A good first car?

**s2driveruk** · 31 October 2007, 09:46

sure you want a learner driver building confidence in their first few months in one of those cars? Personally i would buy a normal small hatch or something where parts and panels are dead cheap and let her ding that. When she's developed normal driving bad habits then she can move onto something more unusal.

Just my 2p

David

**jameswkr** · 31 October 2007, 09:53

Agreed. And you might also consider something that is "easy" to learn to drive in - ie unstallable diesel not a 3000rpm clutch slip starter like some boxer cars we could mention...

**mcandmar** · 31 October 2007, 10:00

I helped a mates girl friend buy a car recently and that short list is very similar. GTV and MGF are terribly unreliable so stay well clear. Fiat Coupe isn’t the best either but i have a real soft spot for them, the 20v turbo is supposed to be a little rocket.

She really wanted a Celica, we drove a few and quickly realized its a complete piece of crap. Doesn’t handle, horrible engines, and feels just like a corolla to drive.

The real surprise was the FTO, it wasn’t on our list until we found one in a garage, took it for a test drive and fell in love with it. Silky smooth 2.0 V6, not a lot of torque but bags of character. Car itself was tight and responsive to drive, by far the most entertaining drivers car of that list. Much to my amazement she instantly fell in love with it to, has owned it for 6 months now and just bought a stainless steel exhaust system to unleash the noise of the V6. Gets a big thumbs up from me, proper drivers car

**Animal Mother** · 31 October 2007, 10:01

Originally posted by jameswkr

Agreed. And you might also consider something that is "easy" to learn to drive in - ie unstallable diesel not a 3000rpm clutch slip starter like some boxer cars we could mention...

Which car is that?

Nj · 31 October 2007, 10:32

I would have said a polo or golf would be prefect. Some of those cars listed don't have great visibility for a learner/new driver to be comfortable doing manoeuvres. You can get areally nice golf in a variety of engines and body styles. Nice set of rims and it's a practical but sexy wee machine. Plus if you know your way about an Audi it won't be that strange.
Or buy her an 80 tdi just to tear about in for 6 months, then buy the more exotic machine.
I do think there's a lot to be gained by learning in a smaller engined car. You learn to appreciate the gearing and limits of the car instead of just going straight to a big engine and always equating more power with pressing the pedal harder. driving the lesser car makes you appreciate the better car even more.
Just my tuppence worth.

**Animal Mother** · 31 October 2007, 10:49

Originally posted by mcandmar

The real surprise was the FTO, it wasn’t on our list until we found one in a garage, took it for a test drive and fell in love with it. Silky smooth 2.0 V6, not a lot of torque but bags of character. Car itself was tight and responsive to drive, by far the most entertaining drivers car of that list. Much to my amazement she instantly fell in love with it to, has owned it for 6 months now and just bought a stainless steel exhaust system to unleash the noise of the V6. Gets a big thumbs up from me, proper drivers car

A good first car though?
She is probably learning in an Auto initially. An FTO I have seen has an Auto triptronic!

Golf? If it was a Mk1 or 2 I would rather be ******ed with a hot pebble.

Nj · 31 October 2007, 11:04

Originally posted by Animal Mother

Golf? If it was a Mk1 or 2 I would rather be ******ed with a hot pebble.

Really? Why so?

**hiltoa** · 31 October 2007, 11:31

Originally posted by fourcircle

Really? Why so?

Maybe he has a penchant for hot pebbles up the bum?

**s2driveruk** · 31 October 2007, 11:43

306 1.6lx would be a good chice.......if it has history you can get quite a bit of car for the money, aircon, 6cd, front fogs, leccie mirrors and the car really handles very well (even a bit of lift off fun if you provoke it

)

I bought one this summer as a commuter car and been well pleased with it, light on fuel, goes ok and returns 450miles from a tank. For £900 on an R plate with 96k miles and all service history, was good value too

Nj · 31 October 2007, 11:49

Originally posted by hiltoa

Maybe he has a penchant for hot pebbles up the bum?

hahahahaha

(a comment like that goes really well with your avatar by the way

)

David makes a good point too about the 306.

**Animal Mother** · 31 October 2007, 11:58

Yeh, I'd consider the pug.
Reason behind the Golf dislike is that every one I have been in feel tinny and wobbly even GTI, G60, Driver etc. They just don't seem to drive nice or feel safe.

**s2driveruk** · 31 October 2007, 12:01

£1.5k should get you a decent low mile T/V plate i'd reckon - Just check the electrics, not a pug strongpoint, especially front electric windows and lifters. There are a few decent buyers guides on the web

Nj · 31 October 2007, 12:15

Originally posted by Animal Mother

Yeh, I'd consider the pug.
Reason behind the Golf dislike is that every one I have been in feel tinny and wobbly even GTI, G60, Driver etc. They just don't seem to drive nice or feel safe.

Yeah the mk1s and 2s do feel a bit go-karty. I'd have one for fun but not as my main car. It would do as a temp measure until your good lady shows she's not going to crash much... Or 1.5k would get you a cracking 98 ish gti or cabby.. or a slightly newer 1.6? Still, if you're not into golfs they might just not tickle you at all. P reg VR6? no? :mischeif:

**LHD_Kid** · 31 October 2007, 12:16

Agree the FTO is a good car, but suffered alot with engine troubles.....
Personally I would think it would be better to learn in a manual straight from the gun, I am sure it will be more difficult to alter the driving style later....
Anyway, Pug sounds like a good idea, but you do have insurance considerations also.....
Chris

A good first car?

A good first car?

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