First time car for new driver

[Dieselman]

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

Feels very strong...Like a Volvo 740 v a Renault Modus...?


Yaris.

Toyota Yaris | Euro NCAP - For safer cars crash test safety rating

E39

BMW 5 Series | Euro NCAP - For safer cars crash test safety rating

 

[merc85]

Nissan Micra?

 

[AnilS]

Feels very strong...Like a Volvo 740 v a Renault Modus...?


Yaris.

Toyota Yaris | Euro NCAP - For safer cars crash test safety rating

E39

BMW 5 Series | Euro NCAP - For safer cars crash test safety rating

Technology in safety moves on.

My wife was stationary at the traffic lights when a gent in an old Fiat Punto hit her at 40mph (plus it was raining). At the scene, her Yaris merely had the cover of the number plate screw fall but on closer inspection revealed a creased boot floor and it held up incredibly well. Punto was written off.

As a doting Dad, I can only get the safest thing for him. I'm sure others will agree.

 

[AnilS]

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

Sifting through mis-described ads locally is the main issue. Slim picking otherwise

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.

Wants Ibiza size...

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

On radar

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.

On Radar

Nissan Micra?

I like them but he thinks they are "uncool"

 

[Giantvanman]

Encap rating isn't everything. Surely the safest car out there for a young lad without question must be a pink ANYTHING; he'll never drive it!

 

[Major774]

Loved that picture with the GTR... Hehe.

 

[John]

Technology in safety moves on.

My wife was stationary at the traffic lights when a gent in an old Fiat Punto hit her at 40mph (plus it was raining). At the scene, her Yaris merely had the cover of the number plate screw fall but on closer inspection revealed a creased boot floor and it held up incredibly well. Punto was written off.

As a doting Dad, I can only get the safest thing for him. I'm sure others will agree.

Agreed - you can only compare similar sizes and classes of car - and a modern 5 series equivalent of the age of smaller cars will be light years ahead.

I think you are right in buying the safest car you can - I would do the same.

 

[Erfan]

The wife has a fiesta mk6 1.4 petrol and its been a reliable and pleasant car. Would recommend as a good 1st car.

 

[Minz]

Stop feeding him or it will have to be anything with a sunroof.

 

[AnilS]

The wife has a fiesta mk6 1.4 petrol and its been a reliable and pleasant car. Would recommend as a good 1st car.

1.4 insurance makes it prohibitive. 1.25 better. Fiesta I drove today with a view to purchasing was nice though;

Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4 | Hagley | Gumtree

Stop feeding him or it will have to be anything with a sunroof.

Nope. Keep feeding him as he cannot fit in the GTR (behind me) anymore! Saves weight :bannana:

 

[John]

Mrs JB once had a MK5 Fiesta 1.25 on a W plate back in the day.

I thought it would be crap, and wished she had bought a MK6, but I actually loved it.

It drove like a go kart, went quite well and was great handling.

Very reliable too with air con and all sorts of gadgets I was surprised it had.

 

[AnilS]

OK. All done and car bought

These are my criteria (answers in bold);

• 10 years old or newer 2004
• Engine size under 1.4 litres 1.2 litres
• Prefer less than 70K miles 47K
• Must have MOT and would like tax to get him going MOT til Jan 2015 and Tax til June 2015
• HPI clear YUP
• Nothing bigger than Fiesta sized Corsa C (SXi)
• Insurance friendly Tesco Box around £1300
• Prefer manual but auto might work too Manual
• Budget is up to £1.5K but preferably less £1450

Pics to follow

 

[John]

Let us know when he needs advice on changing the supercharger pulley, fitting a cross pipe and headers as well as well remapping.

 

[wemorgan]

Pics to follow

pre and post 2-day detail

 

[AnilS]

Just a quick clean and vac (so pre).

 

[John]

Looks fine for a first car.

I had to spray my rear lights with tint to get them looking like that although they are done more professionally and are more subtle.

I remember it was all the rage in the early/mid 90s.

 

[def90cars]

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.

Got to agree.

Very reliable too