Better to get €7000 car or €700 car for first car?

-Vega-

Hi all,

so I'm on my learners permit.

I'm wondering for my first car would it be better to buy say .. a 2000 Golf 1.4 Petrol or spend a lot more money and get a newer version?

Taking into consideration tax, insurance and potential break downs.. I'm trying to decide if its cheaper to buy a semi reliable older car and survive in it for 2 or 3 years till my insurance comes down a bit or get a newer more reliable car with less tax straight off the bat?

Anyone got any tips?

Thanks

zl1whqvjs75cdy

A 2000 petrol golf will be next to uninsureable for a young un I'd say. Check some insurance websites and see if they'll quote, a lot of them won't do older cars, particularly those they see as "boy racer". Not suggesting that you are one mind, just old golfs have a bad reputation with insurance companies.

RosieJoe

I think some insurance companies are putting higher premiums or not insuring older cars. I'd factor this in when making your decision.

redbel05

Something in the middle price, like an 08 Opel corsa, for in around €4500-5000 is what I would go for, and what I will be suggesting to my sister when she gets hers over the coming months.

I seriously regretted getting a €1000 12yo banger for my first car. Difficult to drive and didn't last the year. I think its important to get the feel of driving a smooth running car, as the opposite can be hell on your nerves when you're not sure if its your driving or the car that's the problem.
Mind you, having someone experienced in cars with you when you are buying, and an independent mechanic to check it over will go far towards getting the right car for you.

cantdecide

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

A 2000 petrol golf will be next to uninsureable for a young un I'd say. Check some insurance websites and see if they'll quote, a lot of them won't do older cars, particularly those they see as "boy racer". Not suggesting that you are one mind, just old golfs have a bad reputation with insurance companies.

RosieJoe wrote: »

I think some insurance companies are putting higher premiums or not insuring older cars. I'd factor this in when making your decision.

Don't make too many assumptions about insurance the variables are near infinite and the market never stops moving. Pick a variety of suitable cars and ring ALL the companies with ALL of your sample cars. Don't give into the temptation to go with the cheapest quote without good reason- a marginal difference in insurance between a 1.1 and a 1.4 might be worth it if you can get an ideal car.

I think the sweet spot price-wise if you're open minded or don't have specific criteria is €1200- €2000. Here's one example of a practical, modern, safe, low mileage 1.4 hatch that doesn't cost the earth and it wouldn't be a crime to bump.

PLL

Learner here and I'm also 25 and I couldn't get insured on anything older than 03. Ended up buying a relatives 05 clio. Personally I wouldn't want a new car now as I'd feel terrible if I knocked it. It is amazing how much pride I have over my little clio - and I'm a woman who never haf much interest in cars. Now I'm putting effort into making in nice and look forward to buying a nice new car after a few years of driving (and probably denting my little clio)

Edit: I would say 1500-2000 is a good price for a first car. You don't want anything to shíte.