Another first car thread

[r1zeek]

Yeah I know, i'm sorry to make yet another thread.

I've recently ben seriously looking at what car I could get as my first car so I can plan my finances.

From looking around (for about 2 - 3 months) I have found a few which *might* be suitable for a first car, but I need you lot to help me with advice

Honda Civic 3door Hatchback - not sure on what engine sizes are available and what their insurance group is

Renault Clio 3door Hatchback - no idea about this car really, engine size or insurance group etc.

Citroen AX - My mate has one of these and it goes alright but I have no idea what it drives like

If any of you could either give me advice about any of those cars (what sort of engine size I would be looking at & how much insurance might be as a first car) or even recommend any other cars which would be alright as a first car.
Only car I don't want is a Ford Ka, reason - my sister has one and it seems a bit...dire

Thanks in advance guys

[Shad]

I had a Mk1 Clio as my first car, they're nice cars

[r1zeek]

The Mk1 Clio is the new Clio?

Any pictures as i'm not quite sure which one you mean?

[Rave]

Mk1 means the first model. My mum has a 1.9 diesel clio- it's nice to drive, nippy enough and it handles fine. The Honda Civics are all in a very high insurance bracket for some reason, not ideal for a first car. I like Citroen AXs personally, they're super light and hence fun to drive, but they're not supposed to survive crashes very well. Doesn't bother me personally, but you should be aware of it.

Rich :¬)

[Gunbuster]

Oi, I have a Ford Ka (2nd car) and its ace. Insurance group 2 and a 1.3 letre engine. Ok its the usual ford build quality, its geared for town driving. I really enjoy driving it. I drove a Micra whilst learning and that was good, if a little plain.

I had an AX before (1st car) and it was mince, I just felt I couldn't depend on it.

Insurance:
Honda Civic - Group 10+ http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/in.../?model_id=298
Renault Clio - Group 3+ http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/in.../?model_id=710
Citreon AX - Group 3+ http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/in.../?model_id=122
Ford Ka - Group 2+ http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/in.../?model_id=247

Being that you like the Clio I'd go with that, the Civic is to high a group, the AX too mince and the KA not your cup of tea.

[Stoo]

A Clio should do you nicely, 1.2's are the most common and hence the cheapest, have a hunt about on the insurance quote webbys, expect insurance to be steep for a couple of years, I wouldn't expect a lot of change out of £1500 for fully comp on a newish clio.. (that's if you're only 17..)

[r1zeek]

A Clio should do you nicely, 1.2's are the most common and hence the cheapest, have a hunt about on the insurance quote webbys, expect insurance to be steep for a couple of years..

Been trying to hunt about but:
1) I don't feel right making up a fake age (because I doubt they will give a quote for a 16 year old)
2)I don't know the registration so a lot of them won't give me a quote
/me grumbles at elephant.co.uk

Cheers for the help though guys, i'll have a hunt around for a quote

Where is the best place to look for a Clio (autotrader etc) ?

Also what would you recommend new or second hand?

[Stoo]

that's okay, you can still get a quote for what it would be when you are 17, you're only asking for a quote, not cover

it should let you get a quote without a registration too..

[Gunbuster]

Try tesco, they beat everyone I tried and allowed me to transfer my insurance across from my AX to my Ka. The online quoter is fairly good for a ball park figure. Also Norwich Union did not "quote me happy".

[Stoo]

Okay, 17 year old not long passed their test..

2004 Clio 1.2 3dr Dynamique Fully Comp = £1475
1998 Clio 1.2 3dr RT Fully Comp = £1437

Saxo's are roughly the same price as ^^

1998 Honda Civic 1.4 = £1900
2004 Honda Civic 1.4 = £1700 (how odd!)
2004 Honda Civic S 1.6 VTEC = £1850 (oooookay...)

either way it's going to be expensive..

(all prices are tesco btw)

[Stoo]

Tesco is about the cheapest for me too

[Gunbuster]

Yikes, my first car was only about £500 3rd party. Then again I was old when I got around to learning to drive.

[r1zeek]

I see, thanks a lot of for that Stoo
(and everyone else)

[Oakey]

Try tesco, they beat everyone I tried and allowed me to transfer my insurance across from my AX to my Ka. The online quoter is fairly good for a ball park figure. Also Norwich Union did not "quote me happy".

Quoted me happy. £1100 FC on an '04 MG ZR 105 (1.4l, 105bhp). 23, Pass Plus, driving about 5 months. Also, don't have to declare any modifications unless they affect the performance (should get them to send that in writing though).

On a 2000 Ford Ka 1.3 it was £500 TPFT.

[Stoo]

26, driving for a year (just) tesco just quoted me £705 fully comp on a beefed up 2004 mini cooper chilli pack edition

That's me happy

...just need to be able to afford the car in the first place lol

[Gunbuster]

haha, I know what you mean. I'm finally buying a place so my Ka will be doing me for a fair few years yet. Maybe then something a bit more sporty.