View Full Version : I am sooo confused as to what car to get!
Soooo scarped the idea of the Z4...
It's between:-
1 - Toyota Yaris - can get a 06 plate, 1.3L, air con, alloys, 40k miles for £5k
2 - VW Golf - 04 plate, 1.9L to 2L Petrol or Diesel, FSI or TDI, 60k miles for about £6k
3 - Mini Cooper S - 03/04 plate, 1.6L petrol, 80k miles for £5k.
I am leaning against the Mini Cooper now....but the Yaris makes the most sense.
What else?
LeperousDust
20-05-2011, 00:16
Cooper, **** sense they all cost a fortune and are useless...
//Jaded failed MOT car is a money pit i should rid myself of and i don't really need it...
Matblack
20-05-2011, 06:54
The Cooper S is a very different car to the others there it's a quick car but it is also thirsty. If you haven't driven a quick car before then the Mini is a big jump, consider a Cooper non S which will be a lit of fun but you'll get more for your money.
MB
Knipples
20-05-2011, 07:11
The Golf you'll be able to drive into the ground and it will keep going and going.
I still say Yaris for a first car though. Golf's can be a bit nippy, especially the TDI. :)
leowyatt
20-05-2011, 07:33
I was also going to suggest going for a cooper instead of a cooper s. Not as expensive I believe but still lots of fun :)
volospian
20-05-2011, 08:49
I'm not big on the small(ish) hatch market but have you looked at something like this? (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2698958.htm)
I thought they were supposed to be a decent little car...
leowyatt
20-05-2011, 08:53
I like the new swifts :)
Mazda 3's are GORGE.
I'd have a Mini though. Think it's my next motor.
Stan_Lite
20-05-2011, 10:10
As far as small cars go, I quite like the look of the Fiat 500. You can pick up an 08-09 for between 5 and 6 grand (which I'm assuming is your budget based on the OP).
How the hell did you get from Yaris to Z4? :D
The only concern with the mini is that being a BMW, a 03/04 plate, when anything breaks, and because it is old, it will throw up the occasional repair bill and big one. Not to mention they come with run flat tyres at £150 each.
The Golf isn't so bad, but the only decent ones i seen is Diesel TDI and i dont enough miles to warrant one of those and again, 04 plate.
The Fiat 500 ticks all the boxes, £6k can get one 09 plate therefore it is still under warranty, no MOT. Bonus
It is in a zero tax band, so that's £250 saved compared to the mini cooper s.
It will also get twice the MPG than the cooper, i am guessing over the course of the year, i will have an extra grand in my account because of it.
Being a newish car, 09 plate vs. a 04 plate Mini, there won't be (m)any repair bills either. Or even a 06 plate Yaris. or 04 Plate Golf.
I also like the look of them, the only down side is that it is 1.2L, slow.......
just have to stick to the left lane on the motorway then...
Desmo, the Yaris is the logical choice, its the cheapest to buy, cheapest to insure, cheapest to run and in theory, most reliable (by reputation). Makes perfect sense as the first car.
Then I threw all that out the window to see what else I could get for my money if i up it 25% just for fun. The Z4 fits that perfectly.....and in a lot of ways, it is a perfect car. It is a bargain of a car for the money. 3.0L straight 6, leather interior, sat nav, climate control, all the toys you can think of....
But i had to come back to earth as gettnig that as a first car IS silly.
We have an 09 Fiat 500 Sport - £30 tax/year, ~60mpg (driving dependant; its such a fun car you might get less ;) ), very nippy and the sport comes with a load of 'extras' i.e. bluetooth, usb media system, aircon, city-drive, leather seats, elec.windows, alloy wheels etc etc.
Fiat have 3 year warranty on 500s which as you say = no MOT, no unexpected costs = piece of mind.
Overall it's a higher quality of car compared to a lot of its competitors - the clio, corsa, swift and a few others we looked at were very cheap inside, noisy, plastic etc.
It's not as high a quality as the Mini - but you can get a sport/luxury package on a much newer 500 cheaper than you can a much older, entry level mini.
If it's a consideration of yours then it might be worth contacting FiatDirect - london-based second hand dealer where you can get 1/2 year old fiats with minimal mileage at cut costs. :)
I really love the Fiat 500 - I had the 500 day countdown to it being released as a screensaver, because I always loved the original. However, it's sorta being hijacked as a very girly car. I do love them, but it's like EVERYONE is getting one, so it's becoming the iphone of the car world a bit for me. Coupled with the fact it's a FIAT, which I steer clear of at every opportunity, it's putting me off a bit.
We have an 09 Fiat 500 Sport - £30 tax/year, ~60mpg (driving dependant; its such a fun car you might get less ;) ), very nippy and the sport comes with a load of 'extras' i.e. bluetooth, usb media system, aircon, city-drive, leather seats, elec.windows, alloy wheels etc etc.
Fiat have 3 year warranty on 500s which as you say = no MOT, no unexpected costs = piece of mind.
Overall it's a higher quality of car compared to a lot of its competitors - the clio, corsa, swift and a few others we looked at were very cheap inside, noisy, plastic etc.
It's not as high a quality as the Mini - but you can get a sport/luxury package on a much newer 500 cheaper than you can a much older, entry level mini.
If it's a consideration of yours then it might be worth contacting FiatDirect - london-based second hand dealer where you can get 1/2 year old fiats with minimal mileage at cut costs. :)
I will need to take out a small loan for one of these from a dealer.
I'd like it to have alloy wheels, so the sports model seems ideal but they are closer to £8k, so i would need to get like £2-3k on finance.....
I seen a nice mini cooper S near me for £5095 private, 73k on the clock is the only down side. but then, thats £3k cheaper than a Fiat 500....would I need £3k on repair bills on the mini?
Arghhhhhhh wish this was easier.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201117385848634/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/6000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/model/cooper_s/make/mini/page/1/postcode/hr11hb/radius/60?logcode=p
This is the Mini, its in Worcester so I can look at it easy as well.
leowyatt
20-05-2011, 13:55
Are there no plain coopers in your price range?
I'd be very surprised if you needed £3K to spend on the MINI. Mine was a 52 plate and in the two years I had it (up until last year) I don't think I spent more than £1500 in total over two MOTs and a couple of repairs, including new Pirelli runflats (£130 a piece), a replacement coolant tank (£50) and a replacement seat ratchet lever assembly (£18 inc labour). The BMW garage charged me labour at 50% because of the age of the car, and all parts were 10% off, so a lot of the bills came out far, far cheaper than they quoted.
Thinking about running costs, MINI vs. Yaris/500
50mpg vs. 25mpg in the mini. Equates to about £300 difference in petrol over 5,000 miles.
£240 vs. £30 in road tax
£1100 vs. £800 in insurance.
That's £800 cheaper per year favour of the 500. so it's not £3k difference...
Input: YAAAAAAAAAARIS all the way.
Not biased.
At all.
;)
Had a quick browse at a few garages today.
1 - this seems perfect. 1.8L petrol Focus, 45k miles. (£4200 on their website)
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6853/img1609kp.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/img1609kp.jpg/)
2 - Golf SDI 2.0L Diesel, 80k miles though, 2 owners
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/9679/img1610z.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/img1610z.jpg/)
3 - The land of the crazies time - 03 plate Mini Cooper S, 66k miles, but no full service history, it missed 05, 06, 09, 10 services. Last service was 08 at 60k miles.
http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/5859/img1611g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/img1611g.jpg/)
The 1.8 Focus is ok but the engine straddles a funny middle ground where it kinda carries the disadvantages of the 1.6 and 2.0 without any advantages. (1.6 = slow but eco, 2.0 = quicker but thirsty, 1.8 = slow and thirsty)
Golf SDI isn't the worst thing in the world but given your stated mileage, you may as well stick to petrol, a 1.6 petrol or similar would probably be better in the Golf range.
Cooper S is probably a bit thirsty and over the top for a first car, especially if you won't appreciate the extra performance it brings over a regular Cooper or even just a One.
To be honest I think you're going to have to settle on a make and model you really want otherwise you'll keep going 'round in circles. It's hard enough comparing different versions/ages/examples/nuances of one type of car, let alone such different marks. Eventually you'll just get fed up, go and view one and go 'sod it, I'll just have this one', and maybe end up regretting it.
In my opinion you'll enjoy driving the Cooper but that may dull as the fuel bills start coming in. I can't really comment on the others but I'd suggest driving them and seeing which you prefer... or if neither move on.
Mondo - the focus will guzzle. Be warned! As will the cooper. :(
Justsomebloke
21-05-2011, 17:47
As it's your first car & you have not grown up spannering I'd pick summit bomb proof that needs minimal maintenance & is backed up by Superb dealerships/after sales etc..
From the 3 you posted the Yaris would be perfect.
To be honest I think you're going to have to settle on a make and model you really want otherwise you'll keep going 'round in circles. It's hard enough comparing different versions/ages/examples/nuances of one type of car, let alone such different marks. Eventually you'll just get fed up, go and view one and go 'sod it, I'll just have this one', and maybe end up regretting it.
In my opinion you'll enjoy driving the Cooper but that may dull as the fuel bills start coming in. I can't really comment on the others but I'd suggest driving them and seeing which you prefer... or if neither move on.
I agree. We've been going round in circles for a long time now and basically not got a car, despite looking for about 6 months now. Settle on one and go for it. We've settled on the right Pug 207 if it comes up, but if there's a red auto Fiat 500 that comes up in the meantime we'll go for that.
The thing to remember with the 500 is it's not depreciating. New they are about £11,000-£12,000 and 3 year old ones are selling for £9000. I think that's pretty damn good.
I think i might save up for another month and get a fiat 500, I basically just need to sae up £1k more and I can get one from Fiat Direct (if i didn't haggle and pay list price). That car would make me happy the most.
In the meantime, if I can get a 1.3L T-Spirit Yaris for the right money, then I would do that.
Until then, I got to stop looking at the Mini because frankly they are a waste of time, and too much money for a 8 year old car.
I basically like a small car that has alloy and air con, electric windows, power steering and trip computer.
One thing about the 500 is it is bloody good fun to drive :)
FiatDirect have a lot of 09 registered cars with less than 10 (yes 10) miles on the clock; a lot of them are about a grand off of the 'new' price simply because they have an 09 plate.
We haggled a nice lump off of their price also as well as the usual blaggable extras i.e. car mats, full tank of fuel etc.
I think you have to be happy with the car and its appearance as a year or two down the line you won't care about the extra 5mpg, but you will want to enjoy getting into your car and driving around in it :)
That car would make me happy the most.
Then this is the one! Decision made :D
One thing about the 500 is it is bloody good fun to drive :)
FiatDirect have a lot of 09 registered cars with less than 10 (yes 10) miles on the clock; a lot of them are about a grand off of the 'new' price simply because they have an 09 plate.
We haggled a nice lump off of their price also as well as the usual blaggable extras i.e. car mats, full tank of fuel etc.
I think you have to be happy with the car and its appearance as a year or two down the line you won't care about the extra 5mpg, but you will want to enjoy getting into your car and driving around in it :)
It does mean need to go down to London from where I am...long way to go not knowing if I am buying a car and a £70 rail trip or £40 worthof petrol plus a day's food it could soon add up the cost of just looking at a car.
Out of interest, how much did you get off their list price? Let's say it's listed at £7k, think i could get £1k off? Or £500 plus matts and tank of petrol?
Sent you a linky on Bookface mondo :) x
It does mean need to go down to London from where I am...long way to go not knowing if I am buying a car and a £70 rail trip or £40 worthof petrol plus a day's food it could soon add up the cost of just looking at a car.
Out of interest, how much did you get off their list price? Let's say it's listed at £7k, think i could get £1k off? Or £500 plus matts and tank of petrol?
Well you can see all the details and photos of nearly every model they have in stock on their website - on a car with less than 10 miles on the clock you can be quite assured it will be in pristine condition.
To get an idea of the car you can visit a local dealer - they're a very popular car as Kitten says, so you will probably find numerous models to test drive and scope out near you.
I don't think you'll get £1k off of the prices they state as they are ranging between £500-3500 off of a new order model anyway depending upon the individual car, spec and mileage. However I'd say there's definately room for negotiation ;)
Anyway - I'm only spieling so much on this as I don't have knowledge or experience on other cars in your bracket of consideration; you might find after a nosey inside or test drive that its not for you, or that you can simply get a better deal for something else :)
Test drive, work out finance limits and be honest with yourself throughout :)
Princess Griff
22-05-2011, 22:51
I vote Fiat 500...as the bloke who sold it to us said, people who drive this car smile whilst doing so! Its a happy car, and really is fun to drive!
PLUS you get waved at by all the other Fiat 500 drivers on the road!! :wave:
Both Jingo and I love our car, and if I won the lottery tomorrow - I would still keep it!
Happy car hunting! ;)
I bought a car!
Well, deposit down on one. Not a fiat 500 though, couldn't find the model with the right trim level I want for the right price.
I put a deposit down on a 08 plate Yaris SR this morning. 20k miles, climate control, traction control, keyless entry and start, 1.8L, 17" alloys so it'll go vroom vroom! In black! The only down side it's that is a 3dr but that's the least of my worry since i dont expect to be moving large objects or give many lifts. I paid £6.5k in the end, MOT not due til March.
3dr isn't too much of a hassle, and besides it looks "cooler" ;)
Good choice, I bet you'll be thrilled to bits. Fantastic investment for a first time car buy. :)
Wehey! YARIS buuuudddddddddy! :D
Good cars, just like being bummed. Be warned!
Wehey! YARIS buuuudddddddddy! :D
Good cars, just like being bummed. Be warned!
You like being bummed? :shocked:
I'll keep that in mind ;) ;D
You like being bummed? :shocked:
I'll keep that in mind ;) ;D
Only by Daniel Craig.
Long story. Some will understand.
;)
Nice one Mondo...enjoy your new wheels :)
All sorted
Insurance done. £700.
AA cover done.
Now I just need the car!
p.s. It's this car.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201113383195784/sort/locasc/usedcars/price-to/7000/model/yaris/make/toyota/postcode/cf238na/page/1/radius/10/quicksearch/true?logcode=p
Justsomebloke
25-05-2011, 22:57
:woot:
Ahhh, I remember the days when people's first car was always some old rust bucket. Never seems to happen any more :D
leowyatt
26-05-2011, 07:12
Ahhh, I remember the days when people's first car was always some old rust bucket. Never seems to happen any more :D
My first car was a B reg Nissan Sunny :p
Knipples
26-05-2011, 07:13
My first car was a B reg Nissan Sunny :p
Mine was a d reg, beige Fiat Uno. :o
I killed it by blowing the head gasket on the m5 (and then continuing to drive to my destination)
Some 18 years old girl at work just passed her test has just bought a MINI One, paying on finance! Her dad works at BMW so able to get a discount but still a lot of money for a car that age.
My first car is a Toyota Corolla
I.e. the car I have now! :D
BB x
Nice one Mondo i'm glad you got something sorted :)
I doubt you will ever experience regret at getting a 3door - for transporting big stuff you just use the boot door! Unless you have disabled or elderly that you regularly transport then everyone else is perfectly capable of getting in the back seats! (those that complain can always walk :p )
Looks great in black too. :cool:
edit:
My first car was a 206 180gti - hardly a rust bucket but I'd already been driving around for nearly 2 years on a 50cc motorbike (power of a hairdryer) which was certainly in shabby state!
LOL @ "Beige Fiat Uno"! ;D BEIGE!!
It's home!!!!
http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/4222/veronicab.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/veronicab.jpg/)
Drove it back from Cardiff, it can happily cruiser at 70mph on the motorway at just under 3,000rpm. It corners really well, it's quite quick off the block. Love Climate Control and the little touches like where you can choose the air circulate.
Happy days!
p.s. That's her name!
Cracking car.
My first car was an old astra, passed down through the family was my grandfathers then my mums before mine, unfortunately it didn't last long before being written off at a rather sharp corner in Hereford if I remember correctly. I wasn't the driver I might add.
Just mind those corners!
Aww YAY! Hello Veronica! Veronica needs to meet Cyril Syrup!! No rear ending though!!! :D
Aww YAY! Hello Veronica! Veronica needs to meet Cyril Syrup!! No rear ending though!!! :D
Vroom Vroom!!! ;D
My first was an MG Metro :) Mikes pride and joy, I got home having passed my test and he threw me the keys and told me not to come back until I'd got the hang of it :)
I'm not entirely sure but I don't think that Reg plate is road legal Ray ;)
My first was an MG Metro :) Mikes pride and joy, I got home having passed my test and he threw me the keys and told me not to come back until I'd got the hang of it :)
Or killed it? Or it fell apart from rust? ;)
vBulletin® v3.7.4, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.