What car to get as a first car

richiculous

Hi, I'm planning on getting my first car over the next few weeks. I want to get something reliable but also nothing too expensive as a first car. I have a budget of between 1.5k - 2k, and think I will probably be getting something between the years 2003 and 2006. Initially, I'm thinking maybe an Opel Corsa / Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta / Focus or perhaps a Toyota Corolla as possibilities. Are there any typical red flags with any of these or are there any more suitable options that are typically considered better than the cars I mentioned?

The_Honeybadger

You won't go wrong with a fiesta. You should get a nice clean 2004-2005 for that money. It's a nice car to learn in and they are reliable generally speaking. I'd buy privately at that price point as you'll get almost no warranty from a dealer so it's not worth the premium.

If you're not knowledgeable about cars try to bring somebody with you who is when you are looking at cars.

colm_mcm

Id suggest a Yaris, you'd probably get an 02 for your budget.

My wife has an 00 one the last 4 years. Outside of oil changes, it has cost us €11 in repairs in that time.

bazz26

I'd avoid Corsa, Astra and Golf of that age and price bracket, they are too prone to potential problems at that age. Fiesta, Focus, Yaris and Corolla are more reliable bet though 2k will be buying you an older examples of a Yaris or Corolla than Fiesta or Focus.

nanook5

I'd get a 1.2 Petrol Fiesta , 04 or 05

Had one as my first car . Didn't cause a days trouble and absolutely lovely to drive. Very robust, very nippy and corners well . Insurance was cheap also

Loved it so much that I'm getting a Diesel one

EIREDriver

Try to get something 03+. Good few insurers won't start new policies if car is 14 years old or more.

All the cars above are good suggestions. Avoid the likes of a golf. 1.4 are sluggish, especially the Bora with same engine.

Bigus

A bit of value in Clios and they're one of the best Renaults, and much nicer than a Yaris to drive plus a high safety rating.

richiculous

Hi guys, many thanks for all your replies, I didn't see the last few replies until now, really appreciate it. I've been looking a lot more at Ford Fiestas and am possibly going to look at this car tomorrow, can I get your thoughts? As mentioned, I'm a first time buyer, so just trying to be careful.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-fiesta-2003-nct-amp-tax/12686291

colm_mcm

I know you're not spoils for choice at that price level, but the 1.25 engine is so much nicer than the 1.3 as fitted to the one in that ad.

richiculous

Thanks for your reply colm_mcm. Can I ask you what the main difference is or what makes the 1.25 much nicer? Sorry, but I don't know much about the differences between engines.

bazz26

This one is a year younger:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiesta-only-65-000-miles/12727103

nanook5

richiculous wrote: »

Thanks for your reply colm_mcm. Can I ask you what the main difference is or what makes the 1.25 much nicer? Sorry, but I don't know much about the differences between engines.

The 1.3 is supposedly very unrefined . It's advised to stay away from them

You'll also probably end up paying a bit more for insurance due to the difference in the size of the engine

colm_mcm

richiculous wrote: »

Thanks for your reply colm_mcm. Can I ask you what the main difference is or what makes the 1.25 much nicer? Sorry, but I don't know much about the differences between engines.

The 1.25 was designed by Yamaha, it's smoother, quieter and more powerful than the 1.3 - which is a very old engine.

The one bazz linked above has the 1.25 (Zetec) engine. You know by the tax disc.

One thing to look out for on a 1.25 is that it has a timing belt, as opposed to a (rattly) chain on the 1.3

richiculous

Many thanks guys, I think I probably shouldn't bother looking at the 1.3 given that the 1.25 are very common anyway, I wasn't aware that there was a significant difference between them.

bazz26

The 1.3 litre engine originates from the 1960s Ford Anglia, it's an old and simple design but was well past it's sell by date even 12 or 13 years ago. It was carried over in that model Fiesta from late 2002 until early 2004 but continued in the Ka. The 1.25 litre engine has been around since the mid 1990s and was co designed with Yamaha. It's a very nice reliable engine and still available in the new Fiesta today though it is being phased out due to stricter EU emission regulations when the all new Fiesta arrives next year.

richiculous

Thanks for your detailed response bazz. With the information I've been given, it makes sense not to go for the 1.3 when the 1.25 is widely available.

bazz26

1.25 litre is definitely the one to go for but just be wary of sellers passing 1.3 litre models off as 1.25 litre.

colm_mcm

...and sellers selling 1.25 as 1.3 as they don't know the difference

richiculous

Thanks everyone for your replies. I went along with the advice given here and bought an '05 1.25L Zetec Fiesta at the weekend

colm_mcm

woop!

Giacomo McGubbin

richiculous wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your replies. I went along with the advice given here and bought an '05 1.25L Zetec Fiesta at the weekend

Well done, and health to enjoy it!

The_Honeybadger

richiculous wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your replies. I went along with the advice given here and bought an '05 1.25L Zetec Fiesta at the weekend

Best of luck with it they're a nice car