First car needed - total vehicle noob here

[GhostlyPea]

Hi guys,

After bravely setting my foot through the door here I'm after some advice for my first run around. Not sure what info is required but:

- Buy near Bromley (Kent)
- 26 years old, had licence for 5 years but not driven or been insured for the last 2/3
- 6'4'' tall so need something comfortable for this height
- Budget 2 - 2.5k

I'm ideally after something to just run around it, it wont be a daily drive as I walk to work but occasionally I will have to do the odd 2 - 300 mile drive (maybe once every 2 - 3 months). I'm also saving for a place to buy at the moment so I'd like something cost effective to run, insure, maintain, tax etc. I'm not overly bothered about sportyness and I'd also like something bigger than a hatchback

This all points me to something like a (SHOCK!) Mondeo? I have a friend who is good with maintenance so I'm sure he can help me spot anything obviously duff but I don't know whether this is a sensible option to look at and what the alternatives are? Priority is really cost --> comfort --> everything else

Cheers

- GP

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

I am 6ft 3 and just got rid of a k11 Micra. Most other small cars had a lower roof and my face would be in the sun visor!

I really wouldn't worry about your height in a small family car i.e Focus/Astra.
I now have a MK2 Focus and I don't have the seat all the way back .

If cost is your main criteria, then a Mondeo it is.

 

[GhostlyPea]

My brother has an 05 Focus, he's the same height as me and finds it fine to drive so that was something else to look at. I guess Im just after options. Cheers

- GP

 

[Big Chris]

I really wouldn't worry about your height in a small family car i.e Focus/Astra.
I now have a MK2 Focus and I don't have the seat all the way back.

Indeed, I drive a Mk1 Focus and at 6'4 I don't have the seat the whole way back either.

You'd get a nice Mk1 1.6 petrol on your budget, millions of them around, cheap to insure and mine's cost me pretty much chuff all in 4yrs besides servicing and a couple of tyres. Drives nicely and doesn't look too bad either for a 10yr+ car.

 

[GhostlyPea]

Cheers guys. There a LOT of them around like you say and some are actually incredibly cheap.... well under my budget. is there anything to look out for good or bad?

- GP