What cars are recommended for a new lady driver, aged 20?

Question

I'm thinking about insurance. I do not want a Ford KA or a Peugeot 206.

I'm thinking about a Yaris but I'm yet to find out costings, any ideas?

Any ideas on other cars would be welcome.

I would not buy older than a S reg, nor do I want an old model such as the old shape Renault Clio over the new shape.

To dragonfly: KA's are a hazard. I know someone who had one, someone crashed inot her, car flew up in the air, roof came off, her head scraped aong the floor and now she has no hair.

To everyone: I want a car that looks nice,n ot an old tat. Only plan to keep it until my insurance goes down, so I can buy my 1.6 engine car that I really really want (£2,100 to insure at this stage)

Answer 1

--I'd go with your instincts, go for a Yaris as long as your prepared for a struggle to find one second hand as there have been numerous newspaper articles about how rare a second hand Yaris is since they are such cool nifty cars for the young.
On the other hand, and old Corsa would do the trick quite nicely; nice and cheap to buy and insure and they aren't too bad on the eye either. I agree with your of not buying a car older than the S reg as these cars had several problems with their fan belt and alternater.

Hope to have been of help.

Answer 2

I suggest always go with American built. This means Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus, and Nissans. They are well built (in America) and well designed to last (in Japan.) They are very durable and extremely reliable and very safe.
A good used one, 5-6 years old can last you at least 5 years. Longer depending on how you drive and how much you drive. There will be some repairs but you will save up front on price versus buying a new car (expect $500 - $750 per year, only about $50 per month vs. a payment of $200 or more.) {L250 - L300, L25 vs. L100}

Avoid Euro built or American designed (Ford, Chrysler) as they tend to spend as much time in for repairs as they do on the road.

The Renault has been known as one of the worst cars for reliability for years, I don't recommend it at all. They are so poorly made that Renault does not even sell them in the US. No one here will buy them because of this, just like the Yugos about 10 years ago.

Your price is in the right range to get one outright with no payments, so you will save on interest and possibly insurance.

Answer 3

My driving school used a Ford Fiesta and so I opted for that.

British made with the engine at the top also means costs of repair are lower as any mechanic can work on them and a specialist isn't required.

1.2 engine is good as will idecrease you insurance quote.

although if you do a pass plus lesson(2 hour drving lesson on the motorway) you will get cheaper car insurance anyway. I wish I had.

Answer 4

if you dont want an old shape car then you better get brand new as most of the small cars have been facelifted in the last 12 months or so.
your friends ka must have been a lemon or hit buy a truck to fall to pieces like that.
try fiesta/corsa/yaris/lupo

Answer 5

You mention you didn't want a 206... but want a car that looks nice... well the 206 is one of the sexiest small cars you can get so you must have a good reason for not wanting one!

I would consider:
106
Corsa
Saxo
Ibiza
Fiesta

Answer 6

I am telling you,the best car for a beginner is a Honda,they are solid and have long lifespans,i reccomend the Civic,or get a Toyota,they are good too.

Answer 7

What's wrong with a renault clio, I bought mine 4 yrs ago on a P plate and it is still with me today. It has never broken down and its a 1.2 which cost me and £600 insurance in the first year.

Answer 8

My first car was a Vauxhall Corsa and it served me well. Not too expensive to buy, not too expensive to insure and a nice girlie, curvy shape. Because it's small it's also great for nipping around town in and easy to park (if you're a little nervous of it at the moment).

Whatever you decide on, enjoy your new freedom

Answer 9

Buy Top Gear mag, it has all the used car prices and insurance groups.

Answer 10

Hi, Im a new lady driver aged 20 also :)
the car i want is a vauxhall corsa. they are good for the insurance and are nice small neat cars.
Good luck