New Car On A Budget - Advice Please!

[planetgong]

Hi guys.

At nearly 29 years old, I've decided it really is time for me to learn to drive! I am booking one of the intensive course thingies, so hopefully will have my licence soon!

My question is, what car do I get!? I am completely new to the car market and don't really have any previous knowledge of cars.

I have a budget of approx £1500, £2000 max. I'm looking to get something reasonably economical and cheap to insure etc. I will mostly be using car at the weekend as I intend to still walk to work(driving won't make me lazy, honest!).

So what would people recommend for that kind of price limit?

Thanks for any help.

[Vimeous]

Does your budget include insurance and TAX or will that be separate?

[planetgong]

As long as they are not huge, then the tax and insurance are outside the budget. I would rather pay a bit extra initially than regret it in a few months time.

[pdug175]

I asked a similar question a few months ago, reliability/econonomically wise a few said honda civics, nissan almeras etc


I've decided to save up abit longer and get something more flash.

[planetgong]

Not after anything flash particularly, just want something that won't break and doesn't make me look too stupid!

[Bunjiweb]

If you want something that wont break then I'd look at somthing Japanese or German.... For £2k you could pick up a Honda Civic with a vtec engine, which according to honda they have not had one fault with, so should be very reliable.

Ben

[planetgong]

Well just checked how much insurance for a Civic would be through confused and got quoted £800ish! Blimey didn't realise it would be that much!

[Vimeous]

There have been quite a few threads over recent weeks with people looking for cars after passing their test. There have been various ages too as it'll make a huge difference as to what you might potentially look for.
My first suggestion would be to have a quick nose back through recent posts and see what you can learn. It'll certainly help you understand what is involved and just how wide you choice will be.

In general if you are looking for generic reliability then Japanese if indeed one fine choice BUT insurance, certainly on older models, may not be in your price range.
Have a look at the "Technical Data" in the Specs section of the Parkers website for the insurance groups of cars from the last 10 years. It should give a useful starting point to understand just how much you'll be able to afford.
My guess is that the Civic you quoted for was probably group 8. Try looking at group 6 or lower to get more affordable prices.

Have a read and throw us some more specific questions, we'll be happy to help!

[Vimeous]

Suggested threads to read ....

On buying cars:
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=117261
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=117428
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=117844

On finding insurance:
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=116238
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=88040

On buying second hand:
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=118216

[planetgong]

Thanks for the advice mate, much appreciated. I have read through all the threads and it has made my head spin!! Too much to think about! I kind of have my heart set on a Civic, really like the look of them and have heard they are reliable, especially the vtec ones.

[arbitor]

You shouldnt be getting quoted that much mate, try a few mor companies.

Should be sub 500 i would have thought, it is around 500 for me to insure a 1,6 civic and im 19 lol

[Vimeous]

TBH any Japanese engine should be pretty bullet proof if well cared for.
I own an older VTEC powered Civic and love it. However I also think the 1.4 in the last Toyota Corolla is a better engine than the current Civic iVTEC 1.4 but they're very different cars.
Critically they seem able to respond to whatever I throw at them, however demanding I might be.

The best thing is to get a short-list, say a Civic and two alternatives and go and drive them.

[planetgong]

Thanks for the advice again. The Civic vtecs I have seen are about £1500, does that seem a reasonable amount?

[Vimeous]

Thanks for the advice again. The Civic vtecs I have seen are about £1500, does that seem a reasonable amount?

What kind of age, mileage and spec are the cars you're seen?

[planetgong]

What kind of age, mileage and spec are the cars you're seen?

Between 65-85000 generally, late 90s. I have looked at all sorts really from the 1.4 to some 1.6.

[Gunbuster]

How about a Mazda 323, my sister just got one (97P), its pretty nippy and it was fairly easy to insure.
I'd be interested to know what the more experienced drivers here would reccomend as that bracket is almost identical to my needs at the moment.