First car for young dd

[rocky1705]

Looking for an automatic small town economical car for my dd who only just passed her test. Reliable, cheap to insure, cheap to run, cheap to repair, safe obviously.

Not sure about electric cars just yet.

Advice please.

DD had a polo first, great car for, sold it when she went to uni and she now has a ford KA for getting around during her PGCE placements.

Why aren’t you sure? They’re small in the back but I think that’s the only bad thing about them. I had a 2015 1.5 3 cylinder Mini Cooper. It did need oil topping up twice but the warning came on and I had 20k solid reliable driving. I didn’t feel safe with DD in the back so changed it. I also had a 2019 one series with the same engine which was much more practical but I’m guessing your DD doesn’t have a DD and big fat floofy dog. I really enjoyed my mini.

@WhatWouldDianeLockhartDo Are minis expensive to repair and service?

Ah, the capital letters made all the difference. These things do matter after all. The Mini One.

I never had to repair anything on it. I had it for two years I think and drove an 80 mile round trip every day. Service was just the usual cost at any garage and I only did that once. It flew through the MOT each year. I only take cars to the local mechanic type place, not a dealer.

Mine was a 2015 and I had it 20-22 I think. It had 80k and I sold it at around 100k so not low mileage either. It was grey with black wheels and looked really cool. I’m not cool at all so it was such a dreamboat.

Saw a 7 yo lovely mini with 18000 miles. Is it too old?

I don’t think so at all. As a first car, that’s quite new. Just make sure she likes the colour combo. Its not many miles at all on it - I would actually worry it’s not been used enough 🤣 feel free to share the ad

I would do the relevant checks…

mot history (if the car has been abused or looked after this will tell you)
Google the engine and “common problems”
hpi check

@WhatWouldDianeLockhartDo it s £15k! A lot of money for a first car! Also worry if it gets wiped off with small accident because of its age.

Ooof! That’s a lot of money. I’m touching 40, have had a lot of cars and spend my money on cars as they bring me joy but I’ve never spent £15k on a car. (I have company cars but still never would)

I wouldn’t buy such an expensive car as the first but I wouldn’t worry about insurance from that perspective as you can always buy it back/not go via insurance. As it’s a very expensive car (and not old) I don’t think that’s necessarily an issue. My car is currently going through a write off and it’s a 50k car new, 30k now and only 2 years old so really can happen at any age/price.

Dd had a Mazda 2. None are cheap to insure

DN has a 3 door Corsa, gets him up and down the M6 reliably. Or at least it has since he bought it!

Last time I bought a car (polo) was 14 years ago. I paid just under £10k then. Not looked at cars since until now. I just found new and used car are so expensive now!

So expensive! What’s the situation? She is trustworthy and this car will last her a long time? Could she have an older car and take the difference to invest etc?

She is sensible I would say. Yes, I think she will keep this car (if it’s a mini) forever. £15k though!

DS bought himself a Citroën C1. Cheap to run, repair and car tax is £20 per year.

Can't believe you're the only other poster suggesting these cars.

They are the least reliable. Ask any mechanic.

I know what you mean. Her safety is paramount but I bet you could get the same age and spec but with more miles (which is fine up to 50/60k or more) for much less. Different times but I think mine was £7/8k

Fiat 500x

Dd turns 17 in September. We’ve been looking at cars as we’d like a run around as an extra and Toyota and Hyundai roller skates come out tops.

A little while ago but when first getting a car my dad was adamant he would not allow me to get a Fiat 500 as the safety rating is so shocking. Avoid.

Fiat 500 is a very popular car for girls. My dd wants to avoid a car that s too girly looking.

Very small cars are not necessarily cheaper to insure and run.

My lads have found that a small car is the same as a 1.8, 140bhp Civic estate! Plus the bigger cars tyres are cheaper, the service was less, and it is far, far better built. More comfy, more space for friends and stuff. More metal around them in a crash etc.