Suggestions for a first car

[Anders0n]

I would guess that it's based on what damage they expect you to do to someone else's car? So there's a bottom cap regardles of the car you drive. I dunno, I've never been very sure how insurance companies conjure up their premiums.

I mean my insurance with them is £570 for next year.

For first time drivers it seems the price they quote you is heavily dependant on the cc of the engine. Or is that the norm with all insurance companys?

Nissan Almera !.4 are nice cars, not too bad on the insurance either, group 5 insurance they are.

Thanks. I'll look into them now.

 

[Anders0n]

I've got one, 1.4 Si, 16 V engine, very reliable. Got some toys aswell

Just looked at a few on ebay. Going for quite cheap but the styling is not really my thing. They look a bit big too.

 

[Anders0n]

Got driving test coming up soon so the car hunting has stepped up a gear.

I was all set on getting a Saxo VTR but all I've heard is bad things lately. French, fall apart after 60k, close pedals, awkward seating/stearing position, lacking in toys, cramped/small.

Insurance wasn't an issue on the VTR as nearly all similar cars come out as £1800.

Have about £2500 to spend. Car needs to be reasonably quick, so a 1.25 fiesta is really out of the question. Was looking at 306's but Im not keen on the styling at all, too boxy.

Second to the VTR I was always considering the Focus. The 3 door panther black ones look ace. Hard finding one that fits within my budget though. If I'm going to get one it looks like It going to have be a high miler. Is that a bad on the focus? Avoid like the plague, or not a problem?

 

[Anders0n]

306 HDi mate. Get it remapped and you are not far off 9 secs to 60mph. Shed loadsa torque, aircon and cheap insureance.

The 306 is a bigger 106? Styling is very similar. The 106 is a Saxo lol.

Focus is a good call, try and get a Zetec as they handle far better. Oh and the climate pack is good too.

Cheers, I'll look into the 306 HDi. In know a the Saxo and 106 are the same car, the Saxo just looks a hell of allot better.

I'm checking PH every days for cars, nothing quite fits the bill atm though. Focus's are still very pricey.

 

[Anders0n]

Citroen Saxo VTR 2001 - 44k - Completely standard. Bodywork perfect apart from minor stone chip on the bonnet. Newer style interior. £2,000

How does that sound?

 

[Anders0n]

It's under priced meaning it is hiding something or the seller is dumb!

Judging by the emails he's sent me, I believe it's the latter.

 

[Anders0n]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=200126892505&rd=1&rd=1

Thats the eBay listing.

The only thing that strikes me as dodgy is the fact that he's serviced it himself and the car only has service history for 10,000 miles. (Read the question at the bottom)

Is there any other way in which I could ask him to prove the mileage? What are the chances that it could have been clocked back? Perhaps this is why he's willing to let the car go for less than it appears worth?

 

[Anders0n]

Is it actually his car?

"sorry no px he has his eyes on a "mint" ford rs turbo even tho ive tryed to get him in a cosworth"

HE?

I wouldn't bother with it tbh. Never been taken above 50mph?



Plenty of lady owner saxo vtr's floating around on pistonheads etc.

He's selling the car for his brother, It says at the top of the listing.

I know the 50mph thing is bull but at 44k the car shouldn't have too many/if any problems?

There are indeed plenty of VTR's on piston heads, but hardly any are near me and those that are, are crap.

Go and test a mint perfect 5 grand 53 reg vtr from a dealer so you know what they should feel like. One on 44k shouldn't feel that much different to it really, you will know pretty easily if the mileage is genuine.

Need to past my test first. Very good idea though cheers.