Advice on a car?

Central · 05-05-2009, 10:13

I am going for the tests very soon and hoping to pass of course

I know its a bit premature but I been looking at cars. Call it the excitement.

I have really got my eye on a Ford Focus. I have always liked them. Not looking for a brand new one. Perhaps a 1999 one or 2000.

What would be a decent price for one? Would prefer a 1.3 engine.

Also what are peoples opinions on these?

Cheers

STONEISLAND · 05-05-2009, 10:16

IMHO?

Get an old banger to start with £750 motor will do, if you crash it (likely as most people who just pass has a knock or 2) there wont be much loss.
After a year or 2 experience then get a decent one.

**Rob** · 05-05-2009, 10:17

I always have a punt around various car sites if I'm lookinng for prices, details on particular models and reliability / running costs, etc. Some of the useful ones can be parkers price guides, autotrader and such like.

Your biggest consideration needs to be insurance. As a new driver that will be your mega expense. For at least the first year you probably need something really small in engine size to keep things realistic.

**Russ** · 05-05-2009, 10:17

Excellent advice at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

Central · 05-05-2009, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I always have a punt around various car sites if I'm lookinng for prices, details on particular models and reliability / running costs, etc. Some of the useful ones can be parkers price guides, autotrader and such like.

Your biggest consideration needs to be insurance. As a new driver that will be your mega expense. For at least the first year you probably need something really small in engine size to keep things realistic.

I did do a insurance quote on a 1.3 Focus I found on Auto trader. First year for me was £650. I was expecting about £1000 or similar.

superbiatch · 05-05-2009, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

Excellent advice at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

I was just going to quote the very same page!

Btw, stick to Fords, Vauxhalls etc as parts are easy to come by should you buy an older one which will more than likely have niggly problems. The worst thing I ever did was by French!

AbyssUnderground · 05-05-2009, 10:29

Best thing I did was get my Pug 306's! On my 2nd now (first was free and fell apart, so I can't complain, 2nd one is solid and cost £500). Never had a problem engine wise with either of them. Just be weary of electrical issues with French cars!

**Russ** · 05-05-2009, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I was just going to quote the very same page!

Btw, stick to Fords, Vauxhalls etc as parts are easy to come by should you buy an older one which will more than likely have niggly problems. The worst thing I ever did was by French!

But you're a girl.

We're talking about cars.

**Kymmy** · 05-05-2009, 10:30

When I first passed I went for something cheap but fun... Ended up with a small little Suzuki SJ410...totally gave me brown knickers moments when I took my first corner in it (they're high up and tend to roll quite a lot).. but the 4x4 came in handy, I removed the two rear seats and made a little bikini top for it... All for less than £300 (in fact we sold it for £350

)

Gary L · 05-05-2009, 10:35

You can pick up a nice Mini Metro for around £20

superbiatch · 05-05-2009, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

But you're a girl.

We're talking about cars.

I'm the exception to the rule

(many years spent under vans/cars from a very early age!)

**Kymmy** · 05-05-2009, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary L

You can pick up a nice Mini Metro for around £20

Does that come with twist together wires or a screwdriver???

---------- Post added at 10:40 ---------- Previous post was at 10:38 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I'm the exception to the rule

(many years spent under vans/cars from a very early age!)

LOL, with me it was stripped down bikes from an early age

In fact I never passed my car test till 2004

superbiatch · 05-05-2009, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

LOL, with me it was stripped down bikes from an early age

In fact I never passed my car test till 2004

See boys - we're much more than just pretty faces

**Russ** · 05-05-2009, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I'm the exception to the rule

(many years spent under vans/cars from a very early age!)

Yes yes but putting cars and vans on to bricks does not qualify you.

This is a bloke's thread - it's about cars.

Kymmy's allowed in because she's an honorary bloke.

Gary L · 05-05-2009, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Does that come with twist together wires or a screwdriver???

No, it comes with a key on a Rover key ring

---------- Post added at 10:47 ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

See boys - we're much more than just pretty faces

As long as you still do washing up and ironing, we'll let you off doing the manly things