17 And looking for a car.

[Yanimosho]

Hello there!

Basically, i am coming up to turning 17, and am very interested in sorting out what car i wanted to get.

I will (hopefully) have a steady job at Prodrive in Banbury, so as you can see having a nice car is a VERY important aspect of my life!

I was looking at getting a Classic car, mainly a Triumph Spitfire GT6, as i heard the insurance is pretty cheap, and i dont want to turn into one of the Citroen Saxo fan boys.

Or a Seat Leon TDI as someone said a diesel cost you nothing on insurance... ?

But i see this may be a tad to expensive. I am looking mainly at something around the 1.5k a year margin.

So really, does anyone know of a nice UNIQUE car, in insurance group 1-6 that is pretty fast and isnt too draining on the cash?

Thanks alot, as i am really very puzzles about what i want to do!

[arbitor]

Leon tdi will not be cheap for you

[GrahamGarside]

Classic car insurance is usually for over 25's only.

You're making the classic mistake all young guys make. Thinking you can have a nice first car trust me, get through your probationary period then lok to a nice car, you'll save a fortune in insurance and running costs, probably be earning more anyway and have a much better chance of avoiding the statistical likelyness that you will crash.

None of the older guys where you work will look down on you going for a sensible car, and the younger guys in their max powered saxos or whatever will soon have that smirk knocked off their face in a couple of years when you have the cash to go for a genuine nice car and not some tacked up shopping cart.

In short get a micra

[arbitor]

You some kind of micra whore

Hes right though, took a good two years to be able to drive something that would go fast..

[headbrace]

On the other hand, I have a Triumph Vitesse- I had one from a provisional, and I'm 19 now and thinking of getting rid. Classic cars are great as first cars- provided you are prepared to put some effort in.

You learn how the car actually works, and you given how much effort you've put into it, you take care of it too. Classic Insurance can be had, and cheaply, but you won't get NCB and you will probably need someone over 25 as a name driver.

[GrahamGarside]

You gotta love those little jap noddy cars

In every aspect other than image they make the most sense, reliable, handle well, frugal, cheap to insure, dirt cheap to buy etc.. but by god it's like they designed them so only vicars and guys named Arthur would drive them.

[schmunk]

I agree with the general gist - get something relatively cheap and gutless for your first car, but

DO NOT GET A MICRA...!

That is all.

[GeorgeTuk]

Get a 106, the later models should be in your price range, reasonable and look good for a small car. Don't get a Micra, they are for old people and foreigners, sometimes old foreign people.

The best thing is not to push your money too hard, you are young and its much better to spend your money, on going out to concerts and having fun rather than becoming the designated driver. Some of my friends regret it, just get something regular but in good nick. The better cars come later.

[Zak33]

I was looking at getting a Classic car, mainly a Triumph Spitfire GT6, as i heard the insurance is pretty cheap, and i dont want to turn into one of the Citroen Saxo fan boys.

So really, does anyone know of a nice UNIQUE car, in insurance group 1-6 that is pretty fast and isnt too draining on the cash?

oh that is a GREAT idea I shall support you 100% towards your dream. A classic car as a first, to learn the ropes, to learn respect for motoring and to work on.

MG B GT?

You're gonna have to get involved in the CLassic Car clubs to get the parts. Maybe start like a lot of older drivers did....

a mini
or a beetle

cos a GT6 is some pretty serious work and money i think for a noob. However, I have to show 100% respect for not wanting a new style car yet.

I know it sounds silly, but maybe just a Mk1 or Mk2 Escort, even a really early Capri. 15 years ago these were old nails....now they're very desireable. Avoid Chevettes though as the engine choice is limited. 1256 bag of pooh or 2.3 animal.
How about an old Japanese car....really old. AN old Celica? An old Honda?

[J4MES]

2CV? - it'll cost peanuts to run, they're getting pretty unique, but they're not fast...

or a Zakky says - mini/beetle gotta be worth a look

old honda CRX 1.5? (might be hard to find though, might not be low insurance)

106 gti/rallye? AX GT? XR2? all classics now imho

[chriswood_7]

Your coming up to 17 so you havent passed your test yet, obviously?

You just want something cheap and reliable to run for a few years, rather than making sure you have THE car to be seen in, if you follow. Even at your age, insurance group 1-2 is going to be well over £1000. Personally, I would get an Aygo. 1ltr VVTi engine, about 70mpg, and the lowest tax band/lowest insurance group.

Just out of interest, what will you be doing at Prodrive, if you dont mind me asking?

[arbitor]

Just buy what you can afford, ultimatly its unlikely you will follow what is said here anyway, it depends how much u like your cars, i would rather have the car i wanted than go out each friday to get drunk *sigh*

[Gr44]

Just buy what you can afford, ultimatly its unlikely you will follow what is said here anyway, it depends how much u like your cars, i would rather have the car i wanted than go out each friday to get drunk *sigh*

Don't be silly. Get a shed and go out every Friday AND Saturday....

Seriously though... an old car would be awesome, but be aware of the amount of potential work and money invovled before you buy!

[dave87]

Group 1-6 and fast don't usually go with each other. Nippy yes, fast no.

Not sure what you are doing at ProDrive, but if you drive the cars they produce/tune, any car you can afford/get insured on is going to seem pretty dull. Kudos to you for looking at older cars as Zakky said, MGB would be a good choice, the GT would cost you a fair bit to run, but the others are quite good. If you are only doing short runs, then the MG Midget would also be worth a look, as the parts for them are readily available. The other suggestion I would second is the Aygo, funky little car, and the diesel is meant to be even better than the petrol, cause it's more torquey, and it gets better MPG...oh, and it's a Toyota, so should be nice & reliable.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the KA, as I was out in a mates 04 plate 1.3, and to my surprise, though basic, it is quite comfy. Wouldn't like to do long journeys in it, but neither would I in most things in that sorta insurance group. We cracked 90 4 up, so its a punchy little thing, not as slow as the 1.3 shopping trolley of a Fiesta. (Obv. I don't recommend nor condone such speeds, but these things happen....honest officer....).

Ultimately your first car is not something that is going to set the world on fire, but to have something nice is preferable to a bit of a shed. That said, sheds are a lot cheaper than BMWs/Mercs/Subarus to repair, so budget may dictate your choice. Anyway, enough of my ramblings, hopefully they are of some help.

Oh, and if you find insurance on everything you like is too much, get a motorbike. Sorted.

[arbitor]

Unless you can afford it..

My insurance is too much , but i dont care, do what you love

[Ommid]

i would go for a corsa as i mentioned on the other thread, group 1 cheap to run, cheap to buy, reliable, and if you lose your key you can open the door with anything which is always good