To go against dh re car for dd3 to learn in

[wasgoingmadinthecountry]

DH is adamant we should get an old C1 for dd3 to learn in (money a bit tight right now but I could do with a new commute car too - her school is on the way). Dd isn't keen - someone rear ended us over summer while I was driving one (frightened her) and ds has put her off a bit too. He says they all have damaged front/backs through learner shunts.

DH has form for buying crappy cars from the auction house - his friends do it too but can afford a few duds. Two years ago it was a shitty Audi convertible that drove me to Tesco before breaking down for good. We can't. I want reliable and not embarrassing.

Any views on the best budget cars for learners gratefully received!

remember to check the insurance group too. We looked at a Honda Jazz, but then checked the insurance…..
I think DS needed a larger car than a normal first car though as he is 6ft2.

We lived in the Scottish sticks, think narrow winding roads, ice, dark, idiot tourists, high incidence of young-male-driver accidents at speed. So our kids learned in the family Volvos (safe, staid, solid) with full insurance.

If you can afford it, choose either Japanese or German - much more reliable - and don't forget to get some insurance quotes for your learner driver before you decide.
You'll need to get two sets of quotes:

1. For when they're learning (i.e. with a qualified driver next to them)
2. For when they've passed - much more expensive !

Definitely look at the VW Up!/Skoda Citigo/Seat Mii (all the same car really)
My son has an Up! and it's a brilliant car, like a Tardis inside !!
(he's 6ft 2)

I (accidentally!) crashed my first car, a Skoda Fabia, into a little Citroen at about 10mph and the Citroen was a right off, just totally crumpled. My Skoda was fine and to this day I still drive a Skoda Fabia - such sturdy cars.

I learned in a Suzuki Swift - was nice. Fiesta, Corsa, VW Up all good small cars too.

'@yOrkierOse
that's ds's point

Quite liking the Hyundai - how shocking I've never bought a car on my own before!!

The very good thing is I've got DH out of buying some old shite from the auction!! Or a car from the 1990s because then "she can learn to drive properly". Er, no. Not back at work till Jan 4th so plenty of time to sort it before her birthday:)

Thanks for all the input.

I learned in a big old Skoda Superb estate which was ace. I felt a lot more confident in the bigger car than I did my instructor's tiny Cleo!

We bought our teenage DD a VW polo primarily as their safety record is very good. Insurance was reasonable too. Check out www.euroncap.com

Reminds me of when I was learning in my quirky little 2CV - my dad constantly telling me to double declutch! Still don't know what he was on about.

Will put dh to use checking out insurance of different cars. Can't believe the L plates are going to be on again - fourth time but it doesn't get any easier.

Suzuki Alto here. It's done her really well....

Hyundai i10! Mine was bombproof, easy to drive, cheap and cheap to insure. I had 2 of them in a row.

I've got a Seat Mii - again same car as the Volkswagen Up but cheaper.