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Buying my first car, budget of 2-3k, suggestions?

  • 19-04-2010 11:59pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16


    I'm a 19-year-old female student, got my provisional & am looking to buy my first car!! Money is not in abundance, so my budget is about €2000-€3000. I want something smallish but safe. Was thinking of a Ford Focus but don't have a clue really...? Any suggestions?:)


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,390 ✭✭✭The Big Red Button


    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mitsubishi/Colt/1.3-%28NCT/201014197563958/advert?channel=CARS

    Mitzy Colt, NCT'd til 2012, only €1,950?

    Got one as my first car a couple of years ago, still driving it, love it to bits and couldn't recommend them highly enough!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,111 ✭✭✭peanuthead


    I also had a Colt, still do but I'm selling it. Wouldn't sell it to you as it's a heap of junk, but thats just because I let it get that way.

    I didn't really realise the benefit of car maintenance, saw it as a waste of money actually. I learned my lesson!!

    But yeah, colts are pretty great little first cars.

    Not as great on petrol as people would have you think
    And in hindsight it doesn't have a lot of power for a 1.3. Feels like there should be a 6th gear or something.

    Overall, won't cost you as much as other cars imo

    EDIT: Drive a Ford now actually. Not a focus though, a puma. So far so good but I'm yet to notice the niggly problems associated with them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭T83


    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1156915

    That particular one is over your budget but you'd get a good one one for 3k these days. 1.25, avoid the 1.3. Its economical, insurance friendly, a great car to drive, and much more solid than the previous generation (look a lot better too).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 317 ✭✭bigjohnny80


    The last generation clio is a good car and has aged well.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,208 ✭✭✭coco_lola


    Just remember to watch the size of the engine in the car that you buy, especially as you have a provisional and this will be your first car that you're insured on. The higher the engine size, the bigger your insurance. I got my provisional at 19 too and on a 1l Corsa it was 1,100 for mine, including the discount I got through my driving instructor.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 ✭✭civildefence


    Toyota Yaris is an unbeatable first car. Very reliable and economical. Try to avoid Fiat and Renault. (waits for Fiat and Renault drivers counter-attack...)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 317 ✭✭bigjohnny80


    Try to avoid Fiat and Renault. (waits for Fiat and Renault drivers counter-attack...)

    On what basis should the OP avoid Fiat and Renault? Ah here .... don't even bother... yawn

    Edit: you've never owned a renault so why say avoid??? - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=60753579#post60753579


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,869 ✭✭✭Mahatma coat


    Something that I noticed about insurance back home was that if a car was popular with a certain demographic, like the Colt for first time/young Drivers then it got disproportionatly loaded compared to other cars in the same bracket, whereas a little research can lead to big savings.

    I bought a C180 merc once but there was absolutley no way anyone would consider insurin my twenty year olsd self for les than 10K (roughtly 3 times the price of the car)

    So I got rid of it and bought a Renault Laguna which I was able to insure for less than a Grand. Lovely car it was too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    You will pick up something like a Skoda Fabia 1.2 litre within your budget:

    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201014197559158


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 ✭✭civildefence


    On what basis should the OP avoid Fiat and Renault? Ah here .... don't even bother... yawn

    Edit: you've never owned a renault so why say avoid??? - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=60753579#post60753579

    Yeah, I never owned a Renault, but I drove a Renault Megane carvan for work for 2 years and it was an absolute piece of shyte. Two of my friends have Lagunas that they bought new and have had nothing but trouble with them. As for Fiat, particularly the Punto...would you seriously recommend one to the OP as a first car?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 157 ✭✭A_Border_Bandit


    Would a Golf or Focus be suitable? :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 178 ✭✭maupat


    Would a Golf or Focus be suitable? :P

    Not ideal first cars imho.

    Go for a Toyota Yaris - a car with a smaller engine ( therefore lower insurance and tax and cheaper to run). They're very reliable and comfortable to drive. You should get you a good 2nd hand Yaris these days for 2-3k.

    Good luck :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 ClaireBear90


    Thanks for the help:)


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