1st car...

[Alfie22]

No, not what was yours, but Mrs Alfie22 has just passed her driving test (in a Corsa) so we will be looking to buy our first car. She's keen on a similar size car as the Corsa and we have to consider space for a couple of youngsters but we literally know nothing about car buying in general.

Any recommendations of good dealers & deals or things to avoid greatly appreciated. It will be on HP with budget I guess a maximum of £8k - although again, we don't really know if that is reasonable for an "as new" job.

Thanks
Alfie

 

[Icy Gull]

Audi A3
Skoda Fabia
Ford Focus

 

[Notters]

Get a Yaris, so reliable, great to drive, I bloody love mine I do. Has done well over 100k without anything needing fixing and I gather that is typical.

 

[carteater]

the best thing to get when you want something a similar size to a corsa with family room is an astra, similar design, slightly more room in the back

 

[Icy Gull]

Sorry no recommendations for any dealers. Take someone with you who does know something about cars and buying them though

 

[Icy Gull]

Get a Yaris, so reliable, great to drive, I bloody love mine I do. Has done well over 100k without anything needing fixing and I gather that is typical.

I have recently bought an 11 year old Lexus IS200 and am stunned by the build quality and gather most Toyotas have a similar quality.

 

[Giraffe]

A red Austin Maestro, called Rosie. It had this written on the tailgate on both sides when we bought it. Ended up taking the old bird to the scrapheap but got a good few years service out of it first. We then bought Jim!

 

[Norman Potting]

Red Datsun Cherry 100A bought in 1979, SKJ954M. Wonder who has it now?

 

[Bladders]

Ford Capri 2.0 Ghia, served me well as my first car so that's my recommendation.

 

[symyjym]

Mine was a green Vauxhall Viva, I can almost smell it now, in a good way.

But I got a KA for my daughter and it was a good drive.

 

[scooter1]

Get a Yaris, so reliable, great to drive, I bloody love mine I do. Has done well over 100k without anything needing fixing and I gather that is typical.

This
I know 3 people who have Yaris's and they all say the same thing, they're excellent

 

[Bladders]

Personal view of course but I have Always found Toyotas to be the dullest cars I've ever driven.

Top of the bland list for me.

 

[upthealbion1970]

I have recently bought an 11 year old Lexus IS200 and am stunned by the build quality and gather most Toyotas have a similar quality.

That's because Lexus is Toyota

 

[upthealbion1970]

No, not what was yours, but Mrs Alfie22 has just passed her driving test (in a Corsa) so we will be looking to buy our first car. She's keen on a similar size car as the Corsa and we have to consider space for a couple of youngsters but we literally know nothing about car buying in general.

Any recommendations of good dealers & deals or things to avoid greatly appreciated. It will be on HP with budget I guess a maximum of £8k - although again, we don't really know if that is reasonable for an "as new" job.

Thanks
Alfie

For a first car is spend no more than a couple of thousand tbh, leave it a couple of years before spending £8k on a motor, It won't matter so much if it gets a few scrapes & knocks on it and it most probably will do - most new drivers have the odd scrape.

As she learnt in a corsa maybe get an older version so size is similar with controls in places she's used to.

Whatever you do make sure to stick to routine preventative maintainence at a local garage recommended by friends & family.

 

[Icy Gull]

That's because Lexus is Toyota

Exactly

 

[Vegas Seagull]

I only drive Mercs, pop along Victoria road and asked em what they've got for 8 bags, then buy it

 

[Alfie22]

For a first car is spend no more than a couple of thousand tbh, leave it a couple of years before spending £8k on a motor, It won't matter so much if it gets a few scrapes & knocks on it and it most probably will do - most new drivers have the odd scrape.

As she learnt in a corsa maybe get an older version so size is similar with controls in places she's used to.

Whatever you do make sure to stick to routine preventative maintainence at a local garage recommended by friends & family.

The reason for spending on a newer model was apparently that lowers the insurance and less likely to develop any significant issues?

 

[TheJasperCo]

I learned to drive in my Dad's Ka, then last year I bought a Pug 107 as my first proper car.

 

[Richard Tiltmans Shin Pad]

The reason for spending on a newer model was apparently that lowers the insurance and less likely to develop any significant issues?

It does. A lot. Frinstance, 18 year old boy R reg Fiesta =£1800. Same person 51 plate Mini Cooper £1400.......

 

[upthealbion1970]

The reason for spending on a newer model was apparently that lowers the insurance and less likely to develop any significant issues?

Get some insurance quotes and find out what you're dealing with insurance wise for some specific makes & models. If you buy a car with lower mileage (6000-8000 a year) with full service history, all the old mots etc etc, you shouldn't have a problem. Tyres & brakes will always wear out and you must religiously get it serviced regardless of its age most 8ish year old cars will serve you well.