Learner practicing in Ford Mondeo. Is it ok?

Chivito550

I've been taking lessons in an Opel Corsa over the last 6 months. I've had 22 now. I have 2 more left then I will have to practice myself. The thing is I don't want to spend money on a car right now as it will just be a waste of money, when I have other bills to pay. I live close to my folks, and the only option I have available to me is my dad's car which is a Ford Mondeo. I could get insured on it and use that a few times a week. A few people have said that a learner shouldn't drive in a car of that size. Others say a car is a car, if you can drive one you can drive them all.

I'm learning to drive to acquire the skill as I'm 31 now so want to get it out of the way. In terms of my everyday life I don't need one right now, so am reluctant to throw hard earned cash into that money pit until I actually need one.

What are people's thoughts?

Alanstrainor

Absolutely no problem whatsoever. It will take a little getting used to, but nothing to worry about at all. The mondeo is certainly not a huge car, it's perfectly manageable. I reckon those saying it's too big, are probably a bit clueless tbh.

Raging_Ninja

22 lessons seems like a lot...

Dravokivich

There's no point in you buying a car until you've at least got a license, or someone who is going to be available to accompany you all the time.

Especially when the insurance will be so high because you've only got a learners permit.

Chivito550

Raging_Ninja wrote: »

22 lessons seems like a lot...

Not really. I had never sat behind a wheel in my life and was starting from point 0. Took me awhile to pick things up too. After 12 lessons I was not of a good standard to go driving myself, so went for another 12 which has improved my confidence.

Not really the point of the thread though.

cantdecide

Chivito550 wrote: »

Not really. I had never sat behind a wheel in my life and was starting from point 0. Took me awhile to pick things up too. After 12 lessons I was not of a good standard to go driving myself, so went for another 12 which has improved my confidence.

Not really the point of the thread though.

I will answer your thread and echo the other posters' sentiments. There is no substitute for hours in the drivers seat and if you are using lessons to gain those hours, it'll become a massive expense.

You definitely should get insured in the Mondeo if you can - it's still a normal everyday car and will be manageable. Familiarising yourself with other cars in the learning process will make you a more rounded driver. You can offset the cost of the insurance against what you would have spent on lessons. I would be cynical about an instructor that would continue to take your money unless you had no other option.

Chivito550

cantdecide wrote: »

I will answer your thread and echo the other posters' sentiments. There is no substitute for hours in the drivers seat and if you are using lessons to gain those hours, it'll become a massive expense.

You definitely should get insured in the Mondeo if you can - it's still a normal everyday car and will be manageable. Familiarising yourself with other cars in the learning process will make you a more rounded driver. You can offset the cost of the insurance against what you would have spent on lessons. I would be cynical about an instructor that would continue to take your money unless you had no other option.

Oh he's encouraging me to drive without him now. I wasn't at that level after 12 lessons but I am now. He's just not advising me one way or another about the Mondeo.

Agent Smith

Dravokivich wrote: »

There's no point in you buying a car until you've at least got a license, or someone who is going to be available to accompany you all the time.

Especially when the insurance will be so high because you've only got a learners permit.

@ 31 i got my first car on a Learners permit.

Having a car, *Any car* makes learning so much easier i found!


your right about insurance.