1.4 litres, 130hp. Huh. __________________

May 14th, 2009, 5:14 PM	#4
Posmo Tata Lover Joined: Oct 5th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Finland Age: 19 Posts: 3,086 Car: 1986 Ford Sierra iS Rep Power: 76	An ideal first car should be cheap, reliable and the the driven wheels should be at the rear of the car. Just go on autotrader and look for cheap, well kept motors, but keeping in mind the rear-wheel drive factor. Also, one more thing to consider is rear wheel drive. If you are using your moms insurance, you might want to look at rear wheel drive cars, since you will almost cerainly crash one when showing off your rally-antics to your friends. In short, look for something dependable and rugged. ..and rear wheel drive. __________________

May 14th, 2009, 5:16 PM	#5
Nabster Joined: Oct 15th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Laramie, Wyoming Age: 21 Posts: 2,309 Car: 1969 Mustang Coupe 2001 Grand Prix GTP Rep Power: 155	I suppose since you're in the UK my suggestion of something supercharged or with an engine larger than 4 liters so you learn to respect the vehicle won't fly... __________________ ████████My car is Greener than your car. ███████████LegendZ live forever.

May 14th, 2009, 5:22 PM	#6
Dr_Grip Joined: Jul 8th, 2008 Last Online: 12:14 AM Location: Germany Posts: 2,176 Car: 1979 Opel Kadett (Oliver's Son) Rep Power: 193	Golf II. 'Nuff said. Handles well, is reliable, parts are dead cheap, you can service it yourself, what more can one want? __________________ I got a Rolls-Royce 'Cause it's good for my voice (Mark Bolan/T-Rex)

May 14th, 2009, 5:25 PM	#7
Speedtouch Joined: Jul 30th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Kent, England Age: 17 Posts: 4,434 Car: '99 Kangoo 1.4 (Parents) Rep Power: 123	The Focus is a great car and all, but its a large car, and with a 1.6 it won't be as good a choice as something like a Fiesta, and even so, I definitely wouldn't go for the 1.6 in that. Also - how much are you looking to spend on insurance? Or is it a case of the parents will be paying for all this. If that is the case I will be removing myself from the thread, as it simply makes my blood boil. When your parents can't afford something like that themselves, you'll understand why. Edit: I would also add 1 for a Golf II - forgot about it. __________________ ^My Flickr^

May 14th, 2009, 5:43 PM	#9
public Imaginative Username++ Joined: Nov 26th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Finland Age: 25 Posts: 3,397 Car: 1991 Mazda 323F Rep Power: 323	I think he's trying to tell us something, but I can't quite figure out what it is. __________________

May 14th, 2009, 5:43 PM	#10
WillDAQ Joined: Oct 23rd, 2007 Last Online: 12:53 AM Posts: 1,209 Car: Smart Roadster Coupe Rep Power: 69	If you can afford anything RWD with two seats, get it!

May 14th, 2009, 5:46 PM	#11
WirelessMonkey Joined: Jul 26th, 2007 Last Online: February 22nd, 2010 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Age: 17 Posts: 764 Car: 2009 Renault Clio GT. LFS Status: Rep Power: 42	Firstly RWD would mean me buying something that i will pay for twice over every year in insurance. And while on the subject of insurance, yes, i will be paying for it by myself. Focus, after i pass on my mums insurance is anywhere upwards of £100, a Fiesta Zetec S which i really am swaying towards, upwards of £125. Golf mark 2 is so tempting, always loved them. I guess i'd go for a 1.6 Driver or something like that. __________________ R888 Tyres are Immoral. The law according to Jezza Twitter Account

May 14th, 2009, 5:59 PM	#13
WirelessMonkey Joined: Jul 26th, 2007 Last Online: February 22nd, 2010 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Age: 17 Posts: 764 Car: 2009 Renault Clio GT. LFS Status: Rep Power: 42	£2000ish, if it's something slightly over that i can always knock a few quid off. If it's less than £2K then i get more money to spend on the car __________________ R888 Tyres are Immoral. The law according to Jezza Twitter Account Last edited by WirelessMonkey; May 14th, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

May 14th, 2009, 6:02 PM	#14
public Imaginative Username++ Joined: Nov 26th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Finland Age: 25 Posts: 3,397 Car: 1991 Mazda 323F Rep Power: 323	Golf Mk2 sort of makes sense, if you manage to find something that's not been modded and molested by five generations of boyracers. It would stand out from the Ford crowd __________________

May 14th, 2009, 6:04 PM	#15
WirelessMonkey Joined: Jul 26th, 2007 Last Online: February 22nd, 2010 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Age: 17 Posts: 764 Car: 2009 Renault Clio GT. LFS Status: Rep Power: 42	Yep, however i may mod it and molest it. Tastefully of course. It's just Mk2 Golf's seem to be quite rare on Autotrader :/ EDIT: The more mk2's in my reach i look at, the more i think they aren't for me. __________________ R888 Tyres are Immoral. The law according to Jezza Twitter Account Last edited by WirelessMonkey; May 14th, 2009 at 6:12 PM.

May 14th, 2009, 6:21 PM	#17
WillDAQ Joined: Oct 23rd, 2007 Last Online: 12:53 AM Posts: 1,209 Car: Smart Roadster Coupe Rep Power: 69	It really depends how much you "don't like going with the norm". I couldn't buy a hatchback on the simply basis that they're the beige of motoring. I'd rather be stuck at the side of the road in something flamboyant than in something FWD with 4 seats. Obviously the servicing costs of flamboyance are going to be higher so you need to look at cost vs. fun. Just been on autotrader.co.uk looking, so many unusual options for your £2k: 1) Decent MR2 - A mate has one of these (mk1) and if you can find a good one (and insure it) then you will have fun. (maybe also an MGTF or an MX5) 2) Ford Puma, Vauxhaul Tigra etc. Slightly girly but still more fun than a hatch and more practical than the MR2. 3) 100k mile rep mobile - something like a Passat, Mondeo. Not exactly thrilling but if you're just looking for something better than your mates this could be good. 4) Alfa Romeo 156 - Are you a petrol head? Can you afford the misery?

May 14th, 2009, 6:32 PM	#18
WirelessMonkey Joined: Jul 26th, 2007 Last Online: February 22nd, 2010 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Age: 17 Posts: 764 Car: 2009 Renault Clio GT. LFS Status: Rep Power: 42	Ive looked at a Puma, way to much insurance. Its 125bhp coupe, insurance hell for a 17 year old. As, unfortunately is any Alfa this makes me very sad because my first choice would be a 156/147 1.6 TS but i cant afford the insurance. Anyway heres quotes i have: Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec - £1,126.65 - monthly cost around £100 Audi A3 1.6 - £1,513.82 Monthly cost around £140 Fiesta Zetec S - £1,380.75 - Monthly cost around £125 Alfa Romeo 147 - £1,419.30 - Monthly cost around £130 Ford Puma - £3,126.20 Mazda MX5 1.6i - £2,738.93 See what i mean about sports cars and being raped for insurance? __________________ R888 Tyres are Immoral. The law according to Jezza Twitter Account

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May 14th, 2009, 6:40 PM	#19
avanti Joined: Jul 21st, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Milano, Italia Posts: 3,274 Car: 2 cars + 4 bikes Rep Power: 133	get a turbo brick! __________________ \|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\| Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat.

May 14th, 2009, 6:43 PM	#20
WirelessMonkey Joined: Jul 26th, 2007 Last Online: February 22nd, 2010 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Age: 17 Posts: 764 Car: 2009 Renault Clio GT. LFS Status: Rep Power: 42	I'll have the wheels. Keep the car. __________________ R888 Tyres are Immoral. The law according to Jezza Twitter Account

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