New - Cheap Insurance - 1-1.5k Car - Recommendations?

grahamjenks · 7 Mar 2006 at 15:36

Looking at getting a car to replace a old Fiesta and currently have up to max 1.5k to spend. Gonna be used by me and my gf - will be in her name as she has 2 years no claims - I only passed last summer.

Looking at a 306 -1.9 TD or maybe Corsa or Polo (1.4petrol or maybe 1.9diesel).

Gonna be used for around Sheffield a couple of times a week and longer trips every fortnight (maybe 200 miles round trip over snake pass and up the M6 to the lakes)

Which of the above would be best for this - and why (looking at comfort and ecomomy - price of parts/reliablity too)

Insurance has to be reasonable i.e less than 650ish for 23yr old female with 22 yr old male as 2nd driver.

Thanks for any advice!

Scottland · 7 Mar 2006 at 15:41

I'd personally have something like a Fiesta 1.25 over a Corsa, Polo or Clio. Well for £1,500 I would anyway.

306's are nice, you'd be looking at a 1998 ish, 1.6 might be a bit better than a 1.9TD, only for the reason you might get a better/newer/tidier example for your money.

For the same money you could probably get a 99/00 Xsara 1.6 SX too.

Confused · 7 Mar 2006 at 15:43

You'll get more car for your money by going for something from a larger class - such as a Xantia/406/Mondeo

Larger engines for more refined driving, more toys, parts still cheap as there's thousands of them everywhere, and you won't pay a premium because unlike a 306/Polo/a.n.other small car, they're not "good first cars" (ie small, dog-slow - ie "nippy", and awash with absolutely no features!)

grahamjenks · 7 Mar 2006 at 16:26

Thanks for the advice.

Looking at quotes it seems bigger cars are a little more expensive to insure (maybe at least 100 quid), also around town are they not gonna be less economic?
Plus the limited parking where we live - practically something smaller is gonna find more chance of finding a space - we're talking cars parked almost bumper to bumper at times.

Although your recommendations certainly are worth considering.

muckymick · 7 Mar 2006 at 19:28

How about a 1.4si almera,should be cheap enough to insure.I had a 1.6 gx and that was only group7 insurance.Just checked parkers say the 1.4si is group 5.Not the hottest looking motor out there but i had mine for 5 years and put nothing but tyres and an exhaust on it.Should be able to get one around 6 years old for your budget.