First Car

m4rkw7

m4rkw7

m4rkw7

Associate
Joined
19 Jul 2010
Posts
679
Hey,
Probably a few of these threads but couldn't see one on the first 3 pages.

Recently passed my test and looking for a first car - I've narrowed it down to 3 maybe 4 choices.

Seat Ibiza 1.2
Skoda Fabia 1.2
Fiat Grande Punto 1.2
Ford Fiesta 1.25

I've done quotes for a load of vehicles, cars, vans, diesels, petrol and different engine sizes - these seem best.

Not sure which to go for or are there any other suggestions?
 
Last edited:
Because they're cheap French rubbish! :P

In all fairness a Clio isn't a bad shout. The 1.2 TCe would ultimately depend on the OP's annual mileage.
 
wingman said:
Because they're cheap French rubbish! :P

In all fairness a Clio isn't a bad shout. The 1.2 TCe would ultimately depend on the OP's annual mileage.
Click to expand...

Saved yourself from a slapping there ;)

Its definately Cheap and French, but certainly not rubbish, I've loved every minute of my Mk2 Ph2 1.2, been trouble free, Fun to drive, for a 1.2 its not sluggish at all and very good in the twisties, I've left BMWs behind (Only for them to scream past me on the straight to regain their broken egos).


Out of interest, you got a budget in mind?
 
Uncle_Gravy said:
Saved yourself from a slapping there ;)

Its definately Cheap and French, but certainly not rubbish, I've loved every minute of my Mk2 Ph2 1.2, been trouble free, Fun to drive, for a 1.2 its not sluggish at all and very good in the twisties, I've left BMWs behind (Only for them to scream past me on the straight to regain their broken egos).
Click to expand...

And BMW's have left my 200 behind! :confused: :p
 
Uncle_Gravy said:
Whats' the 200 like?
Click to expand...

Utterly bonkers. I've only put 2,000 miles on her from new so the car is still tight, but exceptionally enjoyable. The power delivery it a completely different world to my E46 330i (previous car), so I'm still getting used to that. I do enjoy throwing it into a corner and coming out on the other end exactly where I wanted it to be.

The Recaros are an absolute God send. They basically allow me to do what I want with the car and not have my girlfriend shout at me for driving like a tool (not that I do anything like that, obviously).
 
In laws have a 1.4 Fabia and it has been a royal PITA from new. Our Grande Punto (1.4 16v) on the other hand has been much more reliable despite covering more miles, Ibiza would probably be the older chassis judging by the model year you are talking about. Can't comment on the Fiesta I'm afraid.

I've been very impressed with our Grande Punto, the fact you can get a much newer one for the same money would probably help swing it for me in your situation.
 
+1 for fiesta. when I was learning, I was getting practice driving to and from 6th form with my mum in a 1.25 X reg fiesta (this was back in 03 or something). great little car, we had it for yeaaarrrrrsssssss. pretty much nothing ever went wrong with it, and with it being a ford you can pick up a haynes manual so if stuff does go wrong and you're up for a challenge you can have a go at fixing some things yourself :)

fun times in that car :D I remember blutacking my minidisc player to the dash with the stereo jack to tape adaptor going into the radio xD ghetto times :)
 
Just don't fancy a Clio, don't really like the look of them. I don't really like the Fabia either just threw it in there in case it was any good. Got around £3 - 4,000 budget and was looking around 2006 onwards.

I have noticed a few grandes at good prices but keep getting reminded what FIAT stands for, I've heard Fords are rock solid and good for parts but are a bit more expensive to buy and I know nothing about Seat Ibizas!
 
Last edited:
Fords are not rock solid by any means if your buying a 5+ year old one :D

That said a bog standard fiesta is a good first car as any for a number of reasons, decent chassis as mentioned, if you are prepared to get your hands dirty, they are easy to work on and 2nd hand parts are plentiful and therefore cheap.

It's as good a car as any for a first car IMO, and you sound like you like them so now the real challenge is to find the best example for the money you can afford...
 
I owned a Grande Punto for 2 years. Although I got rid it was a good little car (even though they're not tiny). Just avoid the 1.2 as it will be slow as hell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom