[Prince]

Biased, but I would go for the Civic. If you can't find a 6th gen, you could always try hunting down a 5th gen (same engine). However, I also agree with waynne, I pranged my first car, so do a lot of people. It's a good idea to get yourself a little run around for a year and save your money for when you have a year or 2 no claims. In the long run you can buy a better car, not prang it and then insure it and maybe have some spare. Another point is (I think you've already mentioned this but I can't remember), are you going to go on your Dad's insurance? If so, be wary of fronting.