Good first cars?

Hi all. Just wondering what people think would be a good place to start with a new car. It would have to be cheap to buy, reliable, and cheap to insure. So, let's hear your thoughts for those of us who will be needing their first car later this year :-)

If you want all of them and the opportunity to make it look good, I'd say a Corsa B 3door

There 1.2 engine pulls great for what it is, they are so easy to make look good, reliable and although they used to have the "chav" reputation... they seem to have lost it over the last year or so! They're a really low insurance group - most in the group 4 mark, some even lower!

Depending on your budget, You can pick one up which small things to work on (if you don't mind a project) for the £500 mark, but if you want a decent one!! then be prepared to spend more towards the £800 mark!

If you get one, May I suggest the GSI body kit? It's a fantastic looking kit and makes a huge difference, also doesn't change insurance prices as you don't need to declare standard make parts!

Certainly seems a good place to start. Is the 5 door version as good?

Sure are! Although you can only use the gsi front bumper, rear is different! But there are just as much you can do! I'd personally choose a 3dr Corsa as I just believe they look nicer! (says the owner of a 5dr car) LOL

Or Fiestas? can have some fun with those 5 door ones

^^ How did I know you'd say that Ste? lol

They're group 6 Ste!! He said cheap lmao

Matt, if you decide to go down the Corsa route this site may help you! it tells you all the insurance groups for corsa's between the registration years of 1989 and 2000! Very handy
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Summary.aspx?model=989&page=4

Other cars like 106's and Clios are good first cars to, they slot in groups between 2 and 5 so cheapish and also easy to make look good but like Ste said, Fiestas are good cars! I had one and loved it and like Ste's they are easy to make look lovely if you don't mind spending time on them but thing is they're group 5 upwards so a bit pricey! this is down to them being a high risk car Fords are easy to break into due to their barrel lock system so if you went down that route I'd suggest a cat 1 alarm system

I'll create a new thread on here where I'll post links to cars that might suite you! Just to give you an idea of how much cars like that go for and also if Ste and other members contribute you'll end up with a nice selection of ideas

When do you think you'll be looking to buy? and also how much do you have to spend?

Well, I won't be looking to buy for a while yet. I'd imagine July earliest really :/ And my presonal budget really is about £500. Maybe stretch a bit higher, but it does need to stay cheap. Also, this thread is to help all new buyers, not just me :-)

I'll start keeping an eye out for you.

I've started another thread for users to post links in there which are good first cars, I've put one in there and I really like it