Help with buying a car
I asked for some advise the other day on how to pass my test:
www.b3ta.com/questions/offtopic/post762164

Well all your suggestions were utter wank brilliant and I managed to pass with only 5 minor faults.

Now onto looking for my first car. Ideally I want something fairly new (2006 onwards) as I'd rather pay more for the car on finance, than end up shelling out £200 every month for new parts on an old rusty piece of crap.

It also needs to be fairly cheap on the insurance, though about £80 a month is the best I've found so far for a Peugeot 106.

Ford Ka's seem to be quite good on both purchase price and insurance, even a couple that are only 2 years old, so they're in my good books at the moment along with Nissan Micra's.

I was hoping you wonderful people could help me out with some tips about buying your first car, what to look for, what NOT to look for, what to be wary of etc.
(porkinator is a Rock n Roll nerd!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:33, 141 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Something cheap, that moves and doesn't give you backaches.

(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:34, Reply)

A shetland pony perhaps

( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:36, Reply)

I have a 1 litre '99 Polo and it's shit
But it is also fucking brilliant, built like a tank, nothing ever goes wrong, it's not worth nicking, insurance is cheap as is servicing, petrol and sundries. Get one.
( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:35, Reply)

Seconded
I had a 1989 1 lite Polo.

It needed a calendar to time a 0-60, but it survived five years of me driving it.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:37, Reply)

Thirded.
I have had a very deep love with a MkII Polo.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:06, Reply)

Fourthed
I learned, passed and then drove an F reg Polo for years, until we got rid of it. Only 1 problem with it ever.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:09, Reply)

Whatever you do...
...don't buy anything Italian.

Or French for that matter.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:35, Reply)

lolracism

( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:36, Reply)

I speak as an Italian car owner myself.
I bloody love the way they make great art, music and Roman viaducts.

However, electrics seem to baffle them.

[edit] if anything electrical under the bonnet is branded "Magnetti Marelli" then it usually means "will break just outside warranty and will cost a King's ransom to fix".
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:38, Reply)

I haven't heard one of your Alfa rants for a while...

( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:51, Reply)

Having suffered the MKII Laguna that I had for six expensive years
I can do similar rants about French cars.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:53, Reply)

Something cheap.
You will very probably damage it in the first year, and you will not want to claim on insurance if avoidable.
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:36, Reply)

seriously
don't buy a peugeot unless it's an old 205

don't buy a vauxhall or a renault or anything italian and affordable

best bet is probably something japanese or as NakedApe says a VW polo or something

Skoda Fabias are worth considering.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:37, Reply)

Specialized Sirrus
Dead easy to maintain and won't burn much petrol.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:39, Reply)

I had a Daewoo Matiz.
It was like driving a biscuit tin but I had no probs and you could give it some welly on the straights.
( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:40, Reply)

I like to think that it was my advice that helped the most
and that you should thank me personally for assisting you with your driving test.

My first car was a Ford Fiesta Xr2i, it was the fucking business. I was a bit of a boy racer, but I wouldn't recommend it
( Bert Monkeysex is waiting for the mods to delete him, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:40, Reply)

I agree Bert
To stop being a fucking useless non-driving cunt IIRC.

Thanks
(porkinator is a Rock n Roll nerd!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:42, Reply)

Aw, I'm genuinely touched

( Bert Monkeysex is waiting for the mods to delete him, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:44, Reply)

You will be ;-)

(porkinator is a Rock n Roll nerd!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:49, Reply)

Oooh, I hope so
It's been a while since I crossed swords with my tumescent, raggedy cock
( Bert Monkeysex is waiting for the mods to delete him, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:55, Reply)

Watch out for a few things
Make sure the mileage matches the interior. If the clocks say 60k miles but the interior looks shagged and worn, it's been clocked.

Put a hand on the bonnet, if it's warm, then it's been taken for a run before you arrived. People do this to hide cold start problems.

Whip the oil cap off the head. If there's white gunky stuff on it, walk away.

Keep an eye on the temp gauge when you test drive it. It wants to sit bang in the middle regardless of outside air temp. If it doesn't, it's either got a thermostat problem, or the 'stat's been removed to hide a serious overheating problem.
( Kroney, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:41, Reply)

Cheers
It's handy to know things like this.
(porkinator is a Rock n Roll nerd!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:43, Reply)

Most importantly
tune out the guy's sales speil and trust in what you can see and feel. If the car feels wrong, walk. Sounds a bit zen, but you'll be amazed at what you can feel through the pedals and wheel. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't.

Oh, and find somewhere to drive in circles on full lock. If you hear a knocking noise, walk.
( Kroney, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:53, Reply)

Things to look for inside
are a shiny steering wheel, worn down rubbers on the pedals and a soggy driver's seat. All of these are signs of a high mileage car.

High mileage is not in itself necessarily a bad thing, if it's been regularly serviced. But if it's been clocked, it suggests the owner is not likely to have maintained the car well.

Outside, check for uneven tyre wear (a sign of tracking problems), spongy shock absorbers (bounce the corner of the car. It should come to rest at the first oscillation), and a blowing exhaust.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:46, Reply)

What they ^^ all said
is good advice. VW Polos are cheap to run and built like brick shithouses. A Fiat Panda would be dead cheap to insure, but you'd spend the money saved (multiplied by a large factor) on keeping it going, because it's Italian. Same goes for the Pug. And avoid Clios for that reason.

Micras are shit. They always seem to be at the front of every traffic queue, mainly because they're driven by old duffers in flat caps or maiden aunts who are scared of their own shadow. Avoid.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:41, Reply)

Unless your name is crackhouse
she got hers all the way to Mongolia and back.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:42, Reply)

She probably carried it on her back most of the way.

( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:43, Reply)

This is true. Micras FTW.
They never break down. Ever. They do look like shit though.

Don't get a Ka if you ever intend fitting a child's car seat into one. Fucking noddy cars. The only reason I drive one is because it belongs to my midget.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:02, Reply)

Hahaha! Children?
No fucking chance.
(porkinator is a Rock n Roll nerd!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:03, Reply)

Interesting. That's what I said.

( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:03, Reply)

There's never a knitting needle lying around when you need one, is there?

( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:05, Reply)

I'm stocking up on gin when this one's born.

( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:07, Reply)

when you are a drunken sobbing mess on the stairs
you can shriek at your child "look what you've driven me to!"
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:10, Reply)

First of all don't listen to any of the girls.
second don't get a Ka unless your cock bleeds for 5 days every month, and your cock is actually a vagina.

Third make sure it's got a spoiler.

Forth wank your gearstick when driving and headbutt the horn before turning right.
( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:44, Reply)

Best. Advice. Ever

(porkinator is a Rock n Roll nerd!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:48, Reply)

all of my advice is cushdy.
I told Robert Mugabe to punch his mother-in-law's face when he first met her.

She'd been dead for 20 years and was buried in a cemetery.
( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:53, Reply)

Top advice
My screen is now covered in sandwich.
(Set your faces to Stunned Bigly, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:01, Reply)

Get a motorbike.
I DEMAND AN ALTERNATE QUESTION
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:47, Reply)

I preferred your old name

( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:50, Reply)

I preferred your old face.
Waaaaaaaaaay.

What's wrong with this one? *sulks*
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:51, Reply)

I preferred you when I thought you weren't real
It sucks. Unlike you.
A previous girlfriend of mine was told by a male friend that she was going to live alone as a crazy old cat lady because she refused to play the pink oboe. I steadfastly and vocally disagreed but internally I was thinking, 'Yep, sounds about right.'
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:55, Reply)

And to answer your question
you've tainted Soundgarden with Guns 'n Roses.
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:56, Reply)

I'll get bored of it soon, don't worry.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:59, Reply)

It's very true
It's also totally unreasonable. Unless you are with a guy who doesn't like muff diving, in which case he is total fool.
(Bazongaloid, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:57, Reply)

^this
such an easy way for a woman to keep a man happy. stupid not to do it
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:58, Reply)

You just need to learn to do it properly and you'll love it
Sorry for drunkenly cornering you at the end of the night last Friday. You were on a promise with that guy with the creepy eyes right? Didn't mean to ruin your chances with him. A million apologies.
EDIT: this is to ab obv
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:00, Reply)

It's fine. No really, it's ok. I don't mind.
I know how to do it properly, it's just that my ex used to grab my head, force it down and rape my face like it was some sort of living fleshlight. The fat ginger cunt.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:06, Reply)

That sounds absolutely awful
Don't let bastard exs ruin stuff for you though whether it's sex stuff or bands, tv shows, venues etc.
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:09, Reply)

That's the only thing he's wrecked for me.
But it's ok, he's really fat now. He's always been ugly though. There'll always be a special place in my heart reserved for absolutely despising him.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:13, Reply)

You and me should chat sometime.
*laughs*
( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:15, Reply)

Haha maybe we should.
Oh, he ruined relationships for me as well.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:18, Reply)

After him
you were only going to have rampant one night stands up against dumpsters.
(Bazongaloid, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:21, Reply)

Yep.
He made me what I am today. Whether he should be congratulated or beaten for this I'm not sure.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:33, Reply)

both
Well done!
*smack*
good job!
*boot*
congratulations!
*thwock*
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:35, Reply)

I would pay good money to see this.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:53, Reply)

that's just nasty
he sounds like a cunt.

you should stop going out with cunts. believe it or not, some blokes are genuinely awesome. I hate myself for saying it, but I have to admit I think there are some top blokes on here.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:10, Reply)

HAHAHAHAHAHA
You MASSIVE Bumder!
(Bazongaloid, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:11, Reply)

go stroke your bike

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:12, Reply)

He does have a nice bike!
I'd stroke it! But he's so angry.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:16, Reply)

Oh they start off being top blokes but........
blahblahblah
( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:13, Reply)

They start uncontrollably vomiting lots?

( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:19, Reply)

Oh ay, Cilla Black?
Like who?
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:13, Reply)

well I was going to say I imagine Al is rather good to his close lady-friends
but now he's insulted me I'm going to retract that.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:14, Reply)

Oh come on
I had to say that, you were complimenting b3ta men. Don't worry, when I finally meet you I'll give you a big manly hug and squeeze your bottom for you.
(Bazongaloid, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:16, Reply)

it's fair enough
I felt I had to make a point. I've not been a cunt to my gfs, I strongly suspect you haven't, nor DiT and a number of others and it annoys me that there are loads of cunts out there who are cunts to women, which biases them and stops them giving head.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:18, Reply)

I give mine chinese burns instead of kisses.

( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:19, Reply)

I wouldn't expect anything less.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:21, Reply)

Maaaay I borrow your aaarrm for a secondo pleeease?

( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:27, Reply)

You may.
*holds out arm*
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:32, Reply)

a mon cheri
*burns*
( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:35, Reply)

*gasps*
That was wonderful.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:38, Reply)

but you do it with love
and that's what counts
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:22, Reply)

I love them so much sometimes I prank call their mothers telling them that they've died.

( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:31, Reply)

I think we need a new b3ta badge to celebrate this sentiment
Something like, "Decent Men stand up for Pro Head girls".
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:20, Reply)

sounds like a Head & Shoulders commercial

( Donkey Gums @mattcomedy, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:21, Reply)

I'll have to make sure
the badge leaves the viewer with no doubt as to its intention
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:27, Reply)

*holds fingers to temples*
*closes eyes*
*hums*

I sense... a giant.... magenta... cock.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:36, Reply)

ense uck
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:51, Reply)

I hear Bert is single again.

( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:16, Reply)

Hahahaha
Yeah, I'm sure he wouldn't recount deeply personal sexual details on OT. Again.
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:19, Reply)

I just did a little sick in my mouth.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:21, Reply)

I hear he likes to do that too.

( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:23, Reply)

Who's mouth though?
Or is he like a fly that throws up on someone before eating them?
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:29, Reply)

I don' t outright refuse, I just don't just don't offer.
I've had bad experiences with them.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:58, Reply)

Why is an orange?

( Bert Monkeysex is waiting for the mods to delete him, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:51, Reply)

Why isn't an orange?

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:51, Reply)

Just 'cause
FFS, does nobody known anything around here?
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:54, Reply)

honda accooooooooooorrrrrrd

( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:48, Reply)

I bought my first car off eBay
for about a grand. My sister b3th picked it up for me and her fiancé replaced some part on the engine that needed fixing. To be honest it was near death's door but I got a good 6 months or so out of the car and I learned to drive in it which was ace.

A 1998 Mazda 323F ZXi with a 2L V6 engine. I loved its growly face and sadly took it to the scrap heap when it was beyond repair.

Don't recommend going that route for a first car though
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:49, Reply)

Don't get a red one.

( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:51, Reply)

Ignore this
red ones go faster. Trufax.
( Kroney, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:54, Reply)

And they're in more accidents than any other colour of car.

( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:55, Reply)

Probably because there's more of them on the road

( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:56, Reply)

Indeed
It's Silver and Black ones (I think) that are most dangerous I think because they're the easiest to not notice.

White cars will look very unclean when only slightly dirty.
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:58, Reply)

knock on wood, my car is silver AND black and I haven't had an accident for the last 6 years I've owned it
cavaliers ftw
( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:03, Reply)

Cavaliers were good cars
But I assume you're talking about the Chevy Cavalier, which was a completely different car from the Vauxhall Cavaliers we had here?
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:04, Reply)

yus
it is a sexy beast
( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:10, Reply)

Don't forget the Geordie Cavaliers.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:22, Reply)

They go really fast for a couple of minutes
before coming to spluttering, disappointing halt.






¬_¬ So I've heard.
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:29, Reply)

Maybe it's a good job I didn't return to Al's camp at download...

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:35, Reply)

a couple of minutes about 30 seconds
(Bazongaloid, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:35, Reply)

I wanted to big you up mate

( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:52, Reply)

Because they go faster

( Kroney, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:56, Reply)

Don't talk to me about fast.
I got a speeding ticket yesterday.
( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:06, Reply)

VROOM VROOM!

( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:08, Reply)

Motherfucking mobile units.
And it's my first.
( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:11, Reply)

I got my ticket
in my previous red car. I think it's perfectly possible that red cars make you drive like a prick.
( Kroney, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:14, Reply)

Tip for not driving fast:
Buy your first car, meaning you have to pay for all fuel, and have a fuel gauge that shows your average MPG. Sure stopped me driving fast.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:16, Reply)

Trouble is I don't pay for my fuel.
Plus I rush at everything. Before I drove I was a speeding pedestrian.


Can I also add that I don't speed in built up areas, luckily, as one small child rushed out of his house straight onto the road and hit my car. Luckily I was driving very slowly.
( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:18, Reply)

Shame
You'd have got ten points for that.
( Kroney, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:23, Reply)

BMWs have a little gauge
which shows instantaneous fuel consumption.

Not exactly a cheap first car though. :-(
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:22, Reply)

this.
I have a red 1995 ford festiva and it is fucking ACE. I love it.
(Poppet some assembly required., Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:58, Reply)

My red one
was a pile of shite.

But at least it was relatively easy to keep it looking half respectable, unlike my current black one, which seems to get dirty as soon as I've gone inside to put away the chamois.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 13:59, Reply)

Nissan Micra Tempest
or Toyota Corolla. My insurance was £56 a month when I was 18 for the Tempest. Nothing ever when wrong with it!
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:04, Reply)

VW Polo
I have a 1.4l "s" reg Polo.

Gutless but it was built to last.

Just got rid of a Citroen, avoid them.
(Set your faces to Stunned Bigly, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:05, Reply)

a Lambroghini
naturally
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:05, Reply)

Ahhh, the Lambroghini
rarest of the Lamb Rogs
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:07, Reply)

I'd quite like to drive a lambrogan josh

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:12, Reply)

I love this.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:14, Reply)

My Naan used to drive one of those...

(Reverend Fister "a disciplined fuckwit", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:21, Reply)

you fucking beauty

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:23, Reply)

Oh ffs
*stifles office-lol*
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:24, Reply)

POTD

( girlinthehole, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:27, Reply)

Don't encourage me, I'm just trying to curry favour
* hails cab *
(Reverend Fister "a disciplined fuckwit", Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:29, Reply)

I thought those goons on Topgear raved about Corsa's for small cars.
I'm in a similar situation (in that hopefully I should pass my test soon) and it looks like the VW Polo is the way to go... I'm thinking I can get a nice enough one for about £2k plus insurance.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:16, Reply)

And Fiat 500s
But they're still pretty new so you might not be able to get one cheaply
( djtrialprice, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:30, Reply)

2k
Should be relatively easy.

Try to buy one off an old dear.
(Set your faces to Stunned Bigly, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:53, Reply)

By the way
this is the kind of thing I had in mind.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-Volkswagen-Polo-Grey-diesel-/320549463998?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4aa23ca7be#ht_1223wt_937

Any car buffs fancy judging my choice?
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:56, Reply)

looks alright
should be reasonably efficient, and the mileage certainly isn't high for its age
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:59, Reply)

Been pimped a bit
Just make sure it wasn't by a tit.

Difficult to thrash diesels - but they can be a pricier to fix I think.
(Set your faces to Stunned Bigly, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:03, Reply)

I think that car has the slightly lower power version of the engine in my Seat Toledo
in which case it is pretty much bulletproof.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:05, Reply)

Stereo
Was the most important part of my first car. I don't know what's wrong with all these sensible nippers.
(Set your faces to Stunned Bigly, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:08, Reply)

I had an F reg 1 litre VW polo
in fading VW polo red

it had a decent stereo though. fast or loud or both is the way to buy a first car!
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:08, Reply)

Or choose a woman.
(Set your faces to Stunned Bigly, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:09, Reply)

Cheers to you both
not that I'm buying that particular car but certainly a VW Polo of similar ilk.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:11, Reply)

I can highly recommend the VW 1.9l diesel engines from around that period
if that helps
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:19, Reply)

Yeah
I'm liking the look of those 97 Polo's so the 1.9 diesels sound right up my street.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:27, Reply)

I passed 1st time 2 years ago
And bought a Ka for exactly the same reasons: Cheap, reliable, cheap to insure.

It's an 05, and had very little mileage. It's proper nippy round corners, you can park it anywhere, i've had it up to 90 with no problems (could go higher easily, but I'm a good boy). In two years the only fault I've had is a tire went yesterday, but that's a result of a bellend nearly running me off the road (mounted the kerb) a few days back.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 14:49, Reply)

Go!
By Shanks's pony!
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 15:32, Reply)

No one seems to be saying this but I will
Don't buy a car on finance, its worse than flushing your money down the bog.
( Peej, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 16:51, Reply)

Dont buy french, it'll try to kill you. (I had a Clio that said it had an airbag but it didn't deploy leaving me with a faceful of steering wheel when I bounced off a telegraph pole. I still managed to walk away though!)

Dont buy italian, it'll break. (Various Fiats have passed through the family and all of them have broken within the first 6 months of purchase, some old when bought, some brand new, all shit.)

Dont buy on finance, you'll get anally fisted by the finance companies just now.

Skodas are essentially VWs under the bonnet and if you're going for ford the older fiestas are AMAZING! They can even run for a good 20odd miles with no oil and water before not working... :( I miss my fiesta. Got an M-reg Micra now. It's good, better to look at than the new ones anyway and it goes like stink eventually!

As for insurance, ask an older relative with lots of driving years under their belt if you can put them on as a named driver as it usually brings down the premiums. :)
Good Luck!
(WeeJen, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 19:59, Reply)