First car advice

MarkAnthony

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

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

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

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

I wonder what the tippex writing on the engine means?

Tusky

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

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