learning to drive.. What car would suit me when i pass?

adamknox · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:14

I have a budget of around £1,000 and would like (if nothing else) for it to be reliable and MUST!! have very good mile to the gallon ratio. IS that even possible? Any ideas of cars? thanks for your help

P.s Im not a boy racer lol so im not after a crap car so i can do it up with blue led's Sub woofers etc. What i buy is how ii want to keep it, if you get me

- cheers

InvaderGIR · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:16

Something like a 1.25 Fiesta? Cheap enough, reliable enough, probably returns fairly decent mpg and shouldn't be too bad to insure either.

-westy- · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:17

InvaderGIR said:
Something like a 1.25 Fiesta? Cheap enough, reliable enough, probably returns fairly decent mpg and shouldn't be too bad to insure either.

bang on - I've spent a fair few miles in one - perfect first car IMO - cheap to insure/tax, goes pretty well for its engine size, relatively comfy too

Make sure you don't get it mixed up with the 1.3 Fiesta - even though the engine size seems more appealing, the 1.3 is...well, crap. The 1.25 is a Yamaha engine IIRC, and has the "1.25" written very clearly on the cam cover.

adamknox · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:18

InvaderGIR said:
Something like a 1.25 Fiesta? Cheap enough, reliable enough, probably returns fairly decent mpg and shouldn't be too bad to insure either.

Thanks!! just found one on the BAY for £750! (1999) Ill put that on the list cheers matey!

Janesy B · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:20

Another vote for 1.25 Fiesta, watch out for rust on the arches and door shuts. Apart from that they are pretty solid little cars.

Moeks · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:24

Yep, sounds fine to me. As noted though the 1.25 is good but the 1.3 is an awful, ancient old relic of an engine that's just hateful in every way.

I wouldn't rule out something like a Pugeot 306 1.9 diesel though either, that'd offer everything you ask for ...have more power and be more economical than the Fiesta.

markweatherill · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:24

Mk.1 Toyota Yaris comes in just under £1000, the 1.0L is pretty economical so I hear. They are also reliable. And you did say 'if nothing else'!

Janesy B · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:27

markweatherill said:
Mk.1 Toyota Yaris comes in just under £1000, the 1.0L is pretty economical so I hear. They are also reliable. And you did say 'if nothing else'!

A lot more uncomfortable than a Fiesta, very crashy ride IME. Also a 1.0 isn't going to be economical anywhere outside of town.

shifty_uk · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:31

Mk2 Clio 1.2, just to throw some others into the mix.

Moeks · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:35

You could probably insure a 'classic' pretty darn cheaply too. Although I suspect this isn't a road you want to go down. You'ed probably know if it was.

Janesy B · 17 Aug 2010 at 15:47

shifty_uk said:
Mk2 Clio 1.2, just to throw some others into the mix.

Haven't you had a **** load of problems with yours?

Mr Jack · 17 Aug 2010 at 16:25

Can't go wrong with a Fiesta, really. Plenty of examples around, and good little cars.

eatcustard · 17 Aug 2010 at 17:29

Fiesta is a safe bet as is a Yaris
also look at honda civic

OpenToSuggestions · 17 Aug 2010 at 17:30

A Fiesta would probably run ok but for sub £1000 it won't be easy finding one without shagged rear arches.

If you want simple, reliable, cheap then get a micra.

Don't bother with anything French and don't get a Rover!

Janesy B · 17 Aug 2010 at 17:31

mglover070588 said:
A Fiesta would probably run ok but for sub £1000 it won't be easy finding one without shagged rear arches.

Er yes it is. I paid £900 for mine and the arches are still fine at 12 years old. Still plenty of non-rusty examples around.

OpenToSuggestions · 17 Aug 2010 at 18:17

Janesy B said:
Er yes it is. I paid £900 for mine and the arches are still fine at 12 years old. Still plenty of non-rusty examples around.

...and plenty of absolutely shagged ones around too.

Janesy B · 17 Aug 2010 at 18:33

mglover070588 said:
...and plenty of absolutely shagged ones around too.

Plenty of shagged everything on the road, including the Micra so it's moot point.

Joshy · 17 Aug 2010 at 18:58

If I could do the first car thing again I'd go with a 306 D-Turbo.

Don't be put off by "OMG, it's a 1.9!", they are VERY reasonable to insure.

^TANK^ · 17 Aug 2010 at 19:27

Joshy said:
If I could do the first car thing again I'd go with a 306 D-Turbo.

Don't be put off by "OMG, it's a 1.9!", they are VERY reasonable to insure.

I think the fact that its a Peugeot puts people off the most.

K@rl · 17 Aug 2010 at 22:06

Pug 106 1.5D, slow and very good MPG?

What ever you get make sure its a low insurance group cause you are gonna get bent over no matter what.