4k first car?

Don't get a 1.4 focus, they are dog slow.

There isn't a great deal between the 1.6/1.8/2.0 focus on insurance either from what I remember... the 2.0 is pretty quick, the 1.8 ain't bad and the 1.6 certainly isn't slow (relatively speaking, since this is a first car)

Alfa/Scooby? as first car? forget it :)
 
As a first car I'd try and get a fiesta. For 4k you could either get an o3/o4 new style 1.4l which both looks nice and in a low insurance group, or you could get a 1.6l old model zetec s from 2002 and still have some spare change, although insurance would be higher. Both choices would be fairly nippy, and certainly fun to drive.
 
If your having trouble with insurance try bell.co.uk and add your mum as a named driver. Should knock a bit off.

Hate to say it but a motorway cruiser for 3k sounds awfully like mondeo territory tbh. Plenty of cars about so be picky. Whatever you get, pics when ya finally get it!
 
I'd say a 1.6/1.8 focus or astra would be your best bet. Insurance aint bad and parts are easy to come by if needed. I had a 99' 3dr 1.8 astra sport and loved it. It never gave me any hassle and was only due to financial reasons I had to sell it :( . Mates got a 1.8 focus and it too is a great car. I personally prefer the looks and drive of the Astra but that all down to personal opinion. Currently got a Saxo vtr and its the worst car I have owned, always needing something done to it. It's going in the trader next week and I'm going back to an Astra.
One thing, if its a 3dr your after then 3dr Astras' are easier to come across than than a 3dr focus. (round my way anyways)
 
^ What he said (though dont be scared of the 2.0 if one comes up, check the insurance out and you may be surprised)

Don't get a fiesta/saxo sized thing if the motorway miles you talk about are going to be anywhere near a regular occurance.

Mondeo isn't a bad option but focus/astra is a nicer first car imo
 
Andr3w said:
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That's the facelift 147, was released in 2005.

You'd struggle to get a JTD (diesel) for £4k, more like £5.5k upwards. I'd also be very wary of a 2002 147 for <£4k.

With any car purchase, you need to do your homework and this is especially important with Alfa's, if you get a bad one, you get a BAD one!

What I looked for when getting mine was FSH (essential), cambelt changed at 36k (again, essential), check ALL electrics (it's Italian ;)), check panel gaps etc for any signs of damage, and then you start looking at personal preferences like climate, leather etc.

They're lovely cars, and if looked after will treat you well. I'd probably look for something else though at your budget, £4k is too little IMO to take the risk!

EDIT:: Just read the rest of the thread and notice you can;t insure it, never mind, it's an option for in a few years time. Actually, I'll probably want shot of mine around then......... ;)
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