First car advice

Tusky · 23-07-2014 8:07pm #1

I know yea probably get loads of these threads on here but I would appreciate your advice. I need to get a car for work so I'm currently learning to drive. I don't really have a budget because I'm taking out a loan, but would probably prefer not to spend more than €4,000 - €5,000 including tax and insurance.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what car to buy and where to get it? If yea also have an estimate of insurance/tax that would be much appreciated too. I'm 29, male and have never been insured before if that helps.

Thanks.

LawlessBoy · 23-07-2014 8:39pm

Prob best off getting a few quotes on small engine cars and then get an actual budget for a car instead of having it all together in one

Tusky · 23-07-2014 9:07pm

LawlessBoy wrote: »

Prob best off getting a few quotes on small engine cars and then get an actual budget for a car instead of having it all together in one

I have zero knowledge of cars though so don't even know how much mileage to be wary or how old is too old etc.

Foxhole Norman · 24-07-2014 12:44am

I'd be having a 1.0 Yaris Mk1. I have a 99 1.0, it's reasonably peppy for the size of engine, pretty roomy inside, loads of room for 4 big lads and gear :pac: It's also extremely economical and tax will only be €200. Insurance should be very good, even on a Learner Permit but only you will be able to know how much that'd be.

toastedpickles · 24-07-2014 12:48am

Tusky wrote: »

I have zero knowledge of cars though so don't even know how much mileage to be wary or how old is too old etc.

If you find one, bring a mechanic to look it over, there's been a few horrors on here from people not doing that, it'l cost 80 euro tops but it could save you from a potential heap

Tusky · 24-07-2014 9:54am

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

I'd be having a 1.0 Yaris Mk1. I have a 99 1.0, it's reasonably peppy for the size of engine, pretty roomy inside, loads of room for 4 big lads and gear :pac: It's also extremely economical and tax will only be €200. Insurance should be very good, even on a Learner Permit but only you will be able to know how much that'd be.

Thanks. How old is too old? i'm just looking on a few websites and there's a good few 2004 models for sale.

LawlessBoy · 24-07-2014 10:03am

When I say get quotes I mean by just the model and engine size. I'm just recently off a permit after passing my test and I'm only 17 so my insurance was over 3000 third party only. I'm due a refund now thank god but insurers quotes vary a lot when your on a permit so in the case o the yaris ring a few places ask for a quote on that car and then you'll know how much of a budget you have for the car itself

Foxhole Norman · 24-07-2014 11:08am

Tusky wrote: »

Thanks. How old is too old? i'm just looking on a few websites and there's a good few 2004 models for sale.

Mine's one of the first run out of them, it's a 99. I really wouldn't worry about age with a first car, mine still has twin airbags and a decent safety rating if that's what you may be worried about.

Tusky · 24-07-2014 8:11pm

Great, thanks. I'll probably go for a Yaris then. Anything else I need to look out for? Mileage etc?

JohnBoy26 · 24-07-2014 8:59pm

Tusky wrote: »

Thanks. How old is too old? i'm just looking on a few websites and there's a good few 2004 models for sale.

With a Yaris I wouldn't worry about age, they are a very well built car with plenty of older examples still around. Condition and spec would be more important imo.

Foxhole Norman · 24-07-2014 9:41pm

Tusky wrote: »

Great, thanks. I'll probably go for a Yaris then. Anything else I need to look out for? Mileage etc?

Try and find one with A/C if possible, really handy. I wouldn't worry about mileage as long as it's below 150k or so. Miles that is.

Moneymaker · 25-07-2014 8:57am

Yeah you can't go wrong with a Yaris really. They are all over the place and still hold their value amazingly well. Good reason for that.

Tusky · 26-07-2014 4:25pm

What about a VW Polo instead of a Yairs? A few people have recommended them to me. About €150 more on tax but that's no big deal.

JohnBoy26 · 26-07-2014 4:47pm

Tusky wrote: »

What about a VW Polo instead of a Yairs? A few people have recommended them to me. About €150 more on tax but that's no big deal.

A yaris is much superior.

Tusky · 26-07-2014 5:19pm

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

A yaris is much superior.

How does the Yaris compare to a Micra? That's also been recommended.

bazz26 · 26-07-2014 7:37pm

A Daihatsu Sirion is worth having a look at too, it's basically a Yaris underneath but they are a lot cheaper to buy.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2008-daihatsu-sirion-1-0/7331164

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/daithatsu-sirion-toyota-passo-subaru-ju/7277286

Tusky · 30-07-2014 9:54am

Thanks.

Moneymaker · 30-07-2014 1:10pm

What did you go for in the end?

Tusky · 13-10-2014 3:19pm

Moneymaker wrote: »

What did you go for in the end?

I'm actually only getting around to buying it now. Haven't made a final decision. I find Yaris kind of ugly but will probably go for it anyway. Much prefer the look of Polos. Budget is €3,000 for the car and have €1,000 put by for insurance and tax.

bazz26 · 13-10-2014 3:49pm

What about a Ford Fiesta:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/car/7704852

Moneymaker · 13-10-2014 4:09pm

Tusky wrote: »

I'm actually only getting around to buying it now. Haven't made a final decision. I find Yaris kind of ugly but will probably go for it anyway. Much prefer the look of Polos. Budget is €3,000 for the car and have €1,000 put by for insurance and tax.

You'll hate your life driving a Polo of that age.

Fiesta would be grand also. Better drive then the Yaris but the Yaris is generally better built and more reliable.

Tusky · 13-10-2014 5:22pm

Cheers for the advice. Would you recommend buying from a garage or a private seller? And how do you go about getting a mechanic to look over the car for you?

colm_mcm · 13-10-2014 7:07pm

Private seller with your budget.

Tusky · 16-10-2014 11:29am

Grand. Final two questions, I promise!

1) What's the deal with getting a mechanic to look at it for you? Do you just call a local garage and they send someone over?

2) I've been refused insurance from two different companies. Is there anyone that will likely insure me as a first time driver on a learner permit? (29 year old professional male).

LawlessBoy · 16-10-2014 11:36am

ring around different brokers and just see who can get you the best deal (Asgard though First Ireland wore cheapest for me, 17 full licence)

nd · 16-10-2014 11:42am

Is there any possibility of passing your test first?

Tusky · 16-10-2014 11:49am

nd wrote: »

Is there any possibility of passing your test first?

I don't have access to a car to practice in. I've had 14 lessons at the moment and I'm pretty confident, but that's only 14 hours of driving. Probably need a bit more time on the road before going for the test.

bazz26 · 16-10-2014 12:11pm

When you say you were refused by two companies do you mean online quotes or over the phone? Forget online quotes in your circumstances as they are designed to quote favorable figures based on low risk drivers.

Tusky · 16-10-2014 12:17pm

bazz26 wrote: »

When you say you were refused by two companies do you mean online quotes or over the phone? Forget online quotes in your circumstances as they are designed to quote favorable figures based on low risk drivers.

One online quote, one over the phone.

MarkAnthony · 16-10-2014 12:25pm

I'd highly recommend not driving around on your learner permit, especially if it's one issued since the 1/8/2014 (thread dates gave me concern). Although I believe the fixed penalties have now stopped the massive fines you'll be chocking up points very quickly if pulled, you'll almost certainly not get insurance on a LP with points on it.

You really should be able to get a test done in a few weeks and you'll find insurance will be cheaper and easier to obtain. You'll also not need to have the stress of potentially being pulled every time you see a guard (assuming L plates) or even more points at a check point (assuming no L plates).

Tusky · 16-10-2014 12:35pm

MarkAnthony wrote: »

I'd highly recommend not driving around on your learner permit, especially if it's one issued since the 1/8/2014 (thread dates gave me concern). Although I believe the fixed penalties have now stopped the massive fines you'll be chocking up points very quickly if pulled, you'll almost certainly not get insurance on a LP with points on it.

You really should be able to get a test done in a few weeks and you'll find insurance will be cheaper and easier to obtain. You'll also not need to have the stress of potentially being pulled every time you see a guard (assuming L plates) or even more points at a check point (assuming no L plates).

Well the plan was to buy a car and then get friends (who have a licence) to accompany me while I practice for a few hours every week. Do you reckon it's possible to pass your test purely after doing lessons and no practice?

MarkAnthony · 16-10-2014 12:55pm

Tusky wrote: »

Well the plan was to buy a car and then get friends (who have a licence) to accompany me while I practice for a few hours every week. Do you reckon it's possible to pass your test purely after doing lessons and no practice?

As long as you're accompanied at all times thats fine. Your driving instructor will be able to tell you if he/she thinks you're at the standard to pass the test. If you're not then, to be blunt, one shouldn't be on the road alone. That said almost everyone has done it, but the 'loophole' (for want of a better phrase) has been closing in for years. Up until very recently it was a large fine you were looking at if caught, now its points which will be problematic when it comes round to renewal time even if you have a full licence at that point.

If you have a new permit (after 1/8/14) you just need to be pulled for speeding once with no L plates up to be looking at a ban.

All that said if you're being accompanied, there really is no issue.

bazz26 · 16-10-2014 5:54pm

Tusky wrote: »

One online quote, one over the phone.

I'd ring around a few brokers, they probably deal with this sort of thing all the time and have more flexibility with insurance companies especially when it comes to bringing in new business.

Tusky · 17-10-2014 4:31pm

I appreciate all the help guys.

What about a Micra? http://www.adverts.ie/car/nissan/micra/nissan-micra-5dr-1-0-nct-01-15/6637104

bazz26 · 17-10-2014 6:06pm

I'd rather something like this, much better than that model Micra:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/02-toyota-yaris-nct-only-80k-miles/7867640

colm_mcm · 17-10-2014 6:45pm

I wonder what the tippex writing on the engine means?

Tusky · 17-10-2014 8:00pm

bazz26 wrote: »

I'd rather something like this, much better than that model Micra:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/02-toyota-yaris-nct-only-80k-miles/7867640

Grand. Is there any particular model of Yaris I should be looking for or are they all the same?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-yaris-1-0-terra-5dr/7875474

colm_mcm · 17-10-2014 8:07pm

Here's a quick run through the specs

1999-2003

E Windey windows, no central locking, no power steering, black bumpers, black handles. 13 inch steel wheels
Avoid.

Terra
14 inch steel wheels, Semi colour coded bumpers, colour coded handles, manual mirrors, front electric windows, central locking, plastic steering wheel, plastic gearknob, slide/recline rear seat, dual airbags

Luna adds to Terra
Fully colour coded bumpers, and mirrors, leather steering wheel and gearknob, nicer seats.

Sol adds to Luna
14 inch alloys (99" sure they have anyway), Remote locking, CD player, height adjustable seat

2003-2006
Terra
Coloured bumpers, ABS, Dual airbags, CD player, Front electric windows, coloured handles,

Luna adds to Terra
Silver inserts in doors and heater, rear headrests, remote locking

Sol adds to Luna
14 inch alloys, front fogs, colour coded rubbing strips in bumpers, height adjust seat, electric mirrors

Blue adds to Sol (2004 -2005)
Chrome exhaust tip, scuff plates, remote audio (no elec mirrors)

Strata adds to Blue (2005 onwards)
Alloy wheels

First car advice

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