Buying my first car

niamhhealy86

Hello all,

I am a complete simpleton when it comes to cars but I have recently passed my driving test and I am thinking of buying a car.

I am 19 so insurance is gonna be massive anyway but I'm looking for suggestions? what kind of car should I get? How much is reasonable to pay?


thanks

colm_mcm

How much have you to spend?
if you can stretch to €2000 or so, a yaris is the way to go.
If you haven't that much then a 90s micra.

toastedpickles

not a corsa not a corsa not a corsa not a corsa not a corsa not a corsa :pac:

Ah no, they do the trick for starting off, as do micras, you'l get loads of people suggesting toyota yaris's too, but have a look at the 1 liters that everyone forgets about too theres more out there than those three

dorkacle

I'd go for something reasonably small, and cheap. Cos it is bound to get a few dings here and there

A Yaris, Fiesta or a Polo?

EDIT:

toastedpickles wrote: »

you'l get loads of people suggesting toyota yaris's too, but have a look at the 1 liters that everyone forgets about too theres more out there than those three

:o:o

niamhhealy86

ya i was thinking a yaris/ a polo alright! they seem like the safe option

colm_mcm

From the top of my head, the other cheap 1.0s you can get are
Suzuki swift
Suzuki alto
Suzuki Wagon R
Vw Lupo/Seat Arosa
VW polo
Seat Ibiza
Daihatsu Sirion
Daihatsu Cuore
Fiat Seicento
Opel Agila
Opel Corsa
Citroen Saxo
Peugeot 106

I stand over my first post though!

niamhhealy86

colm_mcm wrote: »

From the top of my head, the other cheap 1.0s you can get are
Suzuki swift
Suzuki alto
Suzuki Wagon R
Vw Lupo/Seat Arosa
VW polo
Seat Ibiza
Daihatsu Sirion
Daihatsu Cuore
Fiat Seicento
Opel Agila
Opel Corsa
Citroen Saxo
Peugeot 106

I stand over my first post though!

off the top of your head??? fair play :P

bazz26

Hard to beat a Yaris. They are not cheap but that is because they are popular.

This one looks tidy:


http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/00-toyota-yaris-terra-1-0-5-door-nctd/6011486

colm_mcm

In "granny green" and all

niamhhealy86

Id take anything at this stage :P

toastedpickles

colm_mcm wrote: »

In "granny green" and all

Ya can't bate it! Or that navy looking one they have too

colm_mcm

For a youngwan, a 3 door in red with CD, colour coded bumpers, and nice (factory) steering wheel might appeal

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-yaris-1-0-litre-petrol/5803445

Pity the nct is short.

dorkacle

I started in a SEAT Arosa (VW Lupo) great car!

Loved it, but they are very 'Boxy'.

One thing I'll say about the Yaris is I never like the Gear lever/box on them.

Very easy to use, but completely different to anything else I've driven because you barely have to move it.

Anyone else know what I mean?

I could see why this could be seen as a benefit tbh, its just a little 'pet peeve' of mine.

niamhhealy86

a shur lads arent ye the best :P

bazz26

colm_mcm wrote: »

In "granny green" and all

Not as bad as the light green or salmon pink they had them available in back then.

toastedpickles

dorkacle wrote: »

I started in a SEAT Arosa (VW Lupo) great car!

Loved it, but they are very 'Boxy'.

One thing I'll say about the Yaris is I never like the Gear lever/box on them.

Very easy to use, but completely different to anything else I've driven because you barely have to move it.

Anyone else know what I mean?

I could see why, this could be seen as a benefit tbh, its just a little 'pet peeve' of mine.

The only experience I've had of a lupo is drifting one in gran turismo 5 :pac: but i do get what you mean with the gears, in my car its very solid and you can feel the whole thing move where as in them you can tip it and it moves, is that kinda what you mean?

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

a shur lads arent ye the best :P

Ah shur we do try like :P

bazz26

My sister had a Lupo a few years back. It always had something stupid wrong with it, from blocked drains to a dodgy lambda sensor. Couldn't honestly recommend one.

dorkacle

toastedpickles wrote: »

The only experience I've had of a lupo is drifting one in gran turismo 5 :pac: but i do get what you mean with the gears, in my car its very solid and you can feel the whole thing move where as in them you can tip it and it moves, is that kinda what you mean?

Ah the Arosa/Lupo was great. It was only 1.0 but it was quite nippy, and fun too drive, in saying that the Yaris is too.

Ye could also pretty much park it anywhere because of the size!

An yeah pretty much ya just tip it and its in and there lol, isn't alot of difference in movement involved in changing gears, its almost too easy :pac:

bazz26 wrote: »

My sister had a Lupo a few years back. It always had something stupid wrong with it, from blocked drains to a dodgy lambda sensor. Couldn't honestly recommend one.

Luck of the draw I suppose? Got mine cheap and never really looked after over the 2 and an half years I had it. Never had a bother on it tho!

The clutch ended up going on it though, which is when I got rid of it and upgraded.

toastedpickles

dorkacle wrote: »

Ah the Arosa/Lupo was great. It was only 1.0 but it was quite nippy, and fun too drive, in saying that the Yaris is too.

Ye could also pretty much park it anywhere because of the size!

An yeah pretty much ya just tip it and its in and there lol, isn't alot of difference in movement involved in changing gears, its almost too easy :pac:

Aye but the amount of times I've been going around and see a space i might get into but my cars just that bit bigger, and then some dinky lupo or something like that comes and fits in no bothers :pac: Think i may downsize for the following car :P anyways, back on topic, how much of a budget does the OP actually have to spend?

Celly Smunt

If you can get past the looks,i'd be looking at a clean sirion.

toastedpickles

Celly Smunt wrote: »

If you can get past the looks,i'd be looking at a clean sirion.

This aint too shabby either, in cark and all! :pac:
lack of mileage is a concern though, oh wait it has 90,000

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/1-0-daihatsu-cuore/6135809

niamhhealy86

toastedpickles wrote: »

Aye but the amount of times I've been going around and see a space i might get into but my cars just that bit bigger, and then some dinky lupo or something like that comes and fits in no bothers :pac: Think i may downsize for the following car :P anyways, back on topic, how much of a budget does the OP actually have to spend?

€2000 would be the max really..

toastedpickles

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

€2000 would be the max really..

Grand, well how many miles in a year do you think you'l be driving? is that money just for the car or is it insurance and the car and all the rest?

niamhhealy86

toastedpickles wrote: »

Grand, well how many miles in a year do you think you'l be driving? is that money just for the car or is it insurance and the car and all the rest?

well that would be just for the car! My good old nana has said she'll pay the insurance.. (everybody say awwww) :P o good god i wouldnt have a notion :P (as i said i'm a complete simpleton )

toastedpickles

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

well that would be just for the car! My good old nana has said she'll pay the insurance.. (everybody say awwww) :P o good god i wouldnt have a notion :P (as i said i'm a complete simpleton )

Nawwww :P well for some :P Well heres one
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/1300-euro-polo-1-litre/6185897
its fairly local if you're in or around the city too or are you in a position to travel around to look?
and we were all simpletons at one point so it's grand don't worry

niamhhealy86

toastedpickles wrote: »

Nawwww :P well for some :P Well heres one
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/1300-euro-polo-1-litre/6185897
its fairly local if you're in or around the city too or are you in a position to travel around to look?
and we were all simpletons at one point so it's grand don't worry

ya that looks decent enough! id be able to travel alright!

colm_mcm

It's almost 2014, nobody should have to wind windows. We have the technology like,

toastedpickles

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

ya that looks decent enough! id be able to travel alright!

Well in that case i'd seriously consider this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2001-vw-polo-1ltr/6136778

New timing belt put in which is pretty good

Has an nct till april,

looks good!

toastedpickles

colm_mcm wrote: »

It's almost 2014, nobody should have to wind windows. We have the technology like,

Didn't even notice that

niamhhealy86

toastedpickles wrote: »

Well in that case i'd seriously consider this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2001-vw-polo-1ltr/6136778

New timing belt put in which is pretty good

Has an nct till april,

looks good!

ya i had been looking at that alright! great minds think alike! :P

Thanks for all your help btw

colm_mcm

toastedpickles wrote: »

Didn't even notice that

Yeah, odd spec on those facelifts, have power steering and electric mirrors and colour coded bumpers but windey windows

They're not a happy car those polos, very austere and solemn.

wonski

toastedpickles wrote: »

Well in that case i'd seriously consider this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2001-vw-polo-1ltr/6136778

New timing belt put in which is pretty good

Has an nct till april,

looks good!

1800 euro? A bit on the high side I would say.

toastedpickles

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

ya i had been looking at that alright! great minds think alike! :P

Thanks for all your help btw

Well go for it ah yeah sure we're deadly like :pac:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-corsa-just-passed-nct/5972312
this has all electric fancy bits :pac:

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yeah, odd spec on those facelifts, have power steering and electric mirrors and colour coded bumpers but windey windows

They're not a happy car those polos, very austere and solemn.

Yeah that's an odd combination you'd think they'd have electrics

toastedpickles

wonski wrote: »

1800 euro? A bit on the high side I would say.

Bit of haggling won't go astray though

Moneymaker

Fiat Panda is a great little car.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-panda-1-1-active-nct-02-15-very-g/6141318

I had one for 2 years, lovely little thing and more spacious then you might think.

Never had any problems with it.

More information here; http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/fiat/panda-hatchback/summary/25292-5

colm_mcm

Good call with the panda, it'll be more modern than a lot of €2000 cars
Worth noting that tax is €130 more than on a 1.0, and the (crazy) way insurance goes it might be a bit more to insure

niamhhealy86

Moneymaker wrote: »

Fiat Panda is a great little car.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-panda-1-1-active-nct-02-15-very-g/6141318

I had one for 2 years, lovely little thing and more spacious then you might think.

Never had any problems with it.

More information here; http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/fiat/panda-hatchback/summary/25292-5

colm_mcm wrote: »

Good call with the panda, it'll be more modern than a lot of €2000 cars
Worth noting that tax is €130 more than on a 1.0, and the (crazy) way insurance goes it might be a bit more to insure

Thanks lads but i think ill pass on the panda! :P

toastedpickles

I'd consider this get it for 900 and you're singing! unless you sing badly then just hum

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/seat-ibiza-1-0-liter-petrol-new-nct/5785778

Moneymaker

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

Thanks lads but i think ill pass on the panda! :P

Because it's a Fiat? The Panda is known to be very reliable and well put together.

I wouldn't go for it in that colour but it's a fine starter car and like colm says you'd get a newer and more modern one than a Yaris.

You'd be foolish to not consider one imo.

A 106 or Clio would be worth considering too.

Obviously the Yaris can't be faulted and it'd be easy to sell on but it's just so "common".

niamhhealy86

Moneymaker wrote: »

Because it's a Fiat?

I wouldn't go for it in that colour but it's a fine starter car and like colm says you'd get a newer and more modern one than a Yaris.

You'd be foolish to not consider one imo.

A 106 or Clio would be worth considering too.

no its not just cos its a fiat! my uncle had one and got rid of it after 6 months! caused him nothing but trouble

nd

These look ok for a 1.1 or less for about 2k, although I'd prob chose that ibiza that toasted posted

04 punto
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2004-fiat-punto-mint-contition/6151798




04 arosa
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-seat-arosa-1-litre-long-nct-taxed/5905956

wonski

If i was 19 as the OP, the Panda - regardless of how well equipped it is compared to the other cars - would be last on my list, too. Unless it was black metallic with nice alloys and 1.4, then maybe. Most young lads don't like them, and i am not surprised they don't.
3 door Polo's are a bit overpriced, and the windey windows would put me off, too.

An expensive one, but from dealer:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/peugeot-206-popart-1-1-3dr/6157345

Or something like this:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-punto-sporting/6168583

Moneymaker

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

no its not just cos its a fiat! my uncle had one and got rid of it after 6 months! caused him nothing but trouble

Fair enough, my experience was somewhat better.

This Polo looks nice and it's in Cork;

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagon-polo-1-0-petrol/6191288

You'll pay more for a Polo or Yaris but they'll be easier to sell on and you should get close to what you paid back as there isn't much depreciation left at that point.

Make sure when you go to see a car take someone who has experience buying cars and knows what to look for, do research on the car and its weakpoints beforehand(whatcar.com is good for this) and remember that condition >>>>>>>>>>>>> mileage. 160,000 miles but in good condition and regularly serviced will be a better buy then a 100,000 mile ****heap.

Keep us all posted anyway, lots of good advice to be had from much smarter and saavy people then me.

Old diesel

niamhhealy86 wrote: »

Thanks lads but i think ill pass on the panda! :P

I know they aren't the nicest of cars but might be worth looking at pics of Pandas in other colours.

They normally look a bit better then that imo - must be the colour

Old diesel

Moneymaker wrote: »

Because it's a Fiat? The Panda is known to be very reliable and well put together.

I wouldn't go for it in that colour but it's a fine starter car and like colm says you'd get a newer and more modern one than a Yaris.

You'd be foolish to not consider one imo.

A 106 or Clio would be worth considering too.

Obviously the Yaris can't be faulted and it'd be easy to sell on but it's just so "common".

Yes I have to say - I was surprised - at how little there seems to be on the net about troublesome Pandas - and how many owners seem to really rate them highly.

Problem is though - a lot of people are turned off them because they - or family and friends had a Fiat that gave trouble at some point.

They weren't always the best years ago you see .

Pandas are fairly good though - thinking of buying one myself at some point

nd

It's prob the square rear end that puts most younger people off at least.

ABajaninCork

It's a shame they don't make Escorts any more...:( It was my first car, and I LOVED it! Solid, reliable, easy to maintain and cheap to insure. Dead easy to drive too. Gave me biceps of steel as it had no power steering! No other car I've had matched up to that Escort.

Failing that - I'd go with the others in recommending a nice Micra, Yaris or Corsa. Don't spend more than 2k, as you'll be hammered on the insurance anyway. Don't forget to take a mechanic to look over the car before you buy too!

Happy motoring!

wonski

nd wrote: »

It's prob the square rear end that puts most younger people off at least.

It just looks more like a family car. 17 years old wants a 3 door hatch. The best looking ones at this price are Peugeot 206 and some Puntos in my opinion. The 206 ages very well, and few friends who had them didn't complain too much. I wouldn't pay a premium for a Polo to be honest.
Seat Ibiza is also nice for the age.

ABajaninCork

wonski wrote: »

It just looks more like a family car. 17 years old wants a 3 door hatch. The best looking ones at this price are Peugeot 206 and some Puntos in my opinion. The 206 ages very well, and few friends who had them didn't complain too much. I wouldn't pay a premium for a Polo to be honest.
Seat Ibiza is also nice for the age.

D'OH!! I forgot about 206's. That was my last car, and a great little car to drive. I have a Fiesta now which is also a nice first car. The only reason why I didn't get another Pug is the prohibitive cost of parts here in Ireland. I imported my 206 when I moved here.

Cleveland Hot Pocket

Old diesel wrote: »

I know they aren't the nicest of cars but might be worth looking at pics of Pandas in other colours.

They normally look a bit better then that imo - must be the colour

I'd only drive it in black and white multi-color... otherwise it is just a silly name :P

Moneymaker

Old diesel wrote: »

Yes I have to say - I was surprised - at how little there seems to be on the net about troublesome Pandas - and how many owners seem to really rate them highly.

Problem is though - a lot of people are turned off them because they - or family and friends had a Fiat that gave trouble at some point.

They weren't always the best years ago you see .

Pandas are fairly good though - thinking of buying one myself at some point

My dad had an Uno in 1991 and it was great actually, probably an exception to the rule mind.

He had a Marea a few years ago too(an estate) and it was class, most comfortable car i've ever been in, that includes big Volvos and Mercs. It was like driving in your bed :pac:

I'd probably avoid the 206 personally, they're a bit fragile and repair bills are fairly high on them.

The Ibiza is quite good looking for what it is imo.