Hello all,

I am nearing the age where I need to get my first car, I have decided to go for a Skoda because I love the look of them, and I have a friend who has one.....

well Fabia VRS. I know when im 17 I cant have one of those, but a smaller cheaper runner, with low insurance would do me well. Im looking to spend about 1k-2k on one

If you could give me any advice on what to get, that would be great, and a good place to start looking.........

thanks

I did give you some advice in the other thread, did you see that?

Yes thanks........Sorry I was just reposting a thread so i could get more advice, because when i get the car, I hope it to last me a good few years. I have kept the Model in my head for some deep research

How long until you're 17? Only ask as with the new Fabia due imminently, you may find that you'll be able to get a better deal on one of the current shape models if you hang on a few months.

Another question ... have you ever driven a Skoda? I tend to buy cars on how they drive, rather than how they look so it may be worth having a few backups in case you don't like it

Chris

Im 17 in July... I have also kept the renault Clio in mind, one of the old ones. But if you know of any good modles that are good for a first time driver I would like to know

i had an old clio.. there cr4p!

The mk3 polo 1.4 16v is alright..

It'll come down to what you want as a "first time" driver

I didn't like the Mk1 Clio as I just couldn't get comfy in the seats and the driving position felt wrong. Some other contenders to consider.... Nissan Micra (bubble shape) is a good bet if bullet proof/cheap/economical motoring is your thing. Not bad to drive and the 1.3 is a nice revvy engine. Vauxhall Corsa is a good solid car, if a bit uninspiring. Fiesta has very nice handling, but engines tend to be a bit thirsty. Saxo/106 are very chuckable cars, especially if you look at the hotter versions, but they don't feel very solid and I wouldn't want to have a crash in one!

Actually, if you can get a Ford Ka in budget, I'd seriously consider that. The chassis was the test bed for the Puma and as a result, are a right hoot to drive

Chris

thanks all. some very good examples Chris, thanks for the advice

The norm - Fiesta, Clio, Polo, Fabia, Punto would all be ok TBH.

Don't overlook cars such as Hyundai's Accent - larger and cheaper with bulletproof mechanicals. Nissan Almeras are a phenominal used buy and reliable too.

Insurance is going to be LOTS at your age but going from group 2 to say, 7 doesn't actually make that much difference once you've paid the initial chunk that it costs just to get any insurance.

Edit: Shop on insurance before you buy a car - you'll be surprised what you can afford to insure and as a result this will mean you have more choice to what car you can buy

Let us know what you end up with!

I would wait until the new fabia is released.

Then a 1.2MPI or 1.4TDI in ambiente trim would make a good buy and as they have air con would be suitable for keeping a few years and into your first job.

Failing that, and I say this with no disrespect, but have you thought about buying a £100 banger as pretty much all drivers have a few knocks and scrapes when the first pass the test. That way you won't have to claim for your car as it would be worth less than the excess and you could then replace it with a decent car when you have been driving 6 months.

Aye - I'd say get a really, really cheap banger to begin with. Then maybe a 1.2 - the one I had as a courtesy car was quite fun. The insurance will be frightening enough on something nearly worthless.

The mk3 polo 1.4 16v is alright..

That would be a MK4

Bit expensive on insurance I would think for a new driver.

Thanks all.....I will keep that all in mind, but i heard that if you buy a car for £100 its may be reli naff and you will spend more money replacing parts on it than you spent in the first place.......

And why oh why have you good people not mentioned the good 'old' mini... ??

I wont be able to fit in a mini im to fat :(

I wont be able to fit in a mini im to fat :(

- I gather from your display picture that that is your mode of transport atm.. if u can fit on that - then you can fit in a mini - im 6 " 6 and can fit in one

Get an old pug 205 and learn to drive. Then when you crash it (it would be cheap so dont claim on insurance) buy a nicer/more modern car.

:iagree: proper mini, brilliant fun:) or how about a mk2 astra, 1.3 ? excellent motors, get 1 with a full mot for peanuts

And why oh why have you good people not mentioned the good 'old' mini... ??

Funny. Was looking at an old mini today in the autotrader then looking on 90bhp conversions

Thanks all.....I will inform you all streight away what car I get. May ask you for more advice when it nears to the time thanks guys

Old Mini are low insurance groups, but a degree in welding is compulsary!

The only Fabia's you'll get on that budget are 1.4MPI's and possibly a 1.9SDI. The 1.2's, 1.4 tdi and 16v petrols arrived much later and are still quite pricey I believe.

Mk2 Astra's are good, I had a 1.6 GL 1991 for my first car. Pretty nippy, bombproof engine and easy to maintain, although check for rusty rear arches - will kill the car over time.

Old mini's are unbelievably basic IMO, yep great to drive (from a fun point of view ) and pretty cheap running costs, but the cars themselves aren't that cheap I don't think.

I would suggest for your budget a 306 d-turbo? Check on insurance, but great handling, pretty quick and economical too.

felicia???

I have been looking on the Autotrader website. There is a W reg (2000) Fabia 1.4 16v, it has done 38000, with all the added features, CD player etc.....They are asking for £1,800

What do you think??

or :thumbdwn:

thanks

link

I wont be able to fit in a mini im to fat :(

Of topic i know but i do like your honesty you remind me of a younger me