First time car for new driver

[AnilS]

My lad has just passed his driving test and we are looking for a nice small runabout for him.

These are my criteria;

• 10 years old or newer
• Engine size under 1.4 litres
• Prefer less than 70K miles
• Must have MOT and would like tax to get him going
• HPI clear
• Nothing bigger than Fiesta sized
• Insurance friendly
• Prefer manual but auto might work too
• Budget is up to £1.5K but preferably less

 

[developer]

Come on Anil - just get him insured for Dad's Nissan - don't be a spoilsport .

 

[AnilS]

No chance my son

 

[John]

Lol, worth a go I suppose.

 

[Giantvanman]

Have a look at VW Polos.
I say this because the difference in insurance when comparing same value/age to a Corsa/Fiesta/etc etc was amazing. My son's Polo (6 months old when we bought it and a 1.4) was less money by a long way compared to insuring a Corsa/Fiesta etc of the same age but less value. And that wasn't just with one company, it was across the board.

 

[AnilS]

On the radar. Thanks

 

[Colin_b]

Have a look at VW Polos.
I say this because the difference in insurance when comparing same value/age to a Corsa/Fiesta/etc etc was amazing. My son's Polo (6 months old when we bought it and a 1.4) was less money by a long way compared to insuring a Corsa/Fiesta etc of the same age but less value. And that wasn't just with one company, it was across the board.

Last model base Fiat Panda. Good fun car, given the modest power. Unloved by the chav tendency, so tends to avoid the punitive premium loadings. That and the Suzuki Swift are the lowest insurance group - or were a year or so ago.

 

[John]

Last model base Fiat Panda. Good fun car, given the modest power. Unloved by the chav tendency, so tends to avoid the punitive premium loadings. That and the Suzuki Swift are the lowest insurance group - or were a year or so ago.

A youngish bloke at work has a red 57 SS in red.

Seems quite smart.

 

[developer]

And have a voluntary black box fitted.

 

[AnilS]

After a bad experience with Fiat in the past, I will not be returnng to the brand. Thanks for the heads up. Appreciated.

Swifts are nice but out of budget.

 

[John]

After a bad experience with Fiat in the past, I will not be returnng to the brand. Thanks for the heads up. Appreciated.

Swifts are nice but out of budget.

I get the impression the guy at work has some parental assistance with his i.e. the job he does at the moment would mean it is unlikely he could afford to run it alone.

 

[Fryingpan78]

Facelift Mk3 Polo (6N2) would get my vote. Possibly Seat Ibiza.

-t

 

[Simon_M]

Ford Ka, last of the first generation - very good car.

 

[AnilS]

Facelift Mk3 Polo (6N2) would get my vote. Possibly Seat Ibiza.

-t

He's already had a 6N2 Polo match but didn't like the colour. Great car though but my wife wants him to have something newer.

Ford Ka, last of the first generation - very good car.

Agreed but NCAP rating says otherwise!

 

[wemorgan]

What cars are available to you locally? That might be the more limiting factor.

 

[Dieselman]

Agreed but NCAP rating says otherwise!

Are all parents bothered about Ncap ratings, what if he wanted a classic car or a motorbike?

How often has he been in your E39?

 

[Mrhanky]

I would have a look at Seat Leon's, some good bargains to be had. Just make sure the electrics all work and it hasnt got a scuttle panel leak. All easily sorted if you dont mind getting your hands dirty.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Toyota Yaris. Really no need imo to consider anything else for the criteria, you can't go wrong.

 

[llewe]

Citroen c1/peugot 107/Toyota Aygo (Old model)

Daughter managed to put quite a few scrapes on our c1 in the first year but lots of plastic meant not too expensive to fix!! I was suprised how much fun it is to drive.

 

[AnilS]

Are all parents bothered about Ncap ratings, what if he wanted a classic car or a motorbike?

How often has he been in your E39?

After what happened to my wife in her Yaris, safety means alot to me and any parent.

The E39 he is a passenger in feels very strong