Vroooooom!
I have recently passed my driving test, and now need to buy a car. I'm looking for a diesel, something smallish like a corsa/saxo perhaps 1.1l.
Does anybody have any advice for buying a car or any particular models to look at/avoid?

Alt Q: What is the greatest toast topper?
(TheColonel, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:38, 144 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

More help
b3ta.com/questions/offtopic/post765814

Butter and suggar. Mmmmm
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:41, Reply)

Aha I thought I had read this before :p
Get an Audi A3. Does 55mpg at "motorway speeds" like 90. 70mpg if you drive sensibly at 55 on country roads. And 40mpg around town.

Which I have noticed kicks a Scion whatever that is
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:44, Reply)

You? Drive "sensibly"?
What happened to "I'm going to kill you and eat your passengers"?
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:45, Reply)

Bahahaha

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:45, Reply)

That's only on motorways I get angry
*whistles*
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:46, Reply)

*snarls*

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:47, Reply)

he's not going to be able to afford an Audi

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:46, Reply)

I know
*smugs at Vipros levels*
HAND ME A CROISSANT
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:47, Reply)

*does so*

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:47, Reply)

Or the insurance
He wants a Polo, he can buy mine if he likes I make him good price!
( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:48, Reply)

Isn't your polo fairly sick most of the time?

( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:49, Reply)

sick in a good way?
Like "that trick you just did was mad sick, bro"...?
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:11, Reply)

now, you know I love and respect your car-y knowledge,
but an Octavia or a Leon are the same car for 25% less money.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:35, Reply)

I have a Scion XA,
it's not a diesel but it gets 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg city driving. And it's like a Tardis inside. Small, compact, nippy! And the basic version is around $9k
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:41, Reply)

Honda Accord surely
and grated cheddar cheese
(bamboozled Can hear you getting fatter, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:43, Reply)

But would he want the optional extras?
i.e. Justice, Supermodels and MASSIVE drugs?
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:44, Reply)

A Honda Accord can grate it's own cheese
just by driving past it.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:44, Reply)

'IT'S'?????????????????

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 23:38, Reply)

Ibiza/Polo/Fiesta
Depends on your budget but avoid anything fitted with Magnetti Marelli electrics.

Cheese & mushroom for ultimate toasty noms.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:43, Reply)

Mushroom?
Ugh. Next you'll be telling me Celery is real food.
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:45, Reply)

Buy a Lada, and then drive off a cliff
That's the advice I've given to everyone, as I don't have a clue!

Alt Q: Marmite. It's magnificent.
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:43, Reply)

Reliant Robin for comedy rolling lols?

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:44, Reply)

Ahh, Mr Bean, how we miss thee

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:45, Reply)

As seen in the new series of Top Gear
Clarkson rolled his frequently, in front of celebrities like Phil Oakey and Dickie Bird.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:47, Reply)

hold on
there is a new series of Top Gear?

when did that start and why wasn't I informed!?
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:50, Reply)

Sunday 8pm
Revolving Reliant Robins, tyre shredding Bentleys and a new Reasonably Priced Car. A Kia Cee'd, which deserves to be killed on account of it's apostrophe.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:52, Reply)

Kia = cars from mail order catalogues
if you could get a car from Index or Littlewoods, it'd be a Kia
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:54, Reply)

I like the irony
given your apostrophe error above... :-)
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:10, Reply)

I did think about the plural ownership tense...
...and thought "fuck it. It's the only Cee'd I've ever seen".
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:19, Reply)

Sunday, I missed it too

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:52, Reply)

iplayer?

( weaver., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 14:10, Reply)

Did you see Top Gear?
Ah yes you did...
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:48, Reply)

It's required viewing in our house
The nuggets want a Reliant of their very own now.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:49, Reply)

I thought the rolling got
really old really fast.
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:50, Reply)

When you're twelve
as 50% of the viewing audience in our house happens to be, then it's the funniest thing ever.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:53, Reply)

Or when you're a 30 year old man
with the sense of humour of a 12 year old. I nearly wet myself.
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:58, Reply)

look in the thread that Aberracion links to
and make sure you don't buy anything French. or a Vauxhall. because they are shit.

butter and marmite. or butter and paté.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:44, Reply)

This post is the most correct thing on the internet

( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:45, Reply)

Have you tried the extra strong Marmite?

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:47, Reply)

I have not
not seen it for sale when i'm need of a new jar
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:48, Reply)

Whilst that post was completely correct,
this one is grammatically retarded
( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:49, Reply)

it is
I can't be arsed to sort it out
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:50, Reply)

I bought it because I wouldn't be able to another time

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:51, Reply)

how is it?
I didn't really care for the Guinness one
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:53, Reply)

It's great
It's just a much deeper taste
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:00, Reply)

I'll seek some out then

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:10, Reply)

That sounds fucking repulsive
Normal marmite is bad enough but extra strong? Christ. I'd rather lick a tramp's arse.
(berk, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:51, Reply)

Ahh, so that's why you left the bash in such a hurry...

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:51, Reply)

To find some homeless
and give them a good rimming? No, I promise you the train excuse was true...
(berk, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:52, Reply)

No ninja tromboning en-route?

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:54, Reply)

Sadly not
I can't imagine Todmorden is the kind of place where that sort of thing happens. I do like the idea of men in black leaping out from behind bushes and going PARP at people though.
(berk, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:02, Reply)

It has comedy potential

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:02, Reply)

Fiesta
It's economical and requires the least upkeep of any car I've ever had. That said, the first two cars I had were minis, which are brutal to maintain properly...

Alt Q: that's not a bloody question. How can it be anything other than CHEESE?
(berk, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:49, Reply)

Minis are marvellous
but need lots of TLC - I assume you mean the old skool type?

Fiestas FTW.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:50, Reply)

Of course the old skool type
the new ones are BMWs, not proper minis.

*seethes gently*
(berk, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:52, Reply)

*nods in agreement*

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:52, Reply)

I still miss my mini
*mopes*
(berk, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:54, Reply)

A mate had Cooper many years ago
The thing cornered like it was on rails, unfortunately it rusted like it was on rails too.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:04, Reply)

I like Fiestas
They're reliable and economical. Plus if you get the 1.25 zetec, they're pretty nippy.

I like spreading tomato puree on toast and then sprinkling it with grated cheese and melting it under the grill. Pizza toast!
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:51, Reply)

toast-piss

( parttimedogfish, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:05, Reply)

I thought you were insulting my topping for a moment then!
Yours is more sophisticated, I'll try and remember to add garlic next time.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:14, Reply)

roast it a little first, otherwise it can be a bit strong
very nyommy
( parttimedogfish, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:17, Reply)

I've only ever owned one car
It was a Vauxhall Nova. My Dad won it on Wheel of Fortune in 1988, when it was considered a good enough car to be a star prize on a game show. I had it for a year between passing my test and moving to Norwich for Uni. It was a pussy magnet.

One of the above sentences is untrue.
(Darth Foxtrot A one-man army dedicated to making fetch happen, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:56, Reply)

Just because it's a star prize on a game show
doesn't mean it's any good.

Bullseye used to give away Austin Allegros and Metros, FFS.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:13, Reply)

and caravans

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:14, Reply)

Very true
I still find it amazing that said car was considered a star prize. Especially when you consider that my Dad had the choice of that or £3,000 cash. Mind you it was 8 years old by the time I got hold of it, and it was knackered by then
(Darth Foxtrot A one-man army dedicated to making fetch happen, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:14, Reply)

There was a North/South divide with game show car prizes
Didn't Bullseye once have a Lada Riva as a "star prize"?
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:14, Reply)

Probably
Usually the car was the prize that you 'could have won', where if you actually won, it was a caravan or a speedboat.

The latter would be a lot of good if you lived on a council estate in Bradford.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:16, Reply)

I can say with absolute authority that I'd don't know anyone who wants a speedboat
and I live in Norfolk, you could actually make use of it round here
(Darth Foxtrot A one-man army dedicated to making fetch happen, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:17, Reply)

Hahahaha!
Brilliant.

They also helped popularise the notion that putting a shed on wheels and towing it along at 45mph on a Bank Holiday weekend was socially acceptable.

Bastards.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:17, Reply)

Alright Clarkson, calm down
Caravanning was incredibly popular in the 80's. Almost like Britain was unaware of the existence of airports
(Darth Foxtrot A one-man army dedicated to making fetch happen, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:19, Reply)

When camping
A caravan is bloody brilliant. When it's moving however it's a menace.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:20, Reply)

I got stuck behind one on the way to Aberystwyth
It was going 40mph the whole way and the roads were windy so there was nowhere to overtake. The queue behind me was huge. I think that people like that should pull over every so often to let people past.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:23, Reply)

In that respect they are a pain in the arse
but living in Norfolk you get used to getting stuck behind tractors whenever you try to escape
(Darth Foxtrot A one-man army dedicated to making fetch happen, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:27, Reply)

I used to live in a village and it was the same
during the day it was tractors, at weekends it was idiotic old people out for a scenic drive, stopping to point at the sheep.

At night it was drunk drivers from the pub.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:37, Reply)

Number two makes the queue
as my dad always said to me. Although he's a bit of a plodding driver, so he's not bothered about being held up.

If the car behind the caravan is a wee underpowered one frequently driven by a little old lady (almost invariably a Nissan Micra) then it means the third car has even less chance of getting by, and so on. Eventually the wanker in the 3-series/A4 decides to overtake from 10th in the queue and causes a crash.

The lesson is to rid the roads of caravans, Micras and BMW 3-series/Audi A4-driving wankers. Then we'd have no problem.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:27, Reply)

caravans, Micras and
(bamboozled Can hear you getting fatter, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:36, Reply)

No, my original statement stands
The wankers cause accidents, but it's the caravans and Micras which cause the hold ups in the first place.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:42, Reply)

Hey The Colonel
Long time, no see.

Buy Japanese / South Korean / German
Don't buy French / Italian

Best toast topping: your mum
( djtrialprice, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 11:56, Reply)

My dad always warned me not to buy French
because the parts are more expensive.

He did make some kind of joke about Italian cars having one forward gear and five reverse as well.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:01, Reply)

expensive parts isn't the problem
it's the fact that they are rattly, uncomfortable and shit to drive.

I had a 1986 205, which was great admittedly, but it died and I got a 206 which ruined my enjoyment of driving. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed driving until I got my Seat, which is basically a saloon Golf with an Audi A3 interior (and dodgy spanish electrics)
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:11, Reply)

I would like a Seat,
my friend drives an Ibiza and it looks pretty awesome. She said it's a bit clunky to drive though. My sister has an Audi, it turned her into an Audi driver though unfortunately.

Wiggy wants a Scirocco.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:15, Reply)

I want a Scirocco
I lusted after the old (1981-1992) shape model so much so that I nearly bought one. I bought a Golf GIT instead.

The new one looks great.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:16, Reply)

I always liked the VR6 Corrados
vastly under-appreciated car
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:19, Reply)

My bro had one
It sounded better than my Alfa V6 I had a few years back.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:20, Reply)

the new Sciroccos are cool
I've got a W reg Toledo, and it is a great car. It's not at all clunky, it is solid and smooth and a pleasure to drive. Shitload better than the equivalent Ford Focus for example
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:17, Reply)

I have an A3
and some Doris went into the back of me. Whilst it was getting fixed I had a mk2 Fuckarse diseasal. Without doubt the absolute worst car I have ever had the misfortune to drive.
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:24, Reply)

I have an A3
And also call it diseasal!!!!
Let's get married!
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:44, Reply)

Mine's the 1.8T
It doesn't get 55mpg :(
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:49, Reply)

I used to have on of the 1.8T's as a company car
with FREE PETROLOLZ! Can you believe?!

That was a fun year!
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:59, Reply)

Jealous
They're really fun to drive but my God, can they drink. I'd love to get an S3, though.
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:00, Reply)

I very nearly bought an S3
Some fucker got to it an hour before me though. Fucker.
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:20, Reply)

Good job, you dodged a bullet there.
My brother had one for a while. They average a £3K bill every couple of years as the quattro system is about as reliable as a cat on poppers. Especially the transfer box.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:38, Reply)

HIYA!!!
How's you? Still got your Gallant?
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:42, Reply)

Hey you :)
Not bad cheers. Nope, no Galant. No MG either, sold that to fund moving house. Sad times. Stuck with a diesel Octavia. With a fucking DSG box as well, it's most annoying engine/gearbox combination I've ever come across. And I've driven a 1990s Transit.

How's you these days?
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:46, Reply)

oh noes the evil MG :(
I love driving vans
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:49, Reply)

I used to drive an S2000
with free* petrol. *wins*


*it's not actually free though, is it? it just costs 40% of the normal price. You still have to pay the tax.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:51, Reply)

You've just ruined free petrol
I hope you're happy
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:54, Reply)

I'm a terrible cunt.

( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:55, Reply)

Getting the right Korean is important
North Korea makes their own cars too... It's a fair bet they're not quite up to Western standards of longevity yet.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:01, Reply)

cheese, tomato puree and garlic
with a little salt and pepper
( parttimedogfish, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:03, Reply)

what mpg does that get?
and how fast?
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:12, Reply)

0-noms
in 17 seconds.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:15, Reply)

exactly. Does it in 12 if you get the chilli turbocharged model

( parttimedogfish, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:20, Reply)

Hi!
I'm a car nerd. Nice to meet you.

All cars have their quirks and whether it's French or Italian or not, if they're not maintained properly, they'll break. The thread linked in one of the first replies has some good info in it. I'll only add that you want to get something oldish, preferably pre-95. The reason for this is that before then, computers were relatively uncommon in cars and you'll be able to replace most parts yourself.

Find a good parts dealer, for German/French, try GSF. Good quality, cheap parts who'll deliver promptly. For Japanese, go to Japarts.

You want to do this because most mechanics is like Lego, dirty, greasy Lego. You'll get a good understanding of how cars work and how quickly most things can be replaced. Once you have a bit of knowledge, you'll find it's much harder to get raped by huge mechanics bills. An example would be that I recently needed by car to have its' brake pads changed along with an oil service. The first, nearest place quoted me 420 pounds. That's for one job that involves knocking a pin out of a caliper and then putting it back in and for another that involves unplugging two things and waiting for the sump to drain. Robbery.
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:17, Reply)

haha Japarts
that made me lol
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:24, Reply)

Whatever you do,
don't get a ford Ka. Utter utter shite.

I don't think the 'French cars are shite' thing applies quite as much as it used to. They do have a fairly plasticky, cheap feel to them but they are reliable and cheap to maintain in the event something MAY go wrong (I'm thinking of My ex's Saxo, Brother's C6 and parents Xara Picasso).

I've had every type of cheap car you can imagine. My Renault 19 was fuggin awesome as was my mini. Neither went wrong and I only got rid as I couldn't afford insurance etc at the time. I've had 2x Vauxhall vectras (probably too big/difficult to insure for you) one of which I bought for £50 and a bottle of rum (he burst into flames on the motorway) and the one I'm currently running which cost a grand and is like a tank. It had a problem cutting out once (which I'm told is common) but I fixed it myself within half an hour after reading up on it a bit. I've had no problem since.

I think you need to be looking at: Fiesta's, Pug 106/205/206/306, Saxo, Ibiza, Polo, Corsa. And I reckon you'd be better off spending fuck all and dumping it when it goes wrong. You'll be surprised how long you go without having to buy a new car, won't get landed with massive bills and really won't give two shits if you bump/knock/prang it - which you inevitably will, being a N00b.
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:21, Reply)

I had four Renaults
The first three were good motors. But my MkII Laguna was a disaster. It was forever needing fixed. And believe me, Renault parts are extremely expensive.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:23, Reply)

my main issue with French cars adn Vauxhalls is that of the load that I've driven
(and it is quite a number, hire cars and the like) not one of them has been nice to drive and comfortable.

the gear changes always feel wobbly and crap, seats are uncomfortable, all sorts of things like that.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:24, Reply)

I know it's designed as a rep car,
but my vectra is great. I regularly do 3hr+ journeys in it and never bother stopping because it's so comfy.
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:27, Reply)

My Lagunas (Lagunae?)
had very comfortable seats.

The worst cars I've driven for seat comfort were a Rover 400 (the one which became the 45 later on) and a Chevy Malibu in the US. It was like sitting on an unsupportive sponge.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:29, Reply)

I have a Ka and it's awesome
Never had any problems with it, cheap as chips to run/insure/MOT etc. Sure I can't burn out any turbo-diesel cars on the motorway, but it cruises at 80-90 happily.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:24, Reply)

They have dangerously wide rear pillars
resulting in a massive blind spot to the rear at each side. I've driving hundreds of cars and genuinely struggled with visability, I can't imagine what it'd be like for a new driver...
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:26, Reply)

I once dated someone with a similar affliction

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:28, Reply)

once ed
am ing
*runs*
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:29, Reply)

I don't have dangerously wide rear pillars
*haughts*
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:41, Reply)

*hides*
*whimpers*
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:46, Reply)

It's my first car, had it for 2 years
Can't say I've noticed that problem, but I learnt in a (new) mini.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:28, Reply)

New minis are really fucking bad too
but suprisingly it's forward visibility in them that the problem.

The front windscreen is so short, it's hard to see overhead motorway signs plus the frankly HUGE rear view mirror takes up nearly 1/3 of the fucking windscreen!
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:32, Reply)

The mini convertible is the only mainstream car on the market
that you aren't allowed to take your driving test in. Shit rear visibility with hood down or up.

this may not actually be true but I like the story.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:57, Reply)

I had a Ka for a while once, as a 'courtesy' car
It was shite. Engine sounded like it had sand in it, the back end skipped around on corners, the fuel consumption was pish for such a small car (42mpg) and it seemed quite nippy until you hit the national speed limit signs, then the 40mph+ acceleration was a tad ponderous.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:32, Reply)

I'm sure once I can afford to buy and insure a better car
That I'll look back and think "Christ, did I really drive one of those?"
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:34, Reply)

When you can afford a proper car
can we burn the Ka?
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:39, Reply)

No
I'll be trading it in, won't I...
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:39, Reply)

for a sandwich?

( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:40, Reply)

HA!
I hate you.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:42, Reply)

for some testicles

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:42, Reply)

not if you lose it down the back of the sofa.

( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:58, Reply)

Ford Kas look sad
and they have saggy arses.

Also, it's really annoying that they're called Kas.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:24, Reply)

^this

(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:25, Reply)

it also bugs me that they have a car called the Cougar
and 4x4 called the Kuga. Stupid Ford being dicks.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:36, Reply)

And a Puma too
Taxonomy distinction fail.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:37, Reply)

Just as well
they're not built by Jaguar.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:40, Reply)

haha

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:48, Reply)

HOW COULD I FORGET?!
Buy a Nissan Micra! They are fucking awesome cars.
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:28, Reply)

My first car was a H reg Micra
It was awesome and never went wrong. In fact I crashed it in to the back of a LandRover and it still worked. Lights were a bit fucked though...
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:33, Reply)

Micras rule
They've got quite a following in car circles, especially the 80's boxy ones. I'd have one if it weren't for the fact that I'd have to sit on the back seat to drive :(
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:39, Reply)

They've got a following all right
A huge fucking great queue of traffic following them, because they're pottering along at 35mph.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:41, Reply)

At that speed
you don't need much road to overtake them.
( Kroney, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:54, Reply)

You can't go wrong with a load of butter.
Also good: tinned tomatoes, Marmite, beans, cheese, cheese and Marmite, hummous, mushrooms and soy sauce.
EDIT: Pauper's pizza, consisting of tomatoe purée, herbs, garlic salt, black pepper, cheese.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:32, Reply)

All together in a big pile?
that won't fit under the grill
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:35, Reply)

Ha, shurrup you

( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:36, Reply)

Just bought the boy his first car.
An X-reg Mazda 323f 1.23. He loves it and says it goes as quick as he needs it to.
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Tue 29 Jun 2010, 12:38, Reply)

My heart is set on a Polo
from the 97-99 era. Reading above though I'll probably be setting my standards a bit lower and spending less, being a n00b.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Tue 29 Jun 2010, 13:29, Reply)