Best first cars?

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by cptsideways

First car for a youngster? Trust me get one with ESP/DSC (Stability control) available on many cars from the mid 2000's. I work in the industry testing, developing & demonstrating the systems, trust me on this one.

I don't disagree with you that ESP works, but I wouldn't put something like that on a 1st car, or the moment the driver gets it wrong in one without ESP, they're screwed.

[csjukes]

Originally Posted by NSS

Another vote for Fabia/ibiza. I exclude Polo only because it tends to be more expensive due to badge snobbery.

Personally I'd steer clear of Clio as wife & daughter have had 3 between them, all of which went on to suffer with significant electrical systems problems.

Interesting to hear that as ive read many reviews saying clios have that fault. Corsa's seem to be very reliable but for around £1300 they have 70,000 miles on plus, just not sure


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[lukewhiting]

Not a bad interior on the zr either for £1100 car! Surely they can't of gone out of business for their built quality

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Not a bad interior on the zr either for £1100 car! Surely they can't of gone out of business for their built quality

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Oh to be young and naive again

Seriously, glad you got a good one, but most were shocking. My dad actually bought a 75 as a retirement present to himself in 2001, its still going strong now. Its just a shame the analogue TV hasn't worked since they shut the signals off,the heated seats are wasted in Spain where he lives, but at least the electric blinds keep the sun out.

[doggypaddle]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I don't disagree with you that ESP works, but I wouldn't put something like that on a 1st car, or the moment the driver gets it wrong in one without ESP, they're screwed.

Couldn't agree more. Theres a whole generation who just cant drive properly because modern cars are too forgiving. I suppose it doesn't matter if the never drive anything else though.

As for captain sideways comment about Corsas being the worst handling cars ever, well all I can say is try a Dacia Duster.
The Corsas I have driven may not offer the best traction or neutral handling or the best fuel efficiency, but that doesn't make them a crap car.
the economy is good and they're reliable, and they're cheap. The handling on all the ones I have driven is above all safe, they always Under-steer which I think in the hands of an inexperienced driver is the best setup.

[Nasher]

We've just finished rebuilding this for my 17yr old.

It's a 2001 1.4 Seat Ibiza S.

Purchased for next to nothing we've been all round it with new brakes, 2 tyres, small bits and pieces, and dropped a replacement engine in from a VW Polo.

MOT'd(straight through) and taxed it this week, just needs to pass his test now

Total cost all in including the MOT is still under £600 plus probably 30hrs work by each of us.

Insurance quote is £1040 Fully comp for after he's passed his test. That is with a Black box, but one that doesn't record excess speed just acceleration and braking.

Nasher.

[Into The Blue]

Great looking first car Simon, hope he appreciates it.


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[doggypaddle]

Originally Posted by Nasher

Insurance quote is £1040 Fully comp for after he's passed his test. That is with a Black box, but one that doesn't record excess speed just acceleration and braking.

Nasher.

Ye gods! its really expensive as a new driver! Just renewed my insurance for the land-rover, £85 fully comp including a 30% loading for modifications.
I know someone who has just passed their test and they pay more than that a month there are some advantages to being an old git

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by Nasher

We've just finished rebuilding this for my 17yr old.

It's a 2001 1.4 Seat Ibiza S.

Purchased for next to nothing we've been all round it with new brakes, 2 tyres, small bits and pieces, and dropped a replacement engine in from a VW Polo.

MOT'd(straight through) and taxed it this week, just needs to pass his test now

Total cost all in including the MOT is still under £600 plus probably 30hrs work by each of us.

Insurance quote is £1040 Fully comp for after he's passed his test. That is with a Black box, but one that doesn't record excess speed just acceleration and braking.

Nasher.

Thats a seriously cheap quote, 1.2 Clio for my new driving 18 year old daughter, £2200.

I have got to move to a cheaper postcode.

[Nos4r2]

Yeah but thats cause it's your Landy-mine's near £400 a year for the Surf.

[A1an]

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Not a bad interior on the zr either for £1100 car! Surely they can't of gone out of business for their built quality

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Attachment 95336

Hahaha, check out the hot rock burns on the drivers seat!!

[gotchiguy]

As a new driver mine is £1100 on a 1.6 Twingo, but I'm a couple of years over 17 now although I only passed my test in September. That's with admirals new 3 month black box so you don't have to have it for the whole policy and they might give me some money back if they think I'm a good driver after three months...

[Fenlander]

>>> but I wouldn't put something like that on a 1st car, or the moment the driver gets it wrong in one without ESP, they're screwed.

>>>Couldn't agree more. There's a whole generation who just cant drive properly because modern cars are too forgiving.


Can't agree with that at all. I'm glad my daughter doesn't have to start with something like my Triumph Herald with 5.20 remould crossplys. I survived a nasty spin and contact with a wall down a notorious hill in the Cotswolds many years ago but it doesn't mean I want her to experience that.

This time she may well not get stability control but if two otherwise equal used cars were available, one with, I'd happily pay a premium for the car with.

[csjukes]

Must say punto around year 2000 is a great car. Roomy, cheap to fix, so economical And reliable. Plus its a fiat so has the querky city steering


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[Paul Cannell]

Nissan Micra K12, I put 176000 on one in 5 years as a driving school car, 2 sets of brakes, 2 top strut mounts & a clutch @ 120000, sold it 18 months ago & now being used by a Kebab/pizza house as a delivery vehicle

Used NISSAN MICRA Car for Sale - Auto Trader UK

or Mitsubishi Colt
Used MITSUBISHI COLT Car for Sale - Auto Trader UK

[Barrowboy]

Originally Posted by doggypaddle

Just renewed my insurance for the land-rover, £85 fully comp including a 30% loading for modifications.

Per month?