Affordable but fun to drive cars for new driver?

Robtyrrell

I'll have 1 years no claims in February and I'm looking to get a new car probably around a few months after that. Currently driving a 1.2L 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. I'd like something quicker and just overall nicer. Sticking with petrol.

I've been looking at 1.2 and 1.4 VW Golf tsi and Audi A3 Tfsi's but I'd be spending 8 - 10 grand on a 2010 - 2014 model which is a lot for me considering I'm on apprentice wage making less than minimum wage.

I'm not sure what other cars to look at with small engines and in my price range so that I'll get insured on them. Does anyone have any recommendations for cars to look out for? Should I look at cars a few years older i.e Mk5 golfs? Id prefer to spend less, maybe around the 5 or 6 grand mark but I haven't found any models to look at in that range

Andrewf20

Some people think more power = more fun but its more complex than that. Id aim for something small and lightweight with good chassis dynamics (fiesta , mini cooper etc). Id generally avoid over sized wheels and overly fat tyres. Low profile tyres often make the handy a bit snappy and unnerving. Less grip can mean sideways action is more accessible and therefore more fun.

As mentioned in another thread, this was the most fun car I ever drove below, no joke. Quite slow on the motorway but a hoot in the bends. 175 tyres, 975kg & easy to heel and toe. Pity they are old and generally rusty now.



I also had a ball in a bog stand 1.6 mazda 3 around Mondello last year.

Sometimes its not what you drive but what you do with it that counts.

HBC08

Cooper S,

Padre_Pio

Just check your insurance first.

They look out for anything sporty and pile on the premium.

Andrewf20

Also this below, although insurance might a headache:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/vxr-corsa-200-bhptrade-in-welcome/24063924

shrek008

2010-2011 Mazda 3, 1.6 d. Fab economical reliable fun car!

PsychoPete

Insurance is probably going to be your main problem. I had a 2012 Swift Sport, I really enjoyed driving it and pretty fun to just throw around

un5byh7sqpd2x0

Andrewf20 wrote: »

Some people think more power = more fun but its more complex than that. Id aim for something small and lightweight with good chassis dynamics (fiesta , mini cooper etc). Id generally avoid over sized wheels and overly fat tyres. Low profile tyres often make the handy a bit snappy and unnerving. Less grip can mean sideways action is more accessible and therefore more fun.

As mentioned in another thread, this was the most fun car I ever drove below, no joke. Quite slow on the motorway but a hoot in the bends. 175 tyres, 975kg & easy to heel and toe. Pity they are old and generally rusty now.



I also had a ball in a bog stand 1.6 mazda 3 around Mondello last year.

Sometimes its not what you drive but what you do with it that counts.

Wait until you grow up and drive a real car! :pac:

John_Rambo

Fiat Abarth or a 1.4 Fiat Panda (100hp)?

Inspired by Andrewf20's excellent post I'm thinking more fun than actual boring, smug, motorway diesel power.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-panda-100hp/25348401

I'd love this, cracking fun, I've been obsessing with a cheap, small, fun, zippy car "for the wife" since I got rid of a Rover Mini Cooper a few years ago. Mileage may be an issue, but you'd find lots in England.

peasant

Honestly, probably best to stick with what you have and save what little you can. Once you start earning real money, that's when you can start thinking about spending it on a nicer car.
Very little point in putting yourself under financial pressure with a loan (?) and high insurance costs only to end up with a compromise that's only marginally nicer than the Punto

mikeecho

peasant wrote: »

Honestly, probably best to stick with what you have and save what little you can. Once you start earning real money, that's when you can start thinking about spending it on a nicer car.
Very little point in putting yourself under financial pressure with a loan (?) and high insurance costs only to end up with a compromise that's only marginally nicer than the Punto

OP.

This is the best advice you will get all week.

Henry Ford III

shrek008 wrote: »

2010-2011 Mazda 3, 1.6 d. Fab economical reliable fun car!

Worthy possibly. No fun though.

Ericaa

I got a Honda CRZ last month and I'm having a blast with it.