I know nothing - HELP

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 10:50

Right,

I'm looking at buying a car and have no idea what to get. I have no more than £4k to spend and that is pushing the boat out to be honest. I'm 24, and will be passing my test soonish.
Idealy I'd like something pretty nippy, but not boy racer like. It also could do with being reasonably economical on the petrol.

Please can you fix it for me Jim?

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 11:38

What would be the book price on a 5 door 1.6 Focus Ghia 2002?

EDIT - Are they all Saloon's? Seem a bit big....EDIT +1 - Hatchback is what I'm after...

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 11:51

What about an 'ST' - How much difference price/insurance are we talking?

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 12:49

saitrix said:
You need at least £14k for one. Insurance group 17 compared to the 1.6 which is 5.

Scrap that idea then.....Insurance is quite important. I don't want to be paying the earth. Do the bandings differentiate between 1.6 and 1.8 litres? Just wondering whether 1.6 or 1.8 is the way to go with the focus

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 13:22

BigglesPiP said:
What do you have to spend after buying the car?

4k is small engined Alfa 156 money, but the running will be expensive.

Well - this is it really - Not much. I could handle £1.2k a year for insurance, but not over that. AT the end of the day - If I'm saving £200 a year just by chosing a 1.6 litre over a 1.8, then I'll choose the 1.6.
I also don't want to be filling the tank up every 2 minutes, so I like it to be reasonably economical...

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 13:33

BigglesPiP said:
My dad's 1.8TS (142bhp) does about 25mpg, with a combination of cruising and thrashing.

It likes Super Unleaded, the knock sensor advances the timing for it, more power, more noise, and pops the occasional flame.

The cheapest way to run an Alfa is to follow the service schedule.

The 1.6 is about 120bhp, insurance (group 12) will be killer at your age. Especially as it's your 1st year.

When you say killer.....

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 13:40

saitrix said:
Get the 1.6 Focus then. Insurance will be sub £1000 for it and fuel it isn't too bad. Plus they are reliable cars.

Are they nippy?

TheDean · 3 Jul 2007 at 14:05

saitrix said:
They are powerful enough for a first car. It all depends what sort of power you are use to really.

0-60 in 10.6 and top speed of 115mph. But that isn't the be all and end all.

Wow - That seems pretty flipping nippy!!! Been learning in a 2007 VW Beetle...