Should I give in to temptation?

Mr Benevolent

I'm currently learning to drive in what is basically a bus - an '07 manual Meriva. After I get my full licence on the Meriva I'd love to go for something a bit more powerful and automatic (yeah I know, don't hold it against me). My preference would be a Mitsi FTO 2L, but something tells me I'd turn into a bit of a boy racer. So, the alternative is a 1L Micra - nippy(ish), easy to drive and not powerful enough to get me into trouble.

Ok, I've been rambling. The main question is this: Is it more dangerous to go for a higher powered car straight off the bat?

Drummerboy08

Yep it sure is..... Not only that, but your insurance would be sky high...

How much have you to spend?

Mr. Presentable

I would say yes; you need a lot of experience before moving to a powerful car - things happen much more quickly at speed, and smaller adjustment on the controls have bigger effects.

Slig

There is a middle of the road aswell. Hugh difference between a micra and an FTO.

Mr Benevolent

How much have you to spend?

Probably about €3 - 3.5k

Graham_B18C

Maybe a Colt or Civic would be a better option, 1.3-1.4, would be nippier than the Micra and shouldn't kill you on Insurance.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1315733

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1314849

Better than the Micra IMO.

You'd be mad to go for an FTO straight away. What age are you?

Mr Benevolent

Forgot to mention, I'm 29. Never bothered learning to drive until now, but it just so happens that the insurance for the Micra and FTO are the same (using that Excess Direct crowd).

Colt sounds like a good idea, good reports about their autobox too.

Drummerboy08

OK. So, you have about 3.5k to spend, has to be Auto?, and easy to ensure, but good fun to drive.... Hmm.....

Maybe something like this?
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1213253

DanGlee

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

OK. So, you have about 3.5k to spend, has to be Auto?, and easy to ensure, but good fun to drive.... Hmm.....

Maybe something like this?
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1213253

Confab, don't do it man... "BMW Guy" is right up there with "Boy Racer"...

Unless your a twatty salesman who drives about 2" from the rear bumper of the person infront of your, stick with the civic/colt. or maybe...

1.4 Focus (3dr)
Polo GT
Golf 1.4 / 1.6 (Various MKs)
Clio 1.4 / 1.6
Astra 1.4 / 1.6

There are plenty of mid sized nippy cars that are cheap and good looking... obviously the 3dr are sportier and better looking than the 5 door.

I started off (many years ago) with a 1.4 Fiesta, then jumped to a 1.9 205 GTi.... nearly killed myself doing 120mph... I then downgraded to a 1.1 Punto.... got a little older, maturer and got a 1.6 106 XSi and now a Smart Roasdter Coupe Brabus... not blistering, but eat the s*** out of that BMW! With experience you get to know the roads and how different cars handle, but don't jump into anything super sporty just yet! Patience!

Didn't spidermans uncle say something like "With great power comes great responsibilities" or something to that effect

Enjoy.

stealthyspeeder

I jumped from a 1.2 fiesta to a 2.3 turbo mada3 MPS (althougth I had some experience driving faster cars on racetracks), I wouldnt recomend it as if you get a fast car, natural instinct is to see how fast it will go, I have had some close calls and hopefully learned from my experience, but its all to easy to push the car beyond the limit of your control, when you have no experience of its power or handling in different situations.

I would reccomend a 1.6 clio, nippy, great handling and insurance wouldnt be wild!