Buying a new car. Which one?

[jizy]

I started off with a 1.1l fiesta. Wrote that off pretty quick. Had to scrap it instead of claiming. I then bought a Mk2 Clio 1.2 16v. Ive moved the air box to the lower front grill and installed a carbon fiber air intake, sports cat and back box. It has decent ICE aswell.

Its a nice car but with a years no claims and some cash to spend I'm after something a bit more exiting. I'm getting into car modding and would like something I could work on. Need something that not mental on MPG because of work but fun to drive and nice looking.

Ive looked at getting a new Clio, maybe one of the smaller turboed engines, Seat leons 1.8 20v, Saxo VTS, Golfs. But really stuck. Does anyone know of a car that fits what I want?

Any suggestions?

[HDi fun]

I really like the V5 Seat Toledo and VW Golf. Later ones have 20 valve heads so these kick out about 170bhp, the 10v ones were 150bhp.

[jizy]

There are nice cars but im only 18 so need something thats friendly to insure. Dont want to pay more than around 2500 a year. Ive looked at a Skoda VRS TDI.

[HDi fun]

£2500 ??????????????

F~~~in' bas~~~d hell.

What are the insurers playing at? That's over the top and some.

The most I've ever payed is just over £450.

I'm interested in this - who's providing you with quotes of £2500. And for what?

Looking foward to a reply,

Kind regards,

Paul.

[jizy]

I have a 03 clio 1.2 16v. I pay £1400 a year fully comp £300 excess. That on my dads policy with my own no claims. Any ideas for getting it down? Would love to go buy a nice car but the insurance is holding me back.

[waynne]

Park in a garage, limited mileage, take a higher excess (you get it back if the claim is not your fault) Sometimes adding an older person brings down the insurance cost - it's wierd I know but I does happen. Getting a full Thatcham alarm/immobiliser will also help if you are in a "theft risk" area. Become a girl - they get discounts all round!

The Rover 2.0 Gsi is an anomaly as far as groupings go - same engine as a GTi but 3-4 groups lower! Honda Civics have quite a bit of tuning potential.

Think what would a boy racer not want and go for it. A TDi Skoda is probably one of the best value to performance as far as insurance goes.

OLDER cars are also cheaper to insure so get a low mileage old car and you will be laughing (hopefully!)

[HDi fun]

The GTi and GSi are different. GSi is a single cam 16 valve unit, GTi is a twin cam 16 valve unit and there's about 20bhp between them.

[Massive]

pffft im third party and pay 1700, doesnt help ive had three crashes, out of those id go for the saxo vts or a golf, but i think the vts might be faster though unless you get a gti, i think dont quote me, both cars look nice and surely perform well

my rover is twin cam 16v does that make it gti :P lol

[HDi fun]

Three crashes probably isn't the best way to lower one's premium. Thanks for sharing that though. I thought the quotes were on the high side. Two or three claim free years will help....Good luck happy hunting

Rgds,

Paul.

[pgarner]

Originally Posted by jizy

I have a 03 clio 1.2 16v. I pay £1400 a year fully comp £300 excess. That on my dads policy with my own no claims. Any ideas for getting it down? Would love to go buy a nice car but the insurance is holding me back.

if your paying that for a 1.2 stay clear of anything over a 1.6.

your clio falls into around group 2 or 3 the 1.8t seat vw audi unit is around 15-17. chances are your insurance company would just laugh at you.

look at small diesel engines as well 1.4 1.6 or even the 1.9 vw found in the Fabia VRS ( dont go for this one see if you can uncover a 110, 115 unit standard fabia rather than the 130 vrs )

easiest way is to get around a couple of years no claims.


massive. Just about all rovers are twin cam'd

[waynne]

Originally Posted by HDi fun

The GTi and GSi are different. GSi is a single cam 16 valve unit, GTi is a twin cam 16 valve unit and there's about 20bhp between them.

You're thinking of the 1.6 the 2.0 T series engines in these models are both 140BHP! The GSi has 4 doors and Gti 2 and apart from a more sporty interior both are substantially different to insure.

[Izo Azlion]

HDI -

I'm on my mums insurance, I'm 20, paying 2K a year (Or just over) for a 2litre 140bhp Golf GT TDI Sport

Its an arse kicking contest mate. Thats why I've not gone for the 170bhp jobby. I'll just chip this eventually.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by waynne

Become a girl - they get discounts all round!

Wouldn't that cost more than the insurance?! Lol!!!

[waynne]

Not if you go the Black and Decker route! I guess the shopping trips will eventually add up! (I'm expecting the girls to start ganging up on me now! )

[Prince]

That might be painful though! I think I'll just pay slightly more for my insurance!!