Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Car options for new driver

  • 21-08-2017 11:01am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14


    For the past few weeks, I have been looking into possible options for a first car as a new driver once I pass my driving test and get the full license.
    My budget would be around the €6000-€8000 mark for the car and insurance together which isn't that easy to fulfil, but cheaper the better.
    I'm more looking towards 5 door models (not required) just for the practicality sake as I do plan to have passengers every now and then. No older than 2004-05 as I believe the insurance is much higher for cars beyond those years.
    I only plan to drive it for those two years until I'm off the N plates and be able to get a larger car once insurance is cheap enough so would be good if the car is reliable for those years to not have any issues or break down on me until I can sell it and get a different car.

    On that note, some of the cars that I have been looking into are:
    Seat Leon Mk2
    Seat Ibiza Mk3/4
    Mazda 3 Hatchback
    Renault Clio III
    VW Golf Mk5
    Opel Corsa D
    Opel Astra H/J
    Ford Fiesta Mk6/7
    Ford Focus 2nd Gen
    Fiat Punto 3rd Gen
    Kia Ceed
    Hyundai i30

    Any suggestions regarding the cars I have listed or any other car that fits the criteria would be welcome along with any tips for buying a new car.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Assuming you're looking at 1.4 max I would rule out the focus Golf Corsa and Astra.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,037 ✭✭✭duffman3833


    id stick with the smaller hatch's like fiesta or clio, they will be cheaper to run, tax and insure and will allow you save more money for bigger car in future


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 274 ✭✭ace_irl


    My first car was a 04 Seat Ibiza, still drive it now and it's the best little car. Cheap enough for service and tyres etc. Good fuel consumption and road tax isn't too bad. Ideally though I'd consider going for 06 if you plan on keeping it for 2 years. Many insurers aren't insuring cars that are 14 years or older so 04-05 could be a bit of a nightmare when you're already restricted on new driver insurance and the older the car the more expensive the insurance is.

    Cars are often luck of the draw and there's no way to guarantee a car will be reliable, especially with the age of it so do keep in mind that whatever car you buy will need money put into it to keep it going.

    Have a good look on donedeal for an idea of the cars you like and their price range and when you're ready to go look at one to test drive bring someone with a bit more motor knowledge with you. Keep an open mind, the car you want may not always be the car you end up with, mine wasn't but I'm delighted with the one I have now.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    What sort of mileage do you expect to do in the car? daily etc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 Marty5678


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Assuming you're looking at 1.4 max I would rule out the focus Golf Corsa and Astra.

    All of the four models have at least 1.4 model that can be found relatively easily, at least from what I have seen.

    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    What sort of mileage do you expect to do in the car? daily etc

    For now, it would be around 10-30km per day to travel to work and college as I live relatively close for now. However, might change if I decide to move elsewhere.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    Marty5678 wrote: »
    All of the four models have at least 1.4 model that can be found relatively easily, at least from what I have seen.

    For now, it would be around 10-30km per day to travel to work and college as I live relatively close for now. However, might change if I decide to move elsewhere.

    I really think for new drivers it worth looking at electric.

    The running costs are cheap compared to petrol/diesel. The service costs are cheap. Also insurance companies costs are cheaper.

    You can also get a granny cable and charge, even cheaper if you want to use the public infrastructure it is still free.

    You can then save for another car.....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 Marty5678


    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    I really think for new drivers it worth looking at electric.

    The running costs are cheap compared to petrol/diesel. The service costs are cheap. Also insurance companies costs are cheaper.

    You can also get a granny cable and charge, even cheaper if you want to use the public infrastructure it is still free.

    You can then save for another car.....

    An electric car is not something that is of interest for me at this current stage. Only looking into petrol/diesel.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,718 ✭✭✭whippet


    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    I really think for new drivers it worth looking at electric.

    if you can provide any links to second hand electric cars that the OP can buy and insure for €6-8k please do?


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    To be honest, the insurers don't even follow their own guidelines. I only recently passed my test and it was cheaper for me to buy and insure a medium sized 1.8 saloon, than to even consider purchasing any of the small hatchbacks on your list.

    Go through cars and go through quotes on'em first.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    whippet wrote: »
    if you can provide any links to second hand electric cars that the OP can buy and insure for €6-8k please do?

    Of course there is loads in the UK, you just need to bring them in but you don't pay VRT in that bracket.

    Quick check in North: https://www.usedcarsni.com/2015-Renault-Zoe-Dynamique-Intens-5dr-Auto-194939318

    Have a chat with either of these: http://www.electricautos.ie/ or http://www.ecocars.ie/

    Renault Zoe can be got for decent value or Gen 1 Leaf...you either like or don't like the Leaf.

    If you work out insurance/tax/fuel costs over a period of time you should find large saving.


  • Advertisement
  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    Of course there is loads in the UK, you just need to bring them in but you don't pay VRT in that bracket.

    Quick check in North: https://www.usedcarsni.com/2015-Renault-Zoe-Dynamique-Intens-5dr-Auto-194939318

    Have a chat with either of these: http://www.electricautos.ie/ or http://www.ecocars.ie/

    Renault Zoe can be got for decent value or Gen 1 Leaf...you either like or don't like the Leaf.

    If you work out insurance/tax/fuel costs over a period of time you should find large saving.

    At the current exchange rate, that Zoe in NI is 6540.34euro (ish). I think that's way too much of a stretch. The other sites are listing prices from 9K. Electric cars aren't really a match for a lot of people and their initial costs are quite high. They'll also need to think long and hard about options for charging it.

    The OP just wants something they can get into for a couple of years.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    At the current exchange rate, that Zoe in NI is 6540.34euro (ish). I think that's way too much of a stretch. The other sites are listing prices from 9K. Electric cars aren't really a match for a lot of people and their initial costs are quite high. They'll also need to think long and hard about options for charging it.

    The OP just wants something they can get into for a couple of years.

    It is an option which most people don't think about.

    If buying your first car you are getting something which is old. OP said no older than 2004-05. SO let say something circa 2008. That is a 10 year old car. The failure rate on that car will be high. Extremely high

    Also the potential for high tax.

    Car is getting on in age he will be restricted in insurance companies.

    As you are going with Petrol/Diesel you are paying higher insurance.

    Fuel costs are high

    So a "cheap" run around cost the OP a fortune and they are left with what?

    With electric you don't have any of those issues. You are buying a 2010 or newer car. The failure rate is low. The tax rate is low. The insurance is low. The fuel cost is low. The depreciation is already gone on car so you will have a small resale value.

    Why would they need to think long and hard about charging? all they need is a plug and can trickle charge at night using granny cable. He is doing 10-30km a day. Also if in the area close to charger they can get free fuel.

    It seems ridiculous to me why a new driver would not go electric, especially if doing such low mileage. After a few years save up all the money and buy another car, at that stage it will probably be electric anyway

    It is just an opinion but too many dismiss it for no good reason


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 Marty5678


    To be honest, the insurers don't even follow their own guidelines. I only recently passed my test and it was cheaper for me to buy and insure a medium sized 1.8 saloon, than to even consider purchasing any of the small hatchbacks on your list.

    Go through cars and go through quotes on'em first.

    What kind of car did you get if you don't mind me asking?


    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    It is an option which most people don't think about.

    If buying your first car you are getting something which is old. OP said no older than 2004-05. SO let say something circa 2008. That is a 10 year old car. The failure rate on that car will be high. Extremely high

    Also the potential for high tax.

    Car is getting on in age he will be restricted in insurance companies.

    As you are going with Petrol/Diesel you are paying higher insurance.

    Fuel costs are high

    So a "cheap" run around cost the OP a fortune and they are left with what?

    With electric you don't have any of those issues. You are buying a 2010 or newer car. The failure rate is low. The tax rate is low. The insurance is low. The fuel cost is low. The depreciation is already gone on car so you will have a small resale value.

    Why would they need to think long and hard about charging? all they need is a plug and can trickle charge at night using granny cable. He is doing 10-30km a day. Also if in the area close to charger they can get free fuel.

    It seems ridiculous to me why a new driver would not go electric, especially if doing such low mileage. After a few years save up all the money and buy another car, at that stage it will probably be electric anyway

    It is just an opinion but too many dismiss it for no good reason

    As much as I understand that electric cars are somewhat cheaper. But the 10-30km a day is only for the current stage and very much plan to go on trips every other weekend to which the range limit won't do any good. Also, I'm personally not a fan of electric cars outside of Tesla and few other high range electric cars. Simply do not see myself driving anything electric in the near future.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    A 2007 peugeot 407 1.8 petrol. Car cost 1650, insurance cost 1831.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    It is an option which most people don't think about.

    If buying your first car you are getting something which is old. OP said no older than 2004-05. SO let say something circa 2008. That is a 10 year old car. The failure rate on that car will be high. Extremely high

    Also the potential for high tax.

    Car is getting on in age he will be restricted in insurance companies.

    As you are going with Petrol/Diesel you are paying higher insurance.

    Fuel costs are high

    So a "cheap" run around cost the OP a fortune and they are left with what?

    With electric you don't have any of those issues. You are buying a 2010 or newer car. The failure rate is low. The tax rate is low. The insurance is low. The fuel cost is low. The depreciation is already gone on car so you will have a small resale value.

    Why would they need to think long and hard about charging? all they need is a plug and can trickle charge at night using granny cable. He is doing 10-30km a day. Also if in the area close to charger they can get free fuel.

    It seems ridiculous to me why a new driver would not go electric, especially if doing such low mileage. After a few years save up all the money and buy another car, at that stage it will probably be electric anyway

    It is just an opinion but too many dismiss it for no good reason

    You're assuming OP has somewhere they can park up and leave it to charge overnight. Someone looking to get a car in a short time frame that they don't intend on keeping long term doesn't really need to be working on how that's going to be arranged.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,718 ✭✭✭whippet


    You're assuming OP has somewhere they can park up and leave it to charge overnight. Someone looking to get a car in a short time frame that they don't intend on keeping long term doesn't really need to be working on how that's going to be arranged.

    he is also assuming the OP can find another 60ish% of his budget to cover the cost of the car and insurance


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 Marty5678


    A 2007 peugeot 407 1.8 petrol. Car cost 1650, insurance cost 1831.

    What's the insurance company that you used? From all the cars that I have checked through insurance companies, I can never seem to get below 3000.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    You're assuming OP has somewhere they can park up and leave it to charge overnight. Someone looking to get a car in a short time frame that they don't intend on keeping long term doesn't really need to be working on how that's going to be arranged.

    You are also assuming the OP hasn't got somewhere to charge it?

    All you need is a plug and you can charge a car via granny cable. Are you actually trying to say people don't have access to a plug?

    Or just drive to local charge point. Free fuel.

    I said it was an option. I have no idea where OP lives or anything. That is why it is an option....sometimes electric is discounted because of ridiculous reason like you just posted


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    whippet wrote: »
    he is also assuming the OP can find another 60ish% of his budget to cover the cost of the car and insurance

    Correct if wrong but OP say 6-8k.

    Check the electric car forums and some Leaf's have been sold for circa 5-6k. Very quickly I could find a few cars in North for decent money. You then have 2k left for insurance.

    So please explain why the OP need to find 60ish% of his budget?

    I am just replying to these posts. I know OP said electric wasn't an option.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    Marty5678 wrote: »
    What's the insurance company that you used? From all the cars that I have checked through insurance companies, I can never seem to get below 3000.

    Went with a broker, Aaran Insurance.

    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    You are also assuming the OP hasn't got somewhere to charge it?

    All you need is a plug and you can charge a car via granny cable. Are you actually trying to say people don't have access to a plug?

    Or just drive to local charge point. Free fuel.

    I said it was an option. I have no idea where OP lives or anything. That is why it is an option....sometimes electric is discounted because of ridiculous reason like you just posted

    I'm not assuming anything. I just don't see the point in arguing for an electric car when the OP has no intention of keeping the car they are looking to purchase long term.

    One won't get much use out of a granny cable if one lives in an apartment complex, or can't park close enough to use it. One shouldn't leave themselves to be dependent on the availability of a local charge point either. These are just extra things the OP would need to be concerned with. It's pointless for a car they are only going to use for a couple of years. If they were as accessible as petrol Stations it wouldn't be an issue. But until then, it will be senseless for most people to get them.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 527 ✭✭✭acronym Chilli


    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    That is a 10 year old car. The failure rate on that car will be high. Extremely high
    Not necessarily the case. Depends on condition and maintenance. I've driven a 15 yo car for last 1.5 years covering 35k miles. I've had one breakdown, which was a fuel pump. I also had to replace an ignition pack, but it didn't strand me, rather CEL came on and there was some intermittent roughness, so I swapped the part.
    My third mishap in the car could have happened to any car: came down and found I'd a flat one morning (new tyres, just had picked up a screw on the road).
    Also the potential for high tax.
    Sure, but this is very much a known cost, so easy to factor into budgets calcs.
    Car is getting on in age he will be restricted in insurance companies.
    This is a valid argument, but not always at 10 years.
    Fuel costs are high
    ...
    It seems ridiculous to me why a new driver would not go electric, especially if doing such low mileage.
    The fuel cost only really matters if you're doing large mileage. The electric car for me makes more sense with lots and lots of medium length journeys (i.e. in the sweet spot between fuel-savings and range-anxiety), especially in urban area with start-stop.

    Shefwedfan wrote: »
    You are also assuming the OP hasn't got somewhere to charge it?

    All you need is a plug and you can charge a car via granny cable. Are you actually trying to say people don't have access to a plug?

    Or just drive to local charge point. Free fuel.
    Electric is off the cards for me for this very reason. I'm living in a house with on-street parking, I can't really run a cable from car to the house across the foot-path (where I live, it might just work: I'm in a cul-de sac, and there's lots of people parking on the foot-path, so I could mount the kerb and squeeze the car against my railing and trail cable... but then last night when I came home a neighbour had taken the spot outside my house. I park a few meters away, but definitely too far to trail cables.
    Anyone with on-street parking will struggle with charging, as will people in rented accommodation in general, and especially a combo of rental and on-street (so no room to look at converting garden to parking space for example).

    Local charge-point really isn't an option in much of the country. I know you say "we don't know where he/she lives", but the odds are more likely that the poster lives somewhere that charging will be a pain than that they live somewhere it's handy.


Advertisement