Passed my test last week, need a car!

mattyprice4004 · 7 Dec 2008 at 22:20

whats up with a 1.6 diesel focus?

Clarkey · 7 Dec 2008 at 22:43

It's 1.6 and diesel, what's right with it?

The Edge · 8 Dec 2008 at 07:26

Clarkey said:
It's 1.6 and diesel, what's right with it?

Surely it depends on what you want? It's certainly not an enthusiasts car so it won't go down well on a forum like this. But as a get you from A to B lots of times and not use too much fuel it's fine.

It's a tool, not a toy but for a casual driver probably too much of a tool and i suspect he'd get fed up with it quite quickly. They get used for comapany cars for a very good reason.

Clown · 8 Dec 2008 at 08:27

I think I'm looking for a toy car

I have a free travel pass that gets me into central London for work, so I just want a car to practice in and go wherever the wind takes me!

You say you would be reluctant to pay £3000 for your first car. Does that mean buying a brand new one on finance is a bad idea?

Tesla · 8 Dec 2008 at 08:54

A Fiesta 1.25 is the best choice for a first car to learn the ropes for 6-12months assuming that you do not have a required spec. or use.

Buying a brand new car rarely makes sense.

The Edge · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:21

Clown said:
You say you would be reluctant to pay £3000 for your first car. Does that mean buying a brand new one on finance is a bad idea?

Yes. Utterly bad idea i'm afraid

Buying a new car is like setting fire to money. If you must burn money then get a second hand car and give me what you save

I'd be inclined to spend up to about £1500. You can get a nice tidy car for that quite easily.

Clown · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:23

Even a medium hatchback?

The Edge · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:36

Don't buy a car on finance. Escpecially a new one. You'll owe £10k to own something that's worth £7.5k the moment it leaves the dealership. No thanks

If you mean can you get a medium hatchback for £1.5k then the answer is yes, loads of them.

Clown · 9 Dec 2008 at 13:57

On a side note, who is good for insurance for new drivers? I got quoted £2k for a 1.6 Focus Zetec from a company affiliated with Adrian Flux

The Edge · 9 Dec 2008 at 16:17

I've found Endsleigh to be the cheapest so far.

TheVoice · 9 Dec 2008 at 16:18

LV were cheapest for me as a new driver. Lots of other places wanted upwards of £2,000-3,000, which was absurd really.

tripitaka · 9 Dec 2008 at 16:38

Admiral have been cheapest for me that I've seen, looking at group 1 or 2 cars.

Clarkey · 9 Dec 2008 at 17:23

Don't get a group 1/2 car, it will be rubbish.

Clown · 9 Dec 2008 at 17:56

Would you believe Virgin are one of my better quotes and they don't charge extra for monthly payment. £1300! I want a car badly

I'm getting so impatient, I might just go to Car Giants and get one from there...

tripitaka · 9 Dec 2008 at 18:48

Ha! Just on my way back from there now, checked out a Panda.

Clown · 9 Dec 2008 at 19:46

You think buying from a dealer is worth it over buying privately?

The Edge · 9 Dec 2008 at 21:19

Clown said:
You think buying from a dealer is worth it over buying privately?

not necesserily. while you do have more rights on paper from a dealer/trader in practice you're not that much better off.

Take a mate who knows about cars with you.

Clown · 10 Dec 2008 at 21:40

I'll take my mate's dad who's a mechanic. I think I'm going to drop about £5000 on a newish Ford Focus. The idea of a newer car and added cover from the dealer is very tempting

At the end of the day, it's just money and I'll have more of it soon

Clown · 11 Dec 2008 at 17:14

Hmm, I've changed my mind again. Don't want to spend so much on a first car

Is it normal to be this indecisive first time around?

The Edge · 11 Dec 2008 at 17:17

Clown said:
Hmm, I've changed my mind again. Don't want to spend so much on a first car
Is it normal to be this indecisive first time around?

For most people

Can you justify the outlay? If so go for it, if not get something cheaper.

That's how I operate