Advice for student

triggerthat

triggerthat

triggerthat

Soldato
Joined
26 Aug 2005
Posts
6,901
Location
London
Hi guys,

Basically I am after a Fiat Coupe (!) and I am not entirely sure if I should be getting one (or any performance car for that matter), especially as I am near the end of my placement year and I'll be going back to University so cash flow would be an issue. I like the idea of having a sports car for the weekend but I think I need a reality check as it seems that I'll be buying a 20VT with my heart and not my head. I suppose I should graduate and get something much better?
 
The Fiat Coupes are great cars, but money pits. If you don't think you're in a position to be able to afford to run such a car, then you probably can't. How about something "simpler" yet fun, like an MX5?
 
I'm a student and run a MX5, not had any problems so far. It's also quite economical on the motorway when you want it to be due to only have a 1.8 engine at the end of the day.

I looked into Fiat Coupes a year ago when I was shopping for a new car. I could afford the insurance and petrol but doubt I could afford the repair bills that seem common for these cars. If I could have managed to stretch my funds out to afford it I doubt I would have any left for other things (read drink:p )
 
I've got to say my kneejerk reaction was either that you're loaded, or your financial sense is a bit lacking...

Taking a step back and reasoning things through a bit... Is a car really any use at university? For me, home is where I need to be able to get myself around, at uni I can walk or bus everything with a no hassle. From a financial point of view, you need to be wary of buying something that isn't going to get used much, and is simply going to depreciate while you're at uni, at a time when you're most likely heading into significant debt anyways.
 
JonRohan said:
I'd wait until you graduate and enjoy your final year without any extra financial burdens.
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This is true! I would say buy a banger or something more reliable as a car IS SO VALUABLE in your last year, but you dont want to strain to afford it.
 
Even ignoring the obvious money issues, is a fiat coupe really the sort of car to leave sat outside a uni with little idiots walking past it all day? :p I know they're not expensive but they are eye catching.
 
Having a car like that at Uni is perfectly fine as long as you are sensible enough to have a cash reserve ready for the bills.
 
They arent money pits if driven sensibly :D If your a student though insurance is deffinatly going to be an inssue id imagine? I'd love to have one but the insurance would kill me :p
 
I would also opt for the MX5 over the Fiat. These two brands are poles apart in the reliability stakes so if you don't want the repair bills go for the Mazda IMO.
 
motivator17175.jpg
 
Love the pic Pitchfork :cool:

OP would you consider a MK1 MR2 - a decent one could be had for much cheapness, they're reliable and still fun?
 
In the same boat mate, thought about chopping the clio in and maybe getting something with a smaller engine - then I realised I had a 2 litre while I was studying too..

The thing is if it breaks I'll fix it my self and it saved me a lot of money though uni, but if you don't fix the coupe's problems your self it may strain you a bit financially as I don't think they have particularly cheap maintenance costs.

I've just realised i've saved nothing throughout my placement year but i've had damn good fun :D
 
triggerthat said:
Insurance isn't too much of a problem.. £650.
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If you dont mind me asking how old are you? :p for a 20v turbo thats a very good price!

From all the quotes ive tried no one will insure me until im 21 :(
 
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