Looking for a new car...

[Peerzy]

If you're in financial trouble in 5 years time, it'll be because you bought a brand-new Punto.

What would you susgest then? I cannot image a 7 year old Mondeo keeping a massive amount of value in that time and with the instability of petrol prices along with tax and paying for repairs on an older car means it could work either way.

Please if people do not think my choices are correct something sensible that I can consider. That is after all what I am here for.

So you're going to buy a new car, then remap it voiding the warranty? Also you do realise your car will no longer be insurance group 8 after you remap it. Buying a new car is never really a good idea monetary wise (especially a FIAT), never mind with the state the economy is in at the moment.

Remap does not void the warrenty. It will only void the warrenty if the map is what caused a part to fail. Things like my drivetrain will come under more stress. Map's are also very hard to find and there are dealers that even ignore induction kits when servicing and fixing other faults.

Insurance is not that much when I've added the map into consideration.

I cannot find a 150bhp+ warm hatch that would be new or nearly new with good spec for less than £11k apart from the Punto which does seem to have some pretty good reviews. Plus the fact I already own a Fiat which I havn't had too many problems with.

Plus you need to run in an engine befor getting it mapped and I only do between 5k and 8k a year which is why I'm not really considering a diesal that much, so it would be 9months-1 year before i get it mapped.

 

[degen]

You will be trying to insure a modified car at the age of 19. It WILL add a LOT to the premium. Most insurers wont even cover you if you mention your car is modified and you are below 21 / 25.

 

[Peerzy]

You will be trying to insure a modified car at the age of 19. It WILL add a LOT to the premium.

I've phoned up and spoken to my current insurer about it, plus going on other peoples experience it doesn't add massive amounts. Half the reason why ICE and alloys, bodykits, induction kits etc adds to the insurance is that it makes it more attractive to thieves.

A map in invisible and cannot be seen.

 

[[TW]Fox]

The good thing with the Fiat GP i was looking at is with only a 1.4 engine, tax isn't that much, and being a small car things like tyres and replacement parts arn't going to cost a bomb.

Reality check: You have ELEVEN THOUSAND POUNDS. This is a lot of money. This is really rather a lot of money. This is an unimaginable amount of money to most Uni students. You don't need to buy something that costs 20p to tax and has a crappy 1.4 litre engine to save the mpgz.

Why does somebody with £11,000 car whether tyres are £50 or £80 each?

Spend £8k on a great car rather than £11k on a crap one thats new. Because every car you've mentioned so far is, fundamentally speaking, crap. Sorry, but thats the way it is. You've mentioned not a single decent car nor a single compelling reason to purchase any of it.

What about a £7-8k Ford Fiesta ST? Great fun, decent little car, loads cheaper.

I only do between 5k and 8k a year

Yet you care about mpg?

To be honest at 19 spending £11,000 on a hatchback is ridiculously stupid thing to do, really.

 

[Peerzy]

Reality check: You have ELEVEN THOUSAND POUNDS. This is a lot of money. This is really rather a lot of money. This is an unimaginable amount of money to most Uni students. You don't need to buy something that costs 20p to tax and has a crappy 1.4 litre engine to save the mpgz.

Sensible check also means I want something new, realiable, covered under a warrenty, does not need an MOT for 3 years, with brand new engine. Not a 5 year old thrashed Imprezza or Beemer.

The 1.4 Fiat engine is widly considered as one of the best small petrol engines and the Fiat Mjet engines are suppose to be great, to the point that there used in a lot of cars now.

I get the point, people disagree with me. SO please show me what YOU would do with £11k in my situation, bearing in mind it needs to be 5 door and nothing older than a 57 plate (cause it'll be March 09 by the time I get the car).

Why does somebody with £11,000 car whether tyres are £50 or £80 each?

Spend £8k on a great car rather than £11k on a crap one thats new. Because every car you've mentioned so far is, fundamentally speaking, crap. Sorry, but thats the way it is. You've mentioned not a single decent car nor a single compelling reason to purchase any of it.

What about a £7-8k Ford Fiesta ST? Great fun, decent little car, loads cheaper.

Yet you care about mpg?

To be honest at 19 spending £11,000 on a hatchback is ridiculously stupid thing to do, really.

The difference between taxing that Mondeo and my current car over 5 years would be £1400, a lot of money in anybodys books.

Fiesta ST is a nice car, but didn't like the looks of the 5dr when I went and had a drive in a few fords. 3dr looked nice, plus it's now an old shape.

 

[Shimmy]

Peerzy, cars do not simply fall apart after 3 years when the warranty cover is gone you know. Many cars nowadays are very reliable and do not cost the earth to maintain either. Also you are looking for a small hatch with some performance whilst maintaining a low IG, this limits you a lot and these cars command quite a premium due to being a couple years old too. Of the top of my head, I think the Suzuki Swift Sport suits your criteria. An older option would be the Toyota Yaris T-Sport, £3-5k, same sort of performance as your fiat and IG.

From Housey's earlier thread, it says FIAT lost 20% in sales last month in comparison to the previous year. Their salesman would be falling over each other to get to you, and in a few years you will be short changed several thousands of pounds.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Sensible check also means I want something new, realiable, covered under a warrenty, does not need an MOT for 3 years, with brand new engine. Not a 5 year old thrashed Imprezza or Beemer.

Can you please point out which part of the Ford Fiesta ST is made by Subaru or BMW? Thanks.

I get the point, people disagree with me. SO please show me what YOU would do with £11k in my situation, bearing in mind it needs to be 5 door and nothing older than a 57 plate (cause it'll be March 09 by the time I get the car).

I'd spend £6-7k on a decent warm/hot hatch, have a few grand left over for running costs, and put the rest in the bank. Cars are not unreliable. There is no reason why, say, a 55 plate Fiesta will cost a fortune to fix or let you down. And even if it did you've got thousands left over to fix it with.

You seem to want to buy a hugely mundane, boring, normal car. This is fine - if thats what floats your boat its entirely your choice, but there is absolutely no need to spend that much money on a 1.4 litre hatchback. Whats the point? There are billions of great cars of this type for loads less.

 

[Shimmy]

SO please show me what YOU would do with £11k in my situation, bearing in mind it needs to be 5 door and nothing older than a 57 plate (cause it'll be March 09 by the time I get the car).

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/775417.htm

Even then I'm not sure, your criteria is too limiting and imo unnecessary.

 

[[TW]Fox]

I would consider these instead:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/778551.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/778932.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/706329.htm

None of them meet your criteria but this is fine because your criteria where dreamt up by somebody without any clue at all. Revise your criteria to include cars like this. All 3 are better than buying a 2008 Fiat thing.

Plenty of alternative similar 5 door cars available if you really need the extra doors as well.

 

[Scania]

I do not drink and have not for nearly 12 months and can say I will not start any time soon. I do not smoke nor have I ever used drugs so none of those appeal to me.

Lets get this straight from the start... don't take me literally & certainly not seriously....

Thank you everyone for the welcome btw.

Your welcome mate.

The Furry one speaks the truth when he isn't having a bite.

 

[Peerzy]

Peerzy, cars do not simply fall apart after 3 years when the warranty cover is gone you know. Many cars nowadays are very reliable and do not cost the earth to maintain either. Also you are looking for a small hatch with some performance whilst maintaining a low IG, this limits you a lot and these cars command quite a premium due to being a couple years old too. Of the top of my head, I think the Suzuki Swift Sport suits your criteria. An older option would be the Toyota Yaris T-Sport, £3-5k, same sort of performance as your fiat and IG.

From Housey's earlier thread, it says FIAT lost 20% in sales last month in comparison to the previous year. Their salesman would be falling over each other to get to you, and in a few years you will be short changed several thousands of pounds.

Thank you for a constructive post, some people seem to be looking for an arguement on here. Fiat are currently doing very well as far as I was aware. However my local dealer wouldn't go lower than £12k for the Tjet which is 2k more than the internet.

Can you please point out which part of the Ford Fiesta ST is made by Subaru or BMW? Thanks.

I was reffering to people susgesting 330d's and MX5's and things like that.

I'd spend £6-7k on a decent warm/hot hatch, have a few grand left over for running costs, and put the rest in the bank. Cars are not unreliable. There is no reason why, say, a 55 plate Fiesta will cost a fortune to fix or let you down. And even if it did you've got thousands left over to fix it with.

You seem to want to buy a hugely mundane, boring, normal car. This is fine - if thats what floats your boat its entirely your choice, but there is absolutely no need to spend that much money on a 1.4 litre hatchback. Whats the point? There are billions of great cars of this type for loads less.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/775417.htm

Even then I'm not sure, your criteria is too limiting and imo unnecessary.

I personally do not like the look of the SS's but this is more like it, thanks.

I would consider these instead:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/778551.htm

I hate the old Clio's, I drove a friends 2.0 the other day and didn't think much even with a new exhaust and lowered.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/778932.htm

That mini has done more miles than my current car and too small for what I'm after.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/706329.htm

Better, still too much of a mileage though, and I'd be really worried about buying a hot car second hand because the chances of it being absolutly raped are quite high. I'd rather pay £10k for an ST and get a really low mileage good condition one.

I've got this £11k (or will do come Jan) to spend on a car, I have other money for other things and thus would like to get the best i can for this amount.

Between £10k and £11k is what I'm looking to spend.


What are peoples opinions on the Bravo's, Focus's and Astra's (All new shapes and all warm/hot versions)?

 

[[TW]Fox]

That mini has done more miles than my current car

And? Not sure what difference that makes

Better, still too much of a mileage though, and I'd be really worried about buying a hot car second hand because the chances of it being absolutly raped are quite high. I'd rather pay £10k for an ST and get a really low mileage good condition one.

A hot car? None of these cars are supercars. It's not going to fall to bits.

I've got this £11k (or will do come Jan) to spend on a car, I have other money for other things and thus would like to get the best i can for this amount.

So if you are loaded why the obsession with MPG and tax brackets?

Between £10k and £11k is what I'm looking to spend.

This thread is like watching a car crash in slow motion. You will regret spending such a huge amount of money on something that will look like a junior salesreps My First Company Car(tm).

Why do you feel the need to spend £11k on a hatchback? Seriously, why?

What will an £11k hatchback give you that a £6.5k one won't? And dont say 'warranty' because no warranty is worth an extra £6500 and MOT's cost a whole £30 a year.

You currently drive an old Fiat Punto. No doubt that as a result of owning this, an MOT is a regular wallet emptying session and the entire car feels like its about to fall apart. This is normal on an old Fiat. It's not because it's not a brand new, its because its a rubbish old Fiat. Other cars are different. A 3-4 year old quality hatchback won't feel like a W reg Fiat nor will it fail MOT's like a W reg Fiat.

As yet another example, £5-6k will get you a 2003 Leon Cupra with the facelift bodykit. Looks good, reasonably potent, plenty of room for your mates and 5 doors. Decent cars. Half the price of a Fiat Punto. Interior from a previous gen A3 so nice and solid. Better than a new Punto in every possible way. Thousands and thousands of pounds spare to offset the marginal additional running costs. The same budget will also get you a 2003 or 2004 Ford Focus ST170. Again, same deal. Sporty Focus. Very reliable. Room for your mates and your ego. Top job. Half the price of a Fiat.

Why not?

 

[Peerzy]

Just to prove a point I couldn't get an insurance quote on that Clio posted, I even put myself as a named driver on my mum's policy with 5years ncb and prices came out at £3863 (cheapest).

My current insurance is £480, the Tjet would cost about £680 with another £150 for a map and induction kit to be covered.

 

[act smiley]

The old-shape Seat Leon Cupra or Fiesta ST would be my choice. Both good hot-hatches and costing ~£6k-£7k. Being the old shape doesn't really matter, does it? I mean, who cares if its the latest, if you're actually getting the better product for thousands of pounds less, simply because someone has used it a bit first? Its not like some really dubiously made old Lada, being ~3 years old isn't the end of the world.

As for requiring an MOT, this is in no way a bad thing - if your car isn't capable of passing an MOT it shouldn't be on the road! I drive a dodgy old Rover and the only issue that came up at an MOT was a slightly blowing exhaust downpipe - they're really not a problem. Sensible != something to ignore. I mean, my mum's Honda Civic has been bulletproof and that's 7 years old now - a very sensible choice, in fact. If you want sensible, buy the old-shape Civic - it will cost you £4k-ish and be indestructible, do a bit over 40mpg, be low on insurance and never break down.

 

[[TW]Fox]

MOT's are NOTHING to be worried about on a decent, well maintained car of any age.

As an example, my previous car, a 1999 Ford Mondeo with 155,000 miles on the clock (Note: This is NOT a recommendation) has last week again passed it's MOT with zero advisories. Nothing. Infact, in the entire 4 years I've had it/known it, it has never, ever failed an MOT. It is now a 9 year old Ford with the sort of mileage that would make you faint. It doesn't fail MOT's and has cost a whole £100 in unscheduled repairs in the last 4.5 years.

So why would a 4-5 year old Seat or Fiesta?

 

[Shimmy]

The clio 172/182 happens to be exceptionally expensive to insure for whatever reason, most other cars should be easily within your grasp. For instance, even though I live in a good estate - my post code happens to be fairly high risk?!? Yet I can still can get insured on the vast majority of cars.

 

[Peerzy]

And? Not sure what difference that makes

The whole point of me paying so much on a new car is to get something thats going to be more realiable and I can keep for a good number of years, I would not spend so much money on a car that's been used more than my current one.

A hot car? None of these cars are supercars. It's not going to fall to bits.

True, but the target market for these car's is the young boy racer, knowing how half my friends drive (like idiots) they can easily get ragged and cost a bit to repair.

So if you are loaded why the obsession with MPG and tax brackets?

It's not a massive obsession, I would like something that is going to be reasonable to maintain. I am only on a part time wage and getting £11k for a car has taken a good year and half to save for. A wage of £90ish a week would not be able to sustain a car that requires £80 a week on petrol.

This thread is like watching a car crash in slow motion. You will regret spending such a huge amount of money on something that will look like a junior salesreps My First Company Car(tm).

I do not understand what you are getting at with the My First Company Car bit?

Why do you feel the need to spend £11k on a hatchback? Seriously, why?

What will an £11k hatchback give you that a £6.5k one won't? And dont say 'warranty' because no warranty is worth an extra £6500 and MOT's cost a whole £30 a year.

£11k on a hatchback because you cannot get a year old low milage other car for this that. Plus extra weight in a mondeo or something means it needs the bigger engine to be the same speed as the punto.

You currently drive an old Fiat Punto. No doubt that as a result of owning this, an MOT is a regular wallet emptying session and the entire car feels like its about to fall apart. This is normal on an old Fiat. It's not because it's not a brand new, its because its a rubbish old Fiat. Other cars are different. A 3-4 year old quality hatchback won't feel like a W reg Fiat nor will it fail MOT's like a W reg Fiat.

My punto has been well looked after (I don't drive like an idiot at all but need something with more power), my last MOT failed on a headlight being out, the one before it passed. In the last 5 years it's needed a new clutch and gearbox and thats it.

BTW I'm not ignoring anyone, I just can't reply as fast as you can post!

 

[[TW]Fox]

The whole point of me paying so much on a new car is to get something thats going to be more realiable and I can keep for a good number of years, I would not spend so much money on a car that's been used more than my current one.

Your current car has been used for 8 years. A Mini half the age has not neccesarily been used more. Besides, this is not really relevant. If two cars set off in opposite directions and drive for an hour, one at 30mph and one at 70mph which has been 'used more' and which has the covered the most miles..

Besides, not using cars can do more damage than using them. We've got a Mitsubishi FTO which has been barely used for a year now. It has covered just 1000 miles in that period and 600 of those were me in one weekend - as a result we've had to spend quite a bit just to replace all the siezed up bits!

True, but the target market for these car's is the young boy racer, knowing how half my friends drive (like ****) they can easily get ragged and cost a bit to repair.

So get an inspection done or something.

It's not a massive obsession, I would like something that is going to be reasonable to maintain. I am only on a part time wage and getting £11k for a car has taken a good year and half to save for. A wage of £90ish a week would not be able to sustain a car that requires £80 a week on petrol.

Erm hang on, how have you managed to save up £11,000 after tax on a wage of 90 quid a week? If you are on such a crap wage why are you spending 11 grand on a car? Why not spend £6k on a car and put £5k in the bank and use it to double your wages for a year!

If you are earning that then spending 11 grand on a car sounds like an epic screwup in terms of priorities?

I do not understand what you are getting at with the My First Company Car bit?

Generic cheap brand new hatchback = bottom rung of the company car ladder. The sort of thing you get lumbered with as a fresh faced sales rep or something

My punto has been well looked after (I don't drive like an idiot at all but need something with more power), my last MOT failed on a headlight being out, the one before it passed.

So if even your old Punto doesnt fail MOT's much why are you concerned about a car which will need to be MOT'd?

 

[Peerzy]

The clio 172/182 happens to be exceptionally expensive to insure for whatever reason, most other cars should be easily within your grasp. For instance, even though I live in a good estate - my post code happens to be fairly high risk?!? Yet I can still can get insured on the vast majority of cars.

I'm in group B for post code (A being best and F being worst I think?) and car will be kept on a driveway in a good area of the south east.

MOT's are NOTHING to be worried about on a decent, well maintained car of any age.

As an example, my previous car, a 1999 Ford Mondeo with 155,000 miles on the clock (Note: This is NOT a recommendation) has last week again passed it's MOT with zero advisories. Nothing. Infact, in the entire 4 years I've had it/known it, it has never, ever failed an MOT. It is now a 9 year old Ford with the sort of mileage that would make you faint. It doesn't fail MOT's and has cost a whole £100 in unscheduled repairs in the last 4.5 years.

So why would a 4-5 year old Seat or Fiesta?

I was saying to my friend the other day about people who buy old Mondeo's and run them to they fail and then buy another one as it's so much cheaper than buying a new car.

Being 19 you also have to consider I want something that looks cool. A 9 year old Mondeo would not, a 2 year old Mondeo would get me a fair few dodgy looks I'd imagin as well.

My GF has a 9 year old KA and is terrible, horrible to drive, crap inside and costs her an arm and a leg every 12 months.

The old-shape Seat Leon Cupra or Fiesta ST would be my choice. Both good hot-hatches and costing ~£6k-£7k. Being the old shape doesn't really matter, does it? I mean, who cares if its the latest, if you're actually getting the better product for thousands of pounds less, simply because someone has used it a bit first? Its not like some really dubiously made old Lada, being ~3 years old isn't the end of the world.

As for requiring an MOT, this is in no way a bad thing - if your car isn't capable of passing an MOT it shouldn't be on the road! I drive a dodgy old Rover and the only issue that came up at an MOT was a slightly blowing exhaust downpipe - they're really not a problem. Sensible != something to ignore. I mean, my mum's Honda Civic has been bulletproof and that's 7 years old now - a very sensible choice, in fact. If you want sensible, buy the old-shape Civic - it will cost you £4k-ish and be indestructible, do a bit over 40mpg, be low on insurance and never break down.

Going on that I might as well buy a City Rover saw one for sale the other day 07 plate, 19k on the clock £1750! Buy one of those every 5 years, but seriously no.

My mum drives an M reg £525 Rover 214 and it's been great to her, but theres no way in hell I'm going to get one of those.

I love the old Seat Leons and I'm gonna have a look for some now, thanks.

As for old shape, I'd just like it to be a new shape, spending all this money and to walk away with a car thats not new, not stupidly fast, not uber cool and not even the latest model would make me feel a bit crud.

Forgot to meantion another part of me getting a new car is to make me feel better, I'm going through a very difficult time atm and I long for a car to be proud of. Might seem stupid to some people but it would make me happy to have a nice car.

 

[Defcon5]

Please edit your language matey, family forum and all that.

Also, on 90 pounds a week how did you manage to save 11k in a year?