Decisions on first car...help!

If it has to be one of those 2 cars then the focus with out question. That Clio is a total rip off.

But before you jump in have a LOT more of a look around cause you can get a LOT more clio than that for 3k!!.

2 Months ago i paid £3700 for a 2002 Clio 1.6 16v, which is the model after yours with the new style front. It came with computer climate control, alloys wheels, much more and was in mint condition.

All i am trying to say is if the Clio is the car you like then have a look around cause even tho i got a good deal on mine that is not a £3k Clio.
 
I've decided to back out on both the deals. I've spoken to two separate people who said categorically not to buy the Focus....because the dealer it comes form is notoriously dodgy :/

Also, I've had advice from a friend who says that a 1.8 Focus is probably a bad idea for a first car, and to be fair, hes right. Im much better off starting with the smaller car and lower insurance and working at least some NCB up before I think about bigger cars. It's a tough choice, I was fairly set on having a larger car than usual for a first one, but time to think with my head and be sensible.

You're right about the Clio as well, I've had a quick browse around and seen, like you say, 1.6 16v Clios for £500 - £1000 less. The one I showed is probs priced that high due to getting a warranty with it. I might see if I can arrange a test drive on it though, I do like Clio's, it would be nice to at least see how they drive.

Kind of a shame, thought I could have myself a new car fairly soon. But, it is only my first day of looking, so Ill just have to be a bit more circumspect and look for something smaller and more sensible.

Cheers for the help guys...sorry to have wasted your time though.
 
Conscript said:
Im much better off starting with the smaller car and lower insurance and working at least some NCB up before I think about bigger cars. It's a tough choice, I was fairly set on having a larger car than usual for a first one, but time to think with my head and be sensible.
Click to expand...

Are you taking the mick? It's a Ford Focus not a Ford Scorpio, it's hardly a big car.
 
Bigger than most hatches, and bigger engine wise :) I am well aware it's actually a fairly small car for it's class, but what I mean is it's probably going to be wise to stick to smaller hatchbacks in the Fiesta/Clio sort of size range. Staying away from Corsa's though... :/
 
I wouldnt be put off having a 'bigger' engine car as your first. as long as you dont plan to drive like an idiot, its great
 
Oh, indeed, I don't intend to start racing anything around. But it's probably best if I consider that for the first year at least, I should think about keeping my insurance costs as low as possible.

Much as I'd like to have a 1.8, it's not something I really need. So although I could afford it, its an option Im beginning to think I should wait upon until my insurance premiums are going to be lower.
 
Conscript said:
Bigger than most hatches, and bigger engine wise :) I am well aware it's actually a fairly small car for it's class, but what I mean is it's probably going to be wise to stick to smaller hatchbacks in the Fiesta/Clio sort of size range. Staying away from Corsa's though... :/
Click to expand...

Why? What practical difference does it make? It's not a big car. Who cares if you NEED a 1.8 or not, it just happens to have one. It isn't some sort of monster that will bite you.
 
hey mate, just start off with a 1.2 or a 1.4, they is no need for a 1.6 or a 2.0, if you only just passed, get use to the roads and other driver's before you get a bigger car mate ;)
 
ChoÞÞer said:
hey mate, just start off with a 1.2 or a 1.4, they is no need for a 1.6 or a 2.0, if you only just passed, get use to the roads and other driver's before you get a bigger car mate ;)
Click to expand...

You are... 15. How could you possibly know?

Seriously, why pay the same as a decent Focus for a 1.2 Clio simply becuase 'It is a 1.2'. It makes no sense. Get a decent Focus.
 
No no, sorry, you misunderstand me, I think. The engine size is not the problem in terms of power. But, especially for a driver with my experience, the insurance quotes are a lot higher. Im looking at this purely in terms of finances, and it's going to be a lot more sensible to save some money on insurance with my first car. I can afford the larger engine, just about.....but it's more a question of will I be more financially stable paying less at the moment.

I have no problem being "scared" of a larger engine. I learnt to drive in a 1.6 Focus, it was not problem at all, I have no problem physically driving something like 1.8 or larger. Im just stepping back for a rethink, because the moment I found out that I could get insured for what I considered to be fairly cheaply on a 1.8, I got a bit hasty.

EDIT: In regards to your last comment....I am actually considering a Focus still, but again with a smaller engine to save some insurance cost. I know, they can be a bit gutless in smaller engine capacities, but I am still a big fan of the Focus. They are more roomy inside, of course, more refined and for someone like me, probably a lot more practical.
 
Last edited:
[TW]Fox said:
Seriously, why pay the same as a decent Focus for a 1.2 Clio simply becuase 'It is a 1.2'. It makes no sense. Get a decent Focus.
Click to expand...

Because the tax is cheaper? :p
 
Conscript said:
I have no problem being "scared" of a larger engine. I learnt to drive in a 1.6 Focus, it was not problem at all, I have no problem physically driving something like 1.8 or larger. Im just stepping back for a rethink, because the moment I found out that I could get insured for what I considered to be fairly cheaply on a 1.8, I got a bit hasty.
Click to expand...

The insurance is £400 more a year for the Focus over the Clio... £400 is really not that much in the grand scheme of things! It's £33 a month, half a tank of fuel.
 
ChoÞÞer said:
hey mate, just start off with a 1.2 or a 1.4, they is no need for a 1.6 or a 2.0, if you only just passed, get use to the roads and other driver's before you get a bigger car mate ;)
Click to expand...
I disagree, I have a 1.6 focus and i'm 17. Perhaps I should have started with a 1.2 but whats the point when the same money can buy so much more?
 
Its all about VFM, and if you want to join the rest of the British mindset please go ahead and buy a crummy Clio. The difference in car prices here coveres the insurance. Why build up to 'bigger' better cars when you can get one from the word go.

Something like a 1.8 Focus is fine, its ideal for pulling away if you pull out on someone a little early or effortless motorway driving to help you concentrate on picking up new skills and experience. It is in no way a fast car though.
 
You buy a 1.2l shoebox, and I can guarentee you will want to change cars within 6 months.

You buy a 1.8 Focus, and most likely you will keep it for longer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom