Buying first car. Tell me the best and worst cars you've owned

[MyRabbit79]

As the title says, I need to buy my first ever car. But I'm clueless.

So to give me a start, please share what the best car you've ever owned is and also if there's been a car you've hated.

Particularly if they've been good or bad in terms of reliability and ease of use.

Thank you!

VW Polo was a great car, although it was many years ago. My Honda Civic was a good enough, though boring car, but our local dealer is just awful, so no more Hondas for me.
So before you take the plunge OP, check out your dealer network or figure out who will service it as that makes a difference to your experience of the car.

Company cars, Ford Focus, did 400k over 3 of them, needed a clutch and a wheel bearing.
Skoda a very close 2nd, my current car, i liked it so much that when i had the chance i bought it from the lease company.

Loads of independent specialist VW garages too

Worst was a Toyota, unreliable, uncomfortable.

My DD has a little Citroen, she has done 40k in it, 100% reliable.

For a first car, Ford Fiesta or a small VW/Skoda/Seat.

Don't get a Vauxhall. Huge piles of shite.

I currently have a Dacia Duster. It gets me where I want to go. Unlike the Vauxhalls.

Toyota and Skoda are good too.

It'll be mainly short drives, just me, DH and the dog. I'm not great at parking so size and any techy parking aids are a consideration

So there does seem to be some consensus on brands here, with the exception of Fiat and those of you who love your Fiat 500s. They are really nice to look at so I was hoping they might be recommended.

Skoda Fabia or Octavia if you want a bigger car. Skoda is own by WV and Fabia is basically Polo.

Ooh, I should add that insurance costs are a big factor too. I am starting from scratch with zero no claims bonus so a smaller engine is better I expect.

Toyota Corolla ❤️❤️❤️

Mini Cooper years ago 🤬🤬🤬

We're oldies now, so have had lots of cars between us (probably 15-20).

Worst were Austin (Allegro and Maestro, back in the early 80s), Ford and Vauxhalls.

Best have been Peugeot, Renault and Citroen. We must have had about 10 French cars between us and never have been any trouble at all.

Mixed was a couple of Nissans which were pretty shoddily built, felt flimsy and broke down a few times.

Currently got a 9 year old Citroen and a 13 year old Renault, neither of which have ever broken down or needed expensive repairs - still solid and going strong. And just bought a nearly new Volvo which we love - again feels very safe and solid.

Yesssss the Jazz is the best!

My dad taught me to drive in a ford Granada they definitely don't make them like they used to.

Best one I'd say Toyota avensis

Worst Volkswagen touran nothing but issues with it.

My best cars generally have been Toyotas - we've had an Avensis, Corolla and 2 Aygos, depending on requirements of the time. Nice to drive and very reliable.

Our Mazdas were great, and my MX5 bags of fun, but Mazda batteries are woeful!

We've also had a Bongo Friendee (fun but can be a money pit and drink fuel) and a new Hyundai Tucson (would be the best car ever if it weren't for all the modern new fangled warnings which drive us nuts....I think these things are on lots of new cars now)

Toyota Yaris bought new in 2002 and still passing it's MOT. We've only ever needed to replace tyres and windscreen wipers. I'd like a new car but hubby won't part with it, lol.

My last Avensis did 278,000 miles.

If you are considering running costs depending on how new you are looking at, it can be worth bearing in mind that car tax bands changed on those registered before April 2017. Before that date cars with low emissions had cheaper tax, sometimes zero.
Maybe a Fiat 500 would work for you, they are certainly easy to park. The newer model (square line round the rear lights) has a rear beeper for parking.

I've had many different cars over the years my current car is wonderful- a mini 5 door hatchback.
I will definitely get another one when I decide to replace this one.

It is a lovely car, but also not suitable for my needs anymore either. Worth a try though 😂

Another one who recommends the Polo. Mine is quite old now, but it’s fab and I can’t see myself parting with it any time soon :)

A couple of friends have the Aygo and they love them!

I’ve had numerous rubbish cars but mostly because they were old rather than anything else.

The best car by a mile that I’ve owned is a Jaguar F pace. Excellent car of you have a young child as plenty of space for prams and other equipment.

If you don’t have young kids then an E Pace might be more suitable. They are a bit cheaper but have much less boot space.

There are some decent second hand deals available if you shop around.

Best Honda Civic 1.5 Vtec turbo plus sport.
Worst BMW 1 Series E18 Cabriolet

I drive a 2006 Vauxhall Astra. Fab car it doesn't ever go wrong has enough poke and is big enough for everything we need . Could have bought a posher car last year but stuck with my Astra .

Range Rover was the best (Vogue SE not a Sport), powerful comfortable and just a pleasure to drive.

Cant beat a Merc for reliability though, trust me I’ve had 5 🤣

I'm a Mercedes lover - have leased two previously and then bought a three year old second hand A class which I hope will run and run.

But for 8 years I drove Nissan Qashqais and absolutely loved them. Loved the driving position but best of all was the Birds Eye view parking camera. I could park that car anywhere no matter how tricky the space. I had them on leases and did notice that they deteriorated quicker than a Mercedes so was always pleased when it was time to renew and get a new one. So I'd lease but not buy if I was opting for a Nissan.
.

After passing I’ve bought a Ford Fiesta. So far very happy with it, cheap to insure and fairly comfortable for such a small car. Had it awhile now and not many issues but the usual maintaince stuff.

Also had a look at Fiat 500 when I first passed but I found that the insurance was nearly double to what my Fiesta’s was. I also went on holiday last year and hired a rental Fiat 500 (pretty much new) and hated it. The acceleration, clutch and lack of space inside was shocking. Wouldn't even fit a bigger suitcase in the boot which my fiesta does with no issues. After driving it for 10 days I would never buy one

I loved my Hyundais! Had an i10 and now have an i20, so nice to drive.

Worst car I ever drove was a Nissan micra.