Looking for a 1st car?

Question

I'm looking for a reasonably fast, cheap to insure small car. I'm 17 years old, I've only had my license about 3 months and I don't have a lot of money to spend on repairs, so a reliable car would be preferable =P

I am hoping to spend no more than 1200 pounds on purchasing the car, and as little as possible to run!

I was thinking along the lines of a 1998 1.25 fiesta, around 75bhp.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hey I'm in the same boat as you but I haven't got my license yet lol. But I've been looking out for cars and found the Parker's Car Price Guide very useful as it tells you the insurance group, uses a star rating system and tells you roughly how much you should expect to pay for a car based on it's engine size and stuff lol.

Answer 2

err im useless with cars unless its in the back seat;)

and wtf!!!! person up from me, you bought ur GF a car??? are u insane???

Answer 3

you sound sensible for your age, so i hope you find it. i got my gf a  ren cleo for her 1st car, cheap on fuel and ins,nice looking car, plenty about to buy and spares will be easy to get.best of look pal

Answer 4

Ford is a good car for a starter. It is cheap to maintain. because the parts are readily available in UK. With ford fiesta it is good. It is fuel economy. dont buy any car more the 1.6 ltrs engine.

Insurance cost in UK is not dependent on the cost of car but more on other factors such as age, etc.

My first car is ford focus and  bought it at an auction quite cheap. I never had a problem with it. Infact I didn't service it until 6 mths after purchase.

Answer 5

You can pick up a tidy 03 fiesta for that price

Answer 6

In the £1200 price catogory you are looking at an early 2000-2003 model, in Average - Good condition. Some suggestions I would like to make are:

99-01 Peugeot 106. 1.1 is a lightweight car that is nippy, comfortable, cheap to run (40+ mpg), very cheap to insure (Grp 4), and in the region of £1000-£1200.

00-01 Renault Clio 1.4 is a comfortable car that is cheap again to run (40+ mpg), reliable, fun, good specs, Group 5 insurance and should cost no more than £1200 for 80k miles in good condition.

99-02 Citroen Saxo 1.4 Furio. Great 'warm hatch' looks and willing engine that can be slightly tuned for not a lot of £££'s. Group 5 insurance, plentiful parts and lairy colours (Orange/Silver/Red/Blue) and should cost less than £1250 with average miles (Avoid any modified versions)!

99-01 Vaxhall Corsa 1.4. Can get SRi model which will set you back £1600 but the engine is the same as the 1.4 GLX model which is only £1050. Great little car with sharp handling, cheap to run, group 5 insurance and very quick.

98-02 Ford Fiesta 1.25 LX/Zetec is a rapid little car but the 1.25 engine can be a little problematic. I would head to the 1.3 which is still group 5 insurance but more reliable. Base spec model on 98/99 S/T reg will cost £1000.

96-99 VW Polo 1.4S Model is a cracking car which is reliable and well built. Group 5/6 insurance (depending on spec levels) but solid and cost £1400 now and £1350 in 2 years time so look after it and it won't lose you any cash.

97-01 Ford KA 1.3i. Group 2/3 insurance, grips the road well, can do 60mph in les than 12 seconds, economical (around 45 average) and great for first car. Not huge space inside for rear passengers so bear that in mind! Pick them up from £700 now.

In other word stick to european and look at the french as they know how to build good little cars. I would suggest Fiat Punto but really hit or miss reliability and same with Seat Ibiza in this price range but try a few and see which you are comfortable in. My personal choice would be another Peugeot 106 1.1 XN which I got 120mph of and 0-60 in less than 12 seconds.

Good luck

Answer 7

Yes, I'd go for something like a Renault Clio: Far better built & equipped than a Ford, more reliable, really nice car all round. Your suggested Fiesta 1.25 is group 5 insurance, and for your £1200, you could get a 2000 Clio 1.4 16v with ABS, electric windows, remote locking, multi airbags, etc.

98bhp, 0-60mph 10.2 secs, still group 5