View Full Version : Choosing my first car
ok as some of you know from my previous thread a couple of months back I am currently learning to drive, my test is booked for 2 months from now (Yay!! :D I mean Gulp!! :Eek: ). This will be one month before my 21st Birthday if I pass so I am going to wait until my 21st birthday before I buy a car as I have been told this will lower my insurance payments.
Now im looking into choosing a new car (Not literally new, just new to me ofcourse ;) ) and I really can't decide what to get.
Some people have reccomended buying a new car since many of them come with a years free insurance. I don't think I will do this as it is likley to halve in value as soon as I buy it and also I dont think I will be able to afford the payments on car once my second year comes in and I have to pay for my own insurance :) , Ive also had some people reccomend Auctions to me though im not 100% sure if thats a good idea either.
Basicly these are my special requirements :) ....
Preferably under 1.3 Engine to keep me in the lower insurance bracket (Correct me if Im worng about that).
Either under £500 for the car (wich I will buy in one go) or...
Less than £150 combined per month for the car & the insurance (Insurance is likely to cost me around £80~ per month).
Also any personal reccomendations or horror stories are welcome, I need to build up a sort of knowledge pool of cars to keep away from and cars wich are good buys, this will greatly assist me when I come to choose one, especially if I go to an auction.
I was thinking of buying a K reg Escort (Mk 3 I think) though have since been warned away from these due to the engines beeing shodily built or something.
A friend has reccomended I buy a Punto, though I think she is a little Biased since she currently drives one herself. Puntos also seem a little pricey compared to equivelants from other makes of cars such as Vauxhall (Wich I live over the road from) and Ford.
I was looking at a place local to me and apparently I could get a V reg corsa for around £14 per week (£56 per month + £80 for insurance = £136) thinking that might be worth looking into though im gonna shop around a little first, this place also sells Puntos (as mentioned above) for a similar price per week.
So any help, reccomendations & personal experiences would be greatly appreciated, thanks :)
I wouldn't go anywhere near an Escort built circa 1993 - there were so many product recalls it was almost embarrassing.
How about something like a Pug 106 or a Saxo? Both easily maintained and can be run from your local scrappies if you need parts on the cheap as well as having loads of street cred :)
The only thing going against you here is your age - any insurance premium is likely to be heavy.
I wouldn't go anywhere near an Escort built circa 1993 - there were so many product recalls it was almost embarrassing.
How about something like a Pug 106 or a Saxo? Both easily maintained and can be run from your local scrappies if you need parts on the cheap as well as having loads of street cred :)
The only thing going against you here is your age - any insurance premium is likely to be heavy.
I know too many people who have had bad experiences with the Pug 105, 205 & 106 so I dont think I will go with them, im sure they are fine cars really and my friends where probably just unlucky but I think I might be tempting fate if I buy one :)
I have been considdering the saxo, or an AX, both seem to be pretty reliable cars though im a big fella :) and im rather weary about head room in some of the smaller cars, the AX doesnt look much higher than a rover metro and when I sit in a rover metro my head touches the roof (Not the most comfortable way to ride in a car I can tell ya :) )
I know what you meant about insurance, Ive been looking around for quotes and if its likeley that my insurance will be upto twice the cost of the car :eek: unless I buy a newish one and pay weekly.
The AX was ok I suppose but now looks seriously dated, although if that doesn't bother you, the limited edition Gti was a corker - but that'll kick you in the spuds when it comes to insurance. Have you thought about a Ka? My mate used to have one but he referred to it as Ka-ka....
Charlie_Bubble
27-06-2004, 15:07
I had a punto a few years ago. Had several electrical problems with the rear lights. Don't like the ride/handling in them particularly either.
I think that the pug 106 or saxo as already said would be a good first car. Also the newer Clios ('94 onwards) are pretty good.
The AX was ok I suppose but now looks seriously dated, although if that doesn't bother you, the limited edition Gti was a corker - but that'll kick you in the spuds when it comes to insurance. Have you thought about a Ka? My mate used to have one but he referred to it as Ka-ka....
Seriously considdered a Ka for a little while, even though they are reffered to as hairdressers cars (for gays and ladies) never let things like that bother me, though they also seem to have quite low tops, so it may be like in the rover my head will be scraping across the roof :)
Dated cars really dont bother me, I would gladly drive a morris minor if it would get me from A to B :D
Thanks for your help BTW Russ, this is just the sort of information Im after.
Well I had a Fiesta 1.1 Ghia last October, G red and got it for £400. Apparantly they aren't exactly low insurance groups, it cost me £1300 to insure (102 a month, and 250 first month)
However, it's now broke... it supposadly had a new gearbox when I brought it.. and thats now gone, cant be bothered to replace it, and the cars in a state now anyway as I've drove it too hard on the country roads and had numourous crashes :eek:
So im the same boat, looking for a car too, got around 500 to spend. Apparantly Astras are good, and contary to what Russ said, a few people have reccomended Escorts, and Orions... Saxo's are OK if you want a Boy racer image :erm:... Just trying to get a quote on a astra and a escort now... be interested to see other peoples reccomendations :)
homealone
27-06-2004, 15:44
don't laugh, but have you thought about a Fiat Seicento? Small car, cheapish insurance - but the main reason for the suggestion is that a colleague had one - and he is 6' 5", but had no problem with headroom, surprisingly.:)
scrotnig
27-06-2004, 15:49
don't laugh, but have you thought about a Fiat Seicento? Small car, cheapish insurance - but the main reason for the suggestion is that a colleague had one - and he is 6' 5", but had no problem with headroom, surprisingly.:)
I had one of these once as a courtesy car. Sadly it was pink, but I was quite amzed at how nippy it was considering how small the engine is. Good on fuel too, and I'd happily have one 9just not pink).
Well I had a Fiesta 1.1 Ghia last October, G red and got it for £400. Apparantly they aren't exactly low insurance groups, it cost me £1300 to insure (102 a month, and 250 first month)
However, it's now broke... it supposadly had a new gearbox when I brought it.. and thats now gone, cant be bothered to replace it, and the cars in a state now anyway as I've drove it too hard on the country roads and had numourous crashes :eek:
So im the same boat, looking for a car too, got around 500 to spend. Apparantly Astras are good, and contary to what Russ said, a few people have reccomended Escorts, and Orions... Saxo's are OK if you want a Boy racer image :erm:... Just trying to get a quote on a astra and a escort now... be interested to see other peoples reccomendations :)
I think it depends on the age of the escort, the XR3 series was meant to be fantastic, though very boy racery.
I wanted to get an Astra but you cant get any lower than 1.4 unless you go for one of the old MK2 (OR possible MK3, I can't remember properly) I would really like to keep engine size below 1.3 otherwise I would be getting an Astra myself :)
I was also looking to get a Fiesta, similar reg to the one you had, and may reconsidder now after what happened with yours, have heard similar things and just assumed they where isolated occorances though looks like it may be a common thing witht that model of car.
don't laugh, but have you thought about a Fiat Seicento? Small car, cheapish insurance - but the main reason for the suggestion is that a colleague had one - and he is 6' 5", but had no problem with headroom, surprisingly.:)
They look quite nice, size has never bothered me, and I currently ride a scooter, so that shows you how much I care about street cred :D
They just look really small, good to hear about the headroom, its deffinatley worth noting, how about legroom aswel? Ive also got a bit of a belly on me these days :D so cockpit space is important aswel :D
Avrils_knickers
27-06-2004, 15:58
i would get a nissan sunny or bluebird
homealone
27-06-2004, 16:04
They look quite nice, size has never bothered me, and I currently ride a scooter, so that shows you how much I care about street cred
They just look really small, good to hear about the headroom, its deffinatley worth noting, how about legroom aswel? Ive also got a bit of a belly on me these days so cockpit space is important aswel
legroom wasn't a problem, apparently. I never heard him complain about it, although with size 14 feet he had to be careful about footwear, with a pair of Caterpillars he was pressing two pedals at once :D
Once he had to use a Ford Puma & he said that was awful for legroom & he was nearly crippled after a 4 hour drive, so I'm sure he would have mentioned any problem with the Fiat.
I'm not sure about 'abdominal clearance' and the steering wheel though, he is pretty skinny :erm:
Chimaera
27-06-2004, 16:08
Well if you narrow down your choice, look on www.honestjohn.co.uk - car by car breakdown (!) on the left hand side - just put in the make and model of the car you are condisidering and it will tell you the good and bad points. I've found it quite useful!
(Considering I drive a hairdressers car - and I'm more than happy with it! ;) )
Well if you narrow down your choice, look on www.honestjohn.co.uk - car by car breakdown (!) on the left hand side - just put in the make and model of the car you are condisidering and it will tell you the good and bad points. I've found it quite useful!
(Considering I drive a hairdressers car - and I'm more than happy with it! ;) )
Excelent Link, Green rep for you Chimaera :) Found out a lot of insteresting stuff allready, Really don't think I'll be going for a Punto now after reading what that site has to say about them :)
Your allowed to drive a hairdressers car though, your a lady :) as I said though ive never let distinctions like ladies and mens stop me buying anything (Except maybe clothes :D ) If I want a Ka I'll get one :) gonna look them up on that site now and see what they have to say about them :)
Hmmm, cars like Clios are pretty good but it's the sort of thing I'd expect to see someone like BB's Marco driving...... :eek:
Hmmm, cars like Clios are pretty good but it's the sort of thing I'd expect to see someone like BB's Marco driving...... :eek:
You mean a hairdressers car :D
Charlie_Bubble
27-06-2004, 17:02
Hmmm, cars like Clios are pretty good but it's the sort of thing I'd expect to see someone like BB's Marco driving...... :eek:
According to the BB site he doesn't drive a car at the moment, but if he wins he will buy a VW Golf! :)
...and let me guess, instead of having a horn, it'll just go, "omigod omigod OMIGOD!" like he does....:rolleyes:
Russ, I take it you don't like Clios much then.
Oh, and Chimaera, your Ka is nice, and it gets you to and from your bloke :naughty: :D
I wouldn't say no to a Clio 172 :D
Well, my Dad just made an offer, I'll spare you the details but now my first years insurance is paid for :) so now all I need to buy is the car, obviously the car cant be too expensive as I will still be paying for it when My second year of insurance is due.
Basicly though I can now pay upto £100 per month for the car, though I can't afford to buy the car straight up now, so ignore what I said in my first post about £500.
Looking at maybe a Corsa, Clio, Punto, Fiesta or Ka (All 52-53 Reg).
All of wich will cost me roughly £80 per month, so theres £20 extra towards my petrol :) also means paying for my insurance next year will be less painful :)
Chimaera
28-06-2004, 00:25
Dunno if I've mentioned this before - but here goes!
When you come to insure your car put one of your parents on as a named driver - assuming they have a few year's experience (like me) it will actually lower the cost of your insurance! My daughter's premium was reduced by over £200 just by having me on the policy!
We also got her insurance through www.confused.com - you just put your details in once and they get quotes from lots of different companies - they undercut her current insurer by just over £50 - not a huge amount but a lot when you are a 'poor struggling student' as she liked to remind me! :rolleyes:
I think she's now insured with Admiral - and they were the cheapest we could find and the quote came via the above link.
Dunno if I've mentioned this before - but here goes!
When you come to insure your car put one of your parents on as a named driver - assuming they have a few year's experience (like me) it will actually lower the cost of your insurance! My daughter's premium was reduced by over £200 just by having me on the policy!
We also got her insurance through www.confused.com - you just put your details in once and they get quotes from lots of different companies - they undercut her current insurer by just over £50 - not a huge amount but a lot when you are a 'poor struggling student' as she liked to remind me! :rolleyes:
I think she's now insured with Admiral - and they were the cheapest we could find and the quote came via the above link.
Will this affect my parents no-claims if I have an accident thats my fault?
Yes - it will still be them making the claim.
Yes - it will still be them making the claim.
Thought so, no good for me then, I need to get straight out under my own steam as such. Need to earn some no-claims for myself. And my Dad would be less than happy if I screwed up his no-claims. :)
He could always protect his no-claims bonus but that can often be subject to certain terms and conditions.
Charlie_Bubble
28-06-2004, 00:54
I wouldn't say no to a Clio 172 :D
Got one! :p:
MovedGoalPosts
28-06-2004, 02:14
Difficult to suggest any particular car as there are so many to choose from, but a few thoughts:
Get something basic and from a main stream manufacturer. The more standard the car, the more likely you can get it serviced / repaired / parts cheap from a variety of sources. Unless the car is new or virtually new, you don't need to have it services by a franchised dealer, just make sure it is services and you keep records. That way someone will be likely to take it off your hands when you want rid.
Buy something cheap now, while you decide what you want and why you need a car. After a couple of years your bound to want to change. Don't get caught with too long term a loan, that means you can't sell the car.
Don't worry too much about a small car not having a lot of room. Most modern cars have sufficiently adjustable seats that will move enough for you. I'm 6' tall, yet my first two cars were Mini's (the proper types, before BMW got their hands on them). Only problem is passengers siting behind had nowhere ot put their feet! But you do need to think about what you might cart around with you. If you go off doing sports and stuff at weekends, can you fit all that clobber in the boot, or would you need to put the back seta down.
Your dad, paying for the 1st years insurance is a mega bonus for you. Going from zero no claims to one years no claims on renewal will be a big saving. Think though whether you do need comprehensive insurance. If you have a loan to pay back, then how do you cover that loan if you do have a prang that's your fault and yet you only have third party cover?
As for your choice of vehicle, it depends on what you want to do with the car. If it's just for you bimbling around town, to and from work, and once ion a blue moon doing a bit of a trip then the small hatchback will do fine. I quite happily drove from London to the West Coast of Ireland on holiday in a Fiesta a few years ago. But wouldn't have been so good with passengers. Fi longer trips are your think then the Astra, Escort / Focus, Peugeot 306 are more likely to meet your needs.
Look at the insurance class. You might find that a smaller fiesta / corsa size vehicle with larger engine (hence more oomph) is the same category as something a bit bigger but with smaller engine, or vice versa. The higher the insurance class the more you will pay.
You can substantially lower your insurance premium if you allow a voluntary excess to be payable by you on any claim you make. But could you afford such an excess? Do look at the terms of insurance. They are not all the same, i.e. might you need any form of buisiness cover - do you go out and about during the day running little errands for work, or to visit other branches? Some companies may offer curtesey cars, others not. How much is a legal cover add on insurance (so you could afford to sue a third party that hit you, rather than having to use one of these dodgy accident no win no fee outfits).
Difficult to suggest any particular car as there are so many to choose from, but a few thoughts:
Get something basic and from a main stream manufacturer. The more standard the car, the more likely you can get it serviced / repaired / parts cheap from a variety of sources. Unless the car is new or virtually new, you don't need to have it services by a franchised dealer, just make sure it is services and you keep records. That way someone will be likely to take it off your hands when you want rid.
Buy something cheap now, while you decide what you want and why you need a car. After a couple of years your bound to want to change. Don't get caught with too long term a loan, that means you can't sell the car.
Don't worry too much about a small car not having a lot of room. Most modern cars have sufficiently adjustable seats that will move enough for you. I'm 6' tall, yet my first two cars were Mini's (the proper types, before BMW got their hands on them). Only problem is passengers siting behind had nowhere ot put their feet! But you do need to think about what you might cart around with you. If you go off doing sports and stuff at weekends, can you fit all that clobber in the boot, or would you need to put the back seta down.
Your dad, paying for the 1st years insurance is a mega bonus for you. Going from zero no claims to one years no claims on renewal will be a big saving. Think though whether you do need comprehensive insurance. If you have a loan to pay back, then how do you cover that loan if you do have a prang that's your fault and yet you only have third party cover?
As for your choice of vehicle, it depends on what you want to do with the car. If it's just for you bimbling around town, to and from work, and once ion a blue moon doing a bit of a trip then the small hatchback will do fine. I quite happily drove from London to the West Coast of Ireland on holiday in a Fiesta a few years ago. But wouldn't have been so good with passengers. Fi longer trips are your think then the Astra, Escort / Focus, Peugeot 306 are more likely to meet your needs.
Look at the insurance class. You might find that a smaller fiesta / corsa size vehicle with larger engine (hence more oomph) is the same category as something a bit bigger but with smaller engine, or vice versa. The higher the insurance class the more you will pay.
You can substantially lower your insurance premium if you allow a voluntary excess to be payable by you on any claim you make. But could you afford such an excess? Do look at the terms of insurance. They are not all the same, i.e. might you need any form of buisiness cover - do you go out and about during the day running little errands for work, or to visit other branches? Some companies may offer curtesey cars, others not. How much is a legal cover add on insurance (so you could afford to sue a third party that hit you, rather than having to use one of these dodgy accident no win no fee outfits).
Now thats a post worthy of a rep, thanks. :D
Im thinking of going for the 53 Reg corsa, for the following reasons...
Its common as muck, half the people I know with cars drive Corsas, so getting it repaired shouldnt be too much of a problem.
We have a vauxhall Dealers over the road from us (I would be able to see it from the back of the house if there wasnt another house blocking the view)
since it is 53 Reg it wont need an MOT until at least around June 06.
They look nice :tu:
Was going to go for something cheaper, like an older corsa (something between S & V reg) but considdered the fact that MOT's potential repairs due to wear and tear etc (due to its age) may well end up making it cost more than the more expenisve 53 Reg model.
I think Im going to get a 1.3, these apparently are still within the lower insurance bracket.
My Dad has a £1K limit for the insurance so Comprehensive is out of the question sadly, though I am deffinatly considdering it for the second year.
As for my use for the car, mostly just traveling to and from work, Will also likeley be taking passengers a lot of the time (probably no more than one at a time though) work isnt that far, 3 - 4 miles away so space wont really be an issue there. Likeley to be doing several Trips to Stoke-on-trent and Lincoln From where I live (The Wirral) over the next year or so, and may need to carry quite a bit of luggage on at least one of those trips so I would like a little space (I think the corsa will suit my needs fine for that).
May also be going on a few trips to Alton Towers and such next year, and since I'll be driving It would be nice if I didnt have to fold people in half to fit them in the back seat :) But I know what you mean, it isnt worth spending extra on my Car for other peoples benefit (Unless I had a family to considder offcourse).
So Far the cheapest insurance quote I have had was with the halifax, so think I may go with them, though I will have to double check since this is a different car to the one I got a quote for.
Chimaera
28-06-2004, 07:20
Will this affect my parents no-claims if I have an accident thats my fault?
Well I didn't think it would - as the insurance would be in your name thd they would just be a named driver? That way you build up your own no claims.
Do a 'Pass Plus' course as well after you pass your test - ask your instructor about it. It's just another set of lessons (about 6 I think) that take you on motorways and other specific types of driving - some insurance companies will offer a discount on your premium if you do it.
etccarmageddon
28-06-2004, 08:32
We have a vauxhall Dealers over the road from us (I would be able to see it from the back of the house if there wasnt another house blocking the view)
I hope it isnt the vauxhall dealer on the other side of the road to MSF ford?
I'd personally steer clear of a ford KA as something like a corsa will give you more space. The KA is a tin can on wheels and isnt pleasant to drive long journeys. As for the Astra - I had one in the early 90's and it has a wonderful gearbox - the car I had managed to survive 140,000 miles and was still in good shape.
Fiesta is a nice car but the gear box on the fords of that era was crap and from my experience Fords of that era were crap in general anyway.
Given the choice between a corsa and a fiesta - I'd go for the corsa.
MovedGoalPosts
28-06-2004, 12:24
Make sure you have a test drive in any car you are about to buy, not just a car of its type. They all behave differently. Try at different speeds (I found a couple of cars were quite annoyingly noisly through whistles off aerials etc, when doing on 50mph or so. Make sure the car drives in a straight line without your needing to correct the steering and doesn't pull to one side when braking. Both are common issues if the car has been kerbed, yet it may not be revealed as mechanical damage.
If you don't know what you are looking at, make sure the car has had an independent inspection.
Think -very- carefully about not having comprehensive insurance. Could you afford a repair bill after even a small shunt that the insurance co's decided you are at fault for? If you really can't afford comprehensive cover (you can always top up your dads £1000 yourself), then you should buy an older motor where the risk of loss to you is much lower. We always hope it isn't going to happen to us, but the truth is the first year or two's driving is when we are most likely to make mistakes through inexperience. In later years it's usually just plain carelessness.
legroom wasn't a problem, apparently. I never heard him complain about it, although with size 14 feet he had to be careful about footwear, with a pair of Caterpillars he was pressing two pedals at once :D
Once he had to use a Ford Puma & he said that was awful for legroom & he was nearly crippled after a 4 hour drive, so I'm sure he would have mentioned any problem with the Fiat.
I'm not sure about 'abdominal clearance' and the steering wheel though, he is pretty skinny :erm:
I dunno - I have a week off and he just starts talking about me ;) . The Seicento was fine and, even though I haven't got a massive gut (although it's bigger then it used to be :D ), there was hardly any problem with space - I s'pose it was a little cramped getting in and out but, other than that, it was fine.
A good thing to think about (and this may be just rumour) is that a car with a sunroof doesn't have as much headroom so you migt not want that particular feature.
Another one to look at may the new(ish) Fiesta Flight - my twin brother's an inch taller than me and he has no problems with his 'Y' reg. I think his finance is something like 120 quid a month, so that sort of thing may be worth looking at.
HTH :tu:
SMHarman
28-06-2004, 13:54
Will this affect my parents no-claims if I have an accident thats my fault?
No they are a driver on your policy. If they have an accident in their car, then you will not claim on your policy, but need to declare it at renewal. If they have an accident driving your car, then that will affect your NCD.
He could always protect his no-claims bonus but that can often be subject to certain terms and conditions.
You generally need 4 years NCD before they will consider protection. Speaking from the experience of writing off a car having 3 years 11 months claim free.
I think Im going to get a 1.3, these apparently are still within the lower insurance bracket.
My Dad has a £1K limit for the insurance so Comprehensive is out of the question sadly, though I am deffinatly considdering it for the second year.
Insurance brackets are dictated by a lot more than engine size these days. Age and Experience, neither on your side, likely hood of that vehicle type being involved in accidents, repair costs etc. What car and the like all have information on the group each car is in. A 1.4 litre Saxo may well be in the same group as a 1.6 litre focus or 2l mondeo as the power/weight ratio is the same.
Comprehensive or Not. If you are buying a 53 year, thats a reasonable cash (or loan) outlay. If that gets written off, could you afford the payments on the loan for it and get a replacement. Comprehensive is not as expensive as you think these days as the third party liability element gets progressivly more expensive for the insurers.
Using confused or once you have found the cheapest provider. See the change in price as you increase the voluntary excess. If you say you will pay the first £500 of any claim, which is likely as you want to establish you NCD and will not claim unless you really have to, then often this will give another 10-15% discount on the policy.
See how much the increase in excess changes the policy. There is a point of diminishing return, e.g. £500 saves you £100 but £1000 saves you £110, so you pay the £10 to save you £500 if you really need to claim. Hope this makes some sense.
No they are a driver on your policy. If they have an accident in their car, then you will not claim on your policy, but need to declare it at renewal. If they have an accident driving your car, then that will affect your NCD.
You generally need 4 years NCD before they will consider protection. Speaking from the experience of writing off a car having 3 years 11 months claim free.
Insurance brackets are dictated by a lot more than engine size these days. Age and Experience, neither on your side, likely hood of that vehicle type being involved in accidents, repair costs etc. What car and the like all have information on the group each car is in. A 1.4 litre Saxo may well be in the same group as a 1.6 litre focus or 2l mondeo as the power/weight ratio is the same.
Comprehensive or Not. If you are buying a 53 year, thats a reasonable cash (or loan) outlay. If that gets written off, could you afford the payments on the loan for it and get a replacement. Comprehensive is not as expensive as you think these days as the third party liability element gets progressivly more expensive for the insurers.
Using confused or once you have found the cheapest provider. See the change in price as you increase the voluntary excess. If you say you will pay the first £500 of any claim, which is likely as you want to establish you NCD and will not claim unless you really have to, then often this will give another 10-15% discount on the policy.
See how much the increase in excess changes the policy. There is a point of diminishing return, e.g. £500 saves you £100 but £1000 saves you £110, so you pay the £10 to save you £500 if you really need to claim. Hope this makes some sense.
Some very helpful info there, especially the part about insurance brackets.
Make sure you have a test drive in any car you are about to buy, not just a car of its type. They all behave differently. Try at different speeds (I found a couple of cars were quite annoyingly noisly through whistles off aerials etc, when doing on 50mph or so. Make sure the car drives in a straight line without your needing to correct the steering and doesn't pull to one side when braking. Both are common issues if the car has been kerbed, yet it may not be revealed as mechanical damage.
If you don't know what you are looking at, make sure the car has had an independent inspection.
Think -very- carefully about not having comprehensive insurance. Could you afford a repair bill after even a small shunt that the insurance co's decided you are at fault for? If you really can't afford comprehensive cover (you can always top up your dads £1000 yourself), then you should buy an older motor where the risk of loss to you is much lower. We always hope it isn't going to happen to us, but the truth is the first year or two's driving is when we are most likely to make mistakes through inexperience. In later years it's usually just plain carelessness.
Especially after a couple of members here have reccomended this I am looking into comprehensive, though I think I should mention that my Dad is only giving me £800, I am allready topping it upto £1,000 And I really dont think I can afford any higher.
Though I will be selling my Scooter before I get my Car, Im hoping ot get at least £1,000 for it and I still owe £800 so theres an extra £200, so lets say I have £1,200 to buy my insurance with.
I hope it isnt the vauxhall dealer on the other side of the road to MSF ford?
I'd personally steer clear of a ford KA as something like a corsa will give you more space. The KA is a tin can on wheels and isnt pleasant to drive long journeys. As for the Astra - I had one in the early 90's and it has a wonderful gearbox - the car I had managed to survive 140,000 miles and was still in good shape.
Fiesta is a nice car but the gear box on the fords of that era was crap and from my experience Fords of that era were crap in general anyway.
Given the choice between a corsa and a fiesta - I'd go for the corsa.
No its not the dealer over the road from MSF FORD :) whats wrong with them anyway?
Not likeley to be getting the Ka anyway, Its more of a cheaper alternative as the older Y reg can be bought relativeley cheap.
orangebird
28-06-2004, 16:53
Now thats a post worthy of a rep, thanks. :D
Im thinking of going for the 53 Reg corsa, for the following reasons...
Its common as muck, half the people I know with cars drive Corsas, so getting it repaired shouldnt be too much of a problem.
We have a vauxhall Dealers over the road from us (I would be able to see it from the back of the house if there wasnt another house blocking the view)
since it is 53 Reg it wont need an MOT until at least around June 06.
They look nice :tu:
Was going to go for something cheaper, like an older corsa (something between S & V reg) but considdered the fact that MOT's potential repairs due to wear and tear etc (due to its age) may well end up making it cost more than the more expenisve 53 Reg model.
Bear in mind that even though you won't need to MOT the car, you will still need to keep at least an eye on the consumables that make you car legal ie tyres, brake pads, engine fluids etc.
I don't like Vauxhalls myself, but for a first car, I don't think you can really go wrong with a Corsa - they're Britains biggest selling compact car.
Have you looked at VW Lupos or Polos, or a Seat Arosa? Great cars, maybe a tad more expensive, but so reliable. :)
Bear in mind that even though you won't need to MOT the car, you will still need to keep at least an eye on the consumables that make you car legal ie tyres, brake pads, engine fluids etc.
I don't like Vauxhalls myself, but for a first car, I don't think you can really go wrong with a Corsa - they're Britains biggest selling compact car.
Have you looked at VW Lupos or Polos, or a Seat Arosa? Great cars, maybe a tad more expensive, but so reliable. :)
Have looked at the Polo and they arnt bad at all, dont even know what a Lupos or an Arosa look like, though I may look into them based on your reccomendation.
As for the first thing you said, I have found that out allready with my Bike, Its just over a year old so no need for MOT, though before I can sell it for the value I need to get for it I am going to need to change my rear tyre, both break pads and the barrel for the ignition :( , Will cost around £150 to have done, though its likeley to increase the value of my bike by about £300 so its worth it.
Gonna go look up a lupos and an Arosa now, thanks :)
SMHarman
28-06-2004, 17:15
Seat Arosa is a rebranded Polo, slightly different metalwork, slightly cheaper fittings and things, but the same floorplan that the Polo is constructed upon. In the same way the Ibiza is a Golf, an Alhambra is a Galaxy and Sharon, oh and there are Skodas in a similar vein.
etccarmageddon
28-06-2004, 17:50
No its not the dealer over the road from MSF FORD :) whats wrong with them anyway?
when they serviced my car they needed to replace one of my tail lights... after driving home down motorway in dark with every other person flashing me I discovered they had replaced my tail lights bulbs with fog light bulbs.
another time they serviced my car and a week later I had brake problems... took the car to another garage and found my front discs were completely worn out and about to collapse - so they had claimed to service the car but hadnt. this was a service which had cost £250.
another time, they fuked up my ABS so the next time I was on the motorway the car brakes locked up and spun the car round 90 degrees. ever had your brakes lock up at 80mph? not a nice feeling.
I found out that when they have too much business booked in, they get the dodgy garage round the estate to do the work - so although you expect the confidence of paying a dealership to do the work, it's nothing of the sort.
when they serviced my car they needed to replace one of my tail lights... after driving home down motorway in dark with every other person flashing me I discovered they had replaced my tail lights bulbs with fog light bulbs.
another time they serviced my car and a week later I had brake problems... took the car to another garage and found my front discs were completely worn out and about to collapse - so they had claimed to service the car but hadnt. this was a service which had cost £250.
another time, they fuked up my ABS so the next time I was on the motorway the car brakes locked up and spun the car round 90 degrees. ever had your brakes lock up at 80mph? not a nice feeling.
I found out that when they have too much business booked in, they get the dodgy garage round the estate to do the work - so although you expect the confidence of paying a dealership to do the work, it's nothing of the sort.
I guess the saying "You get what you pay for" isnt always true, £250 for them to basicly keep your car in the grarage and stare at it isnt exactly cheap is it :eek:
orangebird
29-06-2004, 09:16
Seat Arosa is a rebranded Polo, slightly different metalwork, slightly cheaper fittings and things, but the same floorplan that the Polo is constructed upon. In the same way the Ibiza is a Golf, an Alhambra is a Galaxy and Sharon, oh and there are Skodas in a similar vein.
Not quite, the Arosa is a rebranded Lupo. The Ibiza is the Polo, and the Leon is the Golf - a friend of mine owns a VW/Audi franchise... ;)
Small update...
The cheapest Comprehensive cover I have found is £2,000 so theres no way I can afford that, as such I dont think I'll be getting a new car.
Im thinking about doing what I was originally going to do, wich was, buy a cheap car in one payment and payoff the insurance monthly.
Only difference is originally I could only afford upto £500 for a car, wich, as you can imagine would only buy me something bareley road worthy.
My Dad is willing to put the money he was going to give me for my insurance to a car instead so I should have at least £800 from my Dad, £300 from selling my bike and anything else I save ontop of that to go towards a nice second hand car (probably a Corsa I think, though I am reconsiddering a Punto, or some of the others suggested).
SMHarman
29-06-2004, 10:24
What is your budget here then, that will help give us something to work with.
From the post above, it seems to be £2500 for car and insurance? What about road tax, is that factored in, its another £140. Servicing, say another £200 a year.
I don't imagine that you can get a 53 Corsa for this money, so was a loan planned, if so how much?
I don't think anybody else has mentioned them (and I apologise if they have) but have you tried Tesco for your insurance?
I only passed my test 3 years ago (when I was 26), and tried loads of places for my insurance. Everywhere was quoting figures of around 1000 - 1100 quid which was just too steep, but Tesco quoted just over £500 - now, with 3 years no claims, I'm paying around £35 a month.
I know that I was older than you are now (if they still take age into account), but it might be worth trying them.
orangebird
29-06-2004, 12:31
I don't think anybody else has mentioned them (and I apologise if they have) but have you tried Tesco for your insurance?
I only passed my test 3 years ago (when I was 26), and tried loads of places for my insurance. Everywhere was quoting figures of around 1000 - 1100 quid which was just too steep, but Tesco quoted just over £500 - now, with 3 years no claims, I'm paying around £35 a month.
I know that I was older than you are now (if they still take age into account), but it might be worth trying them.
Being over 25 counts for a hell of a lot as far as car insurance goes.....
Lloyds TSB are usually good, as are Endsleigh.
What is your budget here then, that will help give us something to work with.
From the post above, it seems to be £2500 for car and insurance? What about road tax, is that factored in, its another £140. Servicing, say another £200 a year.
I don't imagine that you can get a 53 Corsa for this money, so was a loan planned, if so how much?
My budget is a lowly £1,100 ish now.
Insurance is going to be payed monthly instead.
And the Corsa or Punto etc I said im considdering getting now is most likely to be a 95/96 (M/N Reg), I could afford to get the ones I previously wanted to (Like the 52 - 53 Reg) but as someone pointed out earlier, there is no way I could afford to pay for the car if I get involved in an accident thats my fault and it gets written off, and since I can't afford comprehensive insurance at the moment I decided its probably better to buy a second hand car straight up in one go rather than buy a newish car and pay monthly.
So as you can immagine there isnt gonna be much choice for me.
I may be able to get my budget upto £1,600 if I do loads of overtime though I would prefer something not quite that high (Maybe between £1,100 & £1,600 ?)
I don't think anybody else has mentioned them (and I apologise if they have) but have you tried Tesco for your insurance?
I only passed my test 3 years ago (when I was 26), and tried loads of places for my insurance. Everywhere was quoting figures of around 1000 - 1100 quid which was just too steep, but Tesco quoted just over £500 - now, with 3 years no claims, I'm paying around £35 a month.
I know that I was older than you are now (if they still take age into account), but it might be worth trying them.
May look into it, I was told that supermarkets do good insurance, since I work at ASDA I decided to give them a go and got a terrible price, though I didnt even think of trying Tescos afterwards, I just assumed they would be the same price :) gonna give them a try now.
Being over 25 counts for a hell of a lot as far as car insurance goes.....
Lloyds TSB are usually good, as are Endsleigh.
Yes it does, sadly beeing 21 im stuck in the most expensive age group :( though I do get a small discuont apparently since I will be in the upper half of the lower age group (If that makes sense :D )
etccarmageddon
29-06-2004, 14:51
www.moneysupermarket.com - check this site out for loans and insurance
orangebird
29-06-2004, 15:02
My budget is a lowly £1,100 ish now.
Insurance is going to be payed monthly instead.,snip>
You can get a great car for that price. It's worth popping into your local car dealers and seeing if they have any part-ex's for sale... Some part-exs are not worth the dealers time to get looking all shiny and fab to sell on their forecourts at trade prices, but could be perfect for you for your first car! :) I'd recommend getting an AA inspection done on any second hand car you buy, and remember - CASH IS KING! You're in a much better position to barter a good price if the seller knows you have cash in your pocket!
I don't think anybody else has mentioned them (and I apologise if they have) but have you tried Tesco for your insurance?
I only passed my test 3 years ago (when I was 26), and tried loads of places for my insurance. Everywhere was quoting figures of around 1000 - 1100 quid which was just too steep, but Tesco quoted just over £500 - now, with 3 years no claims, I'm paying around £35 a month.
I know that I was older than you are now (if they still take age into account), but it might be worth trying them.
Now im impressed, Tesco are offering me £815 for TPFT or £1,083 for Fully comprehensive :) may go fully comp on this. Thanks for that, cheapest quote ive had so far by £400 for TPFT and £1,000 for fully comp :tu:
You can get a great car for that price. It's worth popping into your local car dealers and seeing if they have any part-ex's for sale... Some part-exs are not worth the dealers time to get looking all shiny and fab to sell on their forecourts at trade prices, but could be perfect for you for your first car! :) I'd recommend getting an AA inspection done on any second hand car you buy, and remember - CASH IS KING! You're in a much better position to barter a good price if the seller knows you have cash in your pocket!
Thanks for the advice, gonna go over to vauxhalls to have a look in a min, then I may try the second hand dealers down the road.
www.moneysupermarket.com - check this site out for loans and insurance
Thanks for that, will look into that site :)
EDIT: Got my insurance down to £790 just because I dropped the anual mileage to 3000, I done less than that on my bike, 2800KM (not sure what that is in miles)
orangebird
29-06-2004, 16:17
EDIT: Got my insurance down to £790 just because I dropped the anual mileage to 3000, I done less than that on my bike, 2800KM (not sure what that is in miles)
Just short of 1800 miles.. :)
Just short of 1800 miles.. :)
Thanks OB, how do you calculate KM to miles anyway? :D
orangebird
29-06-2004, 16:21
Thanks OB, how do you calculate KM to miles anyway? :D
Divide the kms by 8, then multiply by five - ie 8 kms = 5 miles.
Thanks OB, how do you calculate KM to miles anyway? :D
1km = 0.6 miles (ish), so just multiply the miles by 0.6
1km = 0.6 miles (ish), so just multiply the miles by 0.6
Divide the kms by 8, then multiply by five - ie 8 kms = 5 miles.
Thank you both.
Now does anybody have any idea how much an inspection may cost? or is it different from car to car?
orangebird
29-06-2004, 16:45
Thank you both.
Now does anybody have any idea how much an inspection may cost? or is it different from car to car?
Not sure. This (http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/vi_inspection_more_info.jsp?page=get) will give you all the info you need. I'm sure the RAC do this kind of thing to - shop around, maybe Green Flag do too? :)
MovedGoalPosts
29-06-2004, 18:16
Be careful of quoting too low an annual mileage figure. You may not have done much more than local hops on your bike, but get 4 wheels under you, and I'm sure you will go further.
I'm not sure how insurance co's check mileage, but they could ask to see MOT or similar documents which usually have it recorded. They probably wouldn't invalidate a third party claim, but a claim under comprehensive cover might be a bit more tricky.
If you do put a very low annual mileage, although the web compuer might allow it to be entered, you might find it hard to take out the policy as it might raise a "flag" needing authorisation.
okay, well ive spent the last few days digging up insurance quotes for various makes and models of cars and I have that engine size really doesnt account for much e.g. I could insure a 1.9 Peugeot 306 for the same price as a FIAT punto 1.1.
Quite like the Peugeot 306 so am considdering one of those now, never even considdered it before because I assumed that it would be well out of my price range.
Now a couple more questions about buying second hand cars....
How do you pick it up?? since I wont be insured I cant just drive it home, will the other person be expected to drive it here or do you do something I havent thought of?
Will I have to be present for the inspection of the car or will the AA or whoever I go with do that without me? furthermore if it is possible for them to do it without me there is it wise not to be there? or should I really be present?
To MGP: Ive increased my estimated annual mileage to 4000 now, I really can't see me exceding that since long trips for me are few and far between :)
Thanks for any more help/comments, you've all been really helpful :)
SMHarman
01-07-2004, 16:20
You call the insurance company and get put on risk before you pick the car up. Once you take ownership the insurance policy is covering the car. You want the insurance in place first as the responsibility is yours from the minute you pay the money over. If it bursts into flames 10 minutes later thats your problem (and the fire & theft covers it).
I imagine the AA inspect without either of you needing to be present (buyer/seller), they will need the keys to get inside and run the engine though, thats the sellers problem. You being around is not liekely to be necessary. It's an independant inspection the seller shouldn't get too far waving £20s in front of the AA guy.
Check the change in premium from 4-6-8-10 see how much you are saving. You will be suprised how the mileage goes up when you realise that you can hop in the car to go to the shops in the rain, not walk as you may currently do.
You call the insurance company and get put on risk before you pick the car up. Once you take ownership the insurance policy is covering the car. You want the insurance in place first as the responsibility is yours from the minute you pay the money over. If it bursts into flames 10 minutes later thats your problem (and the fire & theft covers it).
I imagine the AA inspect without either of you needing to be present (buyer/seller), they will need the keys to get inside and run the engine though, thats the sellers problem. You being around is not liekely to be necessary. It's an independant inspection the seller shouldn't get too far waving £20s in front of the AA guy.
Check the change in premium from 4-6-8-10 see how much you are saving. You will be suprised how the mileage goes up when you realise that you can hop in the car to go to the shops in the rain, not walk as you may currently do.
Well currently I use my bike to go to the shops and such and I didnt manage to excede 2800KM in one year, going the shops could often be further than going by car since I sometimes had to make multiple trips too :) .
Though since I wasnt allowed on motorways it did restrict my traveling distances somewhat since I couldnt be bothered travelling 40+ Miles via A & B roads I used to just take the train, now with the motorway at my disposal I may well use the car rather than the train, so I'll try what you say and see if it makes a big difference to my premium.
Thanks for answering my other questions, exactly the sort of answers I was hoping for...
One more question though, what about road tax, im not planning to get a car without road tax anyway but if I find a good bargain that just so happens not to have any tax what would I do? would it be something similar to what you do with the insurance?
At first I was thinking that you could pick the tax up locally and then just put it on the car when you get there but then I remembered you need things like the vehicle registration documents, insurance certificate etc.
pwalthew
01-07-2004, 16:35
The 1.9 306 is likely a D Turbo - I used to own one and the diesel lump is tuned well but remember that a 1.9 diesel would NOT have the same power output as a 1.9 petrol engine.
I had a D Turbo S with the half leather seats a nice car but didn't have enough power for me! The turbo kicks in at around 3000 revs so change gear at that point for economy!!!!
The 1.9 306 is likely a D Turbo - I used to own one and the diesel lump is tuned well but remember that a 1.9 diesel would NOT have the same power output as a 1.9 petrol engine.
I had a D Turbo S with the half leather seats a nice car but didn't have enough power for me! The turbo kicks in at around 3000 revs so change gear at that point for economy!!!!
Thanks for the tip, I'll ask my nieghbour later, since it was thier car I got the quote on :)
pwalthew
01-07-2004, 16:41
They are great cars and look nice too - I'm currently shopping around again as my engine on my 1.8LXi escort is knackered - I'm looking for a nice 2 litre mondeo to last until I go into the army!
SMHarman
01-07-2004, 16:56
<snip>Thanks for answering my other questions, exactly the sort of answers I was hoping for...
One more question though, what about road tax, im not planning to get a car without road tax anyway but if I find a good bargain that just so happens not to have any tax what would I do? would it be something similar to what you do with the insurance?
At first I was thinking that you could pick the tax up locally and then just put it on the car when you get there but then I remembered you need things like the vehicle registration documents, insurance certificate etc.
You get a form from the post office, the V5, the insurance cert (not a fax) and fill it all in, take it to the post office and pay your money.
If no tax exists it should be SORNed Statutory Off Road Notification. Without either you may be liable to an automatic fine (seen those ads.) Or if parked on the queens highway and a dilligant office of HM or Traffic Warden comes by you will get slapped with a ticket / fine, not something you want on your budget.
MovedGoalPosts
01-07-2004, 18:43
Ok, now you've narrowed down your car choice a few more things for you to think about.
When going to see the car, have some cash with you so that if you like it, you can put down a deposit once the price is agreed. If the sale is conditional on an AA type inspection, make that clear and ensure the deposit will be refundable if the AA tell you the car is a rust bucket. Get a receipt.
Don't buy anything without doing a HPI check (you can do that via phone and possibly the web). Makes sure the car isn't a write off / stolen / has outstanding Hire Purchase, etc. Make sure when doing the check that the car's colour model fully match what HPI say, related to the registration and chassis numbers (there will be at least two metal plates riveted into the car - different locations in different cars).
When you finally buy the car, most sellers will not accept personal cheques. Pay cash, (may mean a few trips to the cashpoint on successive days), or if you get a building society counter cheque off your savings account. Bankers drafts are fine, but can be costly to arrange. Remember bankers drafts and counter cheques are very very difficult to cancel. Check with the seller what they will accept.
Do get a written receipt with the purchase, clearly showing the date and amount, ideally record the mileage, and certainly the vendor's name and address. You might later need to show you bought the car in good faith if something very untoward were to happen, and also ensure you don't get parking tickets, etc from before your purchase, if the previous keeper turns out to be slightly less than savoury. Make sure you also get the registered keeper forms, and any service records.
Ok, now you've narrowed down your car choice a few more things for you to think about.
When going to see the car, have some cash with you so that if you like it, you can put down a deposit once the price is agreed. If the sale is conditional on an AA type inspection, make that clear and ensure the deposit will be refundable if the AA tell you the car is a rust bucket. Get a receipt.
Don't buy anything without doing a HPI check (you can do that via phone and possibly the web). Makes sure the car isn't a write off / stolen / has outstanding Hire Purchase, etc. Make sure when doing the check that the car's colour model fully match what HPI say, related to the registration and chassis numbers (there will be at least two metal plates riveted into the car - different locations in different cars).
When you finally buy the car, most sellers will not accept personal cheques. Pay cash, (may mean a few trips to the cashpoint on successive days), or if you get a building society counter cheque off your savings account. Bankers drafts are fine, but can be costly to arrange. Remember bankers drafts and counter cheques are very very difficult to cancel. Check with the seller what they will accept.
Do get a written receipt with the purchase, clearly showing the date and amount, ideally record the mileage, and certainly the vendor's name and address. You might later need to show you bought the car in good faith if something very untoward were to happen, and also ensure you don't get parking tickets, etc from before your purchase, if the previous keeper turns out to be slightly less than savoury. Make sure you also get the registered keeper forms, and any service records.
Now that looks like good advice, think I may have to bring my uncle with me when I get mine, he helped my Dad when he bought his, My Dad bought his Car second hand from a Vauxhall dealers, the car was one year old with less than 3000 miles on the clock and my uncle managed to haggle it down to £3500, deffinatley looks like the one I'll want with me :)
You get a form from the post office, the V5, the insurance cert (not a fax) and fill it all in, take it to the post office and pay your money.
If no tax exists it should be SORNed Statutory Off Road Notification. Without either you may be liable to an automatic fine (seen those ads.) Or if parked on the queens highway and a dilligant office of HM or Traffic Warden comes by you will get slapped with a ticket / fine, not something you want on your budget.
thanks, good to know, especially about the SORN bit.
They are great cars and look nice too - I'm currently shopping around again as my engine on my 1.8LXi escort is knackered - I'm looking for a nice 2 litre mondeo to last until I go into the army!
Ive really liked the 306 ever since I had a ride in my friends sisters car, its like a middle sized car in disguise as a mini sized car, lots of space inside :)
Though I would prefer a Focus, I dont know what it is I like about them, though I can assure you I wouldnt be like most Focus drivers you see about :D
Time to revive a thread...
As im sure many of you know from my driving test thread I passed my Driving test this morning. As soon as I sell my Bike I will be buying a new car. Im hoping to get something like £500 - £800 for my bike though im not sure exactly what I'll get since scooters are very unpopular at this time of year, im not willing to settle for less than £500 so we can deffinatley say that will be the minimum I will have (It originaly cost about £1600 without VAT).
Basicly im just wondering if any of you have changed your opinions on any of your previous advice?
Also wondering if any 306 owners (or anyone who knows any 306 owners) has heard of this problem ive been warned about? Basicly ive been told that the pre-facelift model (pre 98 I think) has problem with the passenger door leaking water and soaking the passenger footwell. In one case the car went flintstone style and the floor fell out :shocked: according to my uncle this has happened to at least 3 of his friends so im wondering if its more than a coincedence.
Also wondering if any 306 owners (or anyone who knows any 306 owners) has heard of this problem ive been warned about? Basicly ive been told that the pre-facelift model (pre 98 I think) has problem with the passenger door leaking water and soaking the passenger footwell.
I have one of the last gen ones (X reg, 2001), I can't say I have ever known it to leak, but on mine, the seals around the door are a very weak foamy rubber. After only a year I had ripped it to shreds just getting in and out. I managed to get it replaced under warranty (they were going to charge me for it, like £70 IIRC), but it has since ripped apart again. I haven't changed it, because I pressure and jet wash my car a lot, and I haven't noticed it leak any.
I have just did a quick search. It does seem like the leak is common, on models through 1984-1998.
Well I got my car today. Got a vauxhall corsa L reg, 1.2 Merit in maroon, 5 door with sunroof.
Got it from an auction for £540 + £50 indemnity charge. and it came with 2 months tax and 1 month MOT. Its immaculate inside and out, without a spec of rust on the outside
Its got a few problems but thats to be expected with the age and price of it.
So far we have the following problems...
Temp gauge doesnt work on Dash (Cabin or engine temp), traced to faulty switch wich can be replaced for a few quid.
Missing Pin for the thing that stops your door swinging out too far and snapping on drivers door.
Cowl missing from around ignition, behind steering wheel.
Speedo has a weird fault, for the first few mins it wont detect any speed below 15mph, once you get above that it works fine and once the car has been up and running for a bit it works fine. (mechanic friend thinks I should be able to get that sorted for less than £30)
No code for radio and it has been disconnected so I need to go over the road to my local vauxhalls to see how cheap/or not a new code will be.
Im putting it in early for its MOT on monday to make sure there are no other problems to be fixed.
So what do you guys think? did I get ripped off? would you have bought it?
Im gonna add a couple of pics tomorrow if anybody is interested, im very pleased with it so far. And Pending the results of the MOT im sure I'll be pleased with it for a very long time :)
iain_herts
23-10-2004, 22:52
hey mate how much is ur insurence on it i have a corsa 1.0i x rex 2000 3 cylinder and mine was £700 fully comp with legal advic and a coursty car pass plus and years noclaim and im 20
greencreeper
23-10-2004, 23:02
The thing with cars is to buy something simple to fix - nothing that needs a garage like NASA - and to buy something that's easy to get parts for, either new or from a scrappers. The MOT will reveal all - fingers crossed it'll sail through :)
hey mate how much is ur insurence on it i have a corsa 1.0i x rex 2000 3 cylinder and mine was £700 fully comp with legal advic and a coursty car pass plus and years noclaim and im 20I knew there had to be some compensation for being an old git.:)
This is my current motor and I pay £370 for fully comp, legals, courtesy car, holiday cover, etc, etc,etc.:cool:
hey mate how much is ur insurence on it i have a corsa 1.0i x rex 2000 3 cylinder and mine was £700 fully comp with legal advic and a coursty car pass plus and years noclaim and im 20
£738 (£780 ish since im paying monthly) for TPFT.
Thats with no experience, no no-claims, no pass plus.
The thing with cars is to buy something simple to fix - nothing that needs a garage like NASA - and to buy something that's easy to get parts for, either new or from a scrappers. The MOT will reveal all - fingers crossed it'll sail through :)
Thats why I went for the corsa, they are known for being easy to fix (most of the time) wth an abundant supply of spares (secondhand and new).
I hope sit sails through :D though I am wondering if the speedo problem will fail the MOT though, my mechanic friend didnt mention it but he may have forgotten :)
carlingman
24-10-2004, 02:45
Well I got my car today. Got a vauxhall corsa L reg, 1.2 Merit in maroon, 5 door with sunroof.
Got it from an auction for £540 + £50 indemnity charge. and it came with 2 months tax and 1 month MOT. Its immaculate inside and out, without a spec of rust on the outside
Its got a few problems but thats to be expected with the age and price of it.
So far we have the following problems...
Temp gauge doesnt work on Dash (Cabin or engine temp), traced to faulty switch wich can be replaced for a few quid.
Missing Pin for the thing that stops your door swinging out too far and snapping on drivers door.
Cowl missing from around ignition, behind steering wheel.
Speedo has a weird fault, for the first few mins it wont detect any speed below 15mph, once you get above that it works fine and once the car has been up and running for a bit it works fine. (mechanic friend thinks I should be able to get that sorted for less than £30)
No code for radio and it has been disconnected so I need to go over the road to my local vauxhalls to see how cheap/or not a new code will be.
Im putting it in early for its MOT on monday to make sure there are no other problems to be fixed.
So what do you guys think? did I get ripped off? would you have bought it?
Im gonna add a couple of pics tomorrow if anybody is interested, im very pleased with it so far. And Pending the results of the MOT im sure I'll be pleased with it for a very long time :)
Hi ZrByte,
£590 in total seems ok for an auction as the book price is £700 depending on mileage.
More than likely this is an ex Driving School car in its time as Corsas were popular for that.
Three things to watch out for that wont necessarily be picked up upon by your looming MOT.
1. Most importantly as you bought this from an auction and will not be able to contact the previous owner, I would recommend you try and find out or get it independantly inspected to ascertain when the timing belt was last changed.
2. Get the clutch cable checked and changed if necessary as it is a cheap job but if left untouched can manifest all sorts of problems.
3. Check the drive shafts out, you can do this yourself initially by reversing in both directions around corners and listening for any clunk sounds whilst doing this.
I know I originally said three points but -
4. Happy motoring :D
:D
Well it failed the MOT :( , however, it didnt fail badly, it needs a new drivers side headlight becuase it wont adjust and is aimed far too low.
Needs a new piece for the exhaust, were replacing the whole thing since it wont be much more expensive. And the rear drivers side break needs checking, we think the cylinder is leaking.
All in all im quite pleased, we where expecting heavy currosion or worse :shocked: should take about a week to sort out hopefully :D
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