1st car + insurance advice

[ehhhhhhh]

Hi People,

The time has come to seriously consider buying a car because I had to relocate and I cannot really find a convenient place to rent near my new workplace.

So...my requirements are quite basic, I want something small and cheap with cheap insurance etc.

I've looked at some Ford fiestas and the like (engine <1.3), though I don't really know anything about cars, but I think something similar would be suitable.

What I really need is some advice on which models would be ok. I mean I don't really want to spend on them apart from the basic stuff like fuel and brake-pads, etc. (reliability is the most important).

My second query is on insurance companies. I still have some time until I'll be 25 (additionally I have a full EU licence, I'm not sure if this makes the insurance more expensive) so it's also very important to get a cover which is cheap....I heard that directline provides really cheap service (though they won't lift a finger if something happens) so it would be nice if someone could give a feedback on them.


Thanks in advance for your help

[PetrolHead]

I like these threads!

But you missed out the most important bit! Whats your budget?

[ehhhhhhh]

thanks for pointing that out.

I'm willing to spend up to 650 on the car.

[Agent]

After just going through this myself, you're looking at an older Fiesta or KA.

Either way, you may find that spending 650 on a car is too little. I'd be more worried that you'd get something which needs work on it and not know about it. When spending that kinda money I'd suggest it's worth consulting someone who knows their stuff before buying to try and avoid this.

You'll need to do a fair bit of shopping about for that kinda cash, but bargains can be had.

[ehhhhhhh]

Either way, you may find that spending 650 on a car is too little.

thanks agent. May I ask what car did you get at the end?

Also, I wonder how much would be the optimal budget for a small car like a fiesta? I mean to minimize the disappointment factor

the only car that I would spend even more money on is an old-school mini..though it can be bought between 1500-5000 . I'm planning to persuade one of my friends to come with me, nonetheless I will be able to blame him if something goes wrong afterwards

[finlay666]

I think DisturbedGuy got his Ibiza for under £1k so you should be able to get one for a similar price, I'd personally take it for the size (being tall)

[Agent]

thanks agent. May I ask what car did you get at the end?

Also, I wonder how much would be the optimal budget for a small car like a fiesta? I mean to minimize the disappointment factor

the only car that I would spend even more money on is an old-school mini..though it can be bought between 1500-5000 . I'm planning to persuade one of my friends to come with me, nonetheless I will be able to blame him if something goes wrong afterwards

I went for a KA for a few reasons:

There are loads about, haggling is easy with a KA.
Parts are cheap - no matter where you go, KA parts are usually available the same day. Smaller things can be got from a scrap yard with ease.
Reliable - important for me.
Small - I'm a bike rider by nature, and as much as I loved the Ibiza, it felt too big going from a bike -> car.
Insurance - lowest insurance bracket, which was important, as I'm in a high cost area (not for long though!)
Quite a lot of low mileage ones about for a reasonable price!

I paid £1250 for mine, which had 30k on the clock, FSH, 2000 model (has PAS unlike previous ones), and one female owner.

I have my bike for fun, car for work

[Disturbedguy]

I think DisturbedGuy got his Ibiza for under £1k so you should be able to get one for a similar price, I'd personally take it for the size (being tall)

I did indeed Finlay.

I got it for 595 and its a 1997 1.4 Seat Ibiza SXE.

Not in excellent condition but not in appaling condition either doesnt look to be much wrong with it either. I pick it up tomorrow so will find out for definite if anything is wrong with it.