What is an ideal first car?

Question

I am doing my drivind tests and was wondering what would be a good firST CAR??

Answer 1

An original Mini. Dead cheap to run and still plenty of street cred.

Answer 2

Without being more specific, for example if you want a fast car, or a cheap car to buy, run, and maintain, its hard to say.

If money is an issue, i'd say a small engine car, no more then 1.4litre as this is the lowest road tax, anything above costs more every 6 months or year. Also, these give much better mpg. Go for one with as few miles as possible, and with a full servive history if you can. The best economy would be a Ford Ka, or a Vauxhall Corsa, as these both offer very good mpg, are cheap to buy and maintain, and parts will never be a problem to find.

However, if money isn't too much of a problem, and you want something reasonably fast, yet still offers style, and economy, and you are buying new or nearly new, in my opinion, the Ford Fiesta ST is by far the best bang for buck. It offers 147bhp, 0-60mph in 7.9, which is respectable, 38mpg (maximum, which is VERY respectable) and is only Insurance Group 13, which for the performance it kicks out is amazingly low. All this, and it's not a bad looking car.

However, i highly reccomend you check Parkers for info on any car you buy, they have the most usefull info i have ever seen, and its all free on their site. Check my source for further info.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and with the test. Happy motoring. =)

Answer 3

Depends what's important to you & how much you've got to spend. you might want to consider how many people you carry & how often, what sort of journeys you will drive, whether or not you can get insured, what sort of image you want,. Reliability is likely to be important, especially in an older car. Get yourself a car price guide like the Parkers one - they also have an internet site - read through their brief test synopses & pick out the ones that appeal to you & you can afford, then make a shortlist of them & go an have a look at a few. Test drive & see if you like them. Most probably, you'll end up liking the same things most people go for, so there is likely to be a good choice. The rarer models are usually rarer for a good reason, so just have a look down the for sale ads & see what there's a lot of, and avoid the ones that don't seem to sell. there are good offerings from all the mainstream manufacturers, & as a first car I'd go for something compact, e.g. Ford - Escort , Fiesta or Focus, Peugeot 206, Vauxhall/Opel Astra or Corsa, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo etc.

Answer 4

There's two main criteria I have for a first car. One is safe. The other is expendable. I wrecked the first car I drove - an '81 Datsun 210 wagon - and a fair number of other first time drivers do the same. Not saying that you will - it seems most people don't - but you are more likely to wreck when learning than when you've learned. So it's best not to learn to drive on a car that's financially or emotionally one you can't afford to wreck.

I wouldn't obsess too much about safety; you can get down to splitting hairs over what is safer. Any basic, medium sized car in good mechanical condition with full seat belts (worn at all times) and ideally air bags should do. I'd rule out older cars with no shoulder belts (for obvious reasons), SUV's (top heavy and poor handling), really tiny cars, and anything where the brakes, steering, or suspension are in poor shape.

Answer 5

The ford LTD II. It was a midsize car that got good milage and was still big and sturdy enough to hold up in an accident. There getting pretty hard to find now, so maybe a taurus. Also a midsize, and well built.
If you live where it snows, get a front wheel drive or all wheel drive car. Four wheel drives are great vehicles, but I wouldn't turn my kid loose in it for her first car. FWD/AWD will serve you well in slippery conditions, and on slick hills.
Just remember, in a rear drive car, when you skid or slide, let off the gas. In a FWD/AWD car, gently get on the gas to gently power out of a skid.
A defensive driving course is a good investment and may save you money on your insurance. Ask your insurance guy first, since some companies only give a discount if you take the course from schools of their choosing.
Use a little common sense, and be safe and have fun!

Answer 6

Something sloooow, I know how the speed monkey on all our shoulders is like my first ticket was for going 90 I was driving a 91 Mazda 626. But if you want fast and cheep go for a Nissan 240 or an older Toyota supra (82-92).

Answer 7

depends how much you have to spend on your 1st car, i wouldn't get a brand new car as ur 1st car but not too old ether, try get it from a trader/dealer then to a private sale as there better options with the purchase with traders.
if you can buy the car outright with no finance even better i wouldn't get fiance on your 1st car.
something reliable and cheap to run,fix and insure is in consideration. something with a 1.0 to 1.4 litre engine is good enuff for the start don't see the point in power full cars no if you can do the speed as a sports car can do. all cars can do the speed limit plus.
i got a Peugeot 106 as my 1st car and it is very cheap to run and to fix but when you buy any car always check it out properly b4 you buy if you have some1 that experienced with motors take them with u.

my advice is just something small engine and cheap to fix, run etc and to look at the car properly b4 you buy it.

Answer 8

Mini, Ford Fiesta

Answer 9

Why are you asking in the motorcycles forum? Personally I'd go for something small and cheap, like a Peugeot 106 (mainly because that's what I drive).

Answer 10

Lincoln TownCar