I'm going to look for a car today... finally... after being driving my mum's for a year! I'm going to Dixons at the bottom of Granville Road (please no one say anything bad about it as I'll cry!) Just wondered if anyone has any ideas as to what I should get? I don't want anything that's too big, I learnt to drive in a new shaped Fiesta and my mum's is an astra 1.6. Maybe a Saxo, Fiesta, Peugot 206 etc would be ideal? I think I'd rather have 5 doors as I'll be doing Steelers away games with friends so they need to fit in, and not break their backs on the way out. It also needs to have enough room for 2 kids under 3 so needs room for a buggy. I want it to lock when I press a button too! LOL.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Chloé

Toyota Yaris is a nice car.
Good luck, and forwarn me when your about to venture out.:D

How rude! :P
I'm a good driver! Been driving a year now. Passed first time too!
Chloé

Is it going to be new or used?

If its going to be used, I'd avoid anything French such as Citroen's and Peugeots as they aren't known for there longevity, your best bet as a used car would probably be a Toyota Yaris, as its quite a good size, reliable and well equipped.

New cars on the otherhand come with long warranties, so a 206 (especially the deals regarding free insurance and 0% finance) is good, the Fiesta is also an option although higher up the range they can get a little pricey. I would avoid the Saxo with a passion, it has been replaced by the C2 which is a nice car and you can get its bigger brother (the C3) on a good deal. Depending on how much cash you've got, I would look at anything Japanese such as the Honda Jazz, the Yaris, the Mazda 2 and the Micra, as they are all excellent cars, which go for ever and are well built and well equipped, plus you can get good deals on a lot of them at the moment.

If Dixon can't help try Autoworld and GK on Saville Street aswell as the Vauxhall garage, beyond that try Direct Cars as they are good value (out near Crystal Peaks).

Good luck

I am buying a new car too. I have just been to look at my lovely yummy black shiny beetle. Robbie does not want me to buy it but I am. I think you should buy a car that makes you happy Chloe. I bought a corsa for some of the reasons you mentioned and I have never been 100% happy about it. Buy one that makes you smile :D

Originally posted by jayjay03
Is it going to be new or used?

If its going to be used, I'd avoid anything French such as Citroen's and Peugeots as they aren't known for there longevity ...
Good luck

Peugots aren't known for their longevity - in my forty-eight years of driving experience, I've found quite the opposite. I have a K reg 106, still as good as new - and very 'drivable' and economical. The 404 was known as the 'Africa' car FOR it's reliabilty and comparatively high wheel-base.

Originally posted by jayjay03
Is it going to be new or used?

If its going to be used, I'd avoid anything French such as Citroen's and Peugeots as they aren't known for there longevity, your best bet as a used car would probably be a Toyota Yaris, as its quite a good size, reliable and well equipped.


I had a Citroen through work. It did 102,000 miles before we sold it to a neighbouring company, it's still going strong. All it ever needed were two sets of tyres, and it's regular servicing.

We went to Dixons, saw some lovely cars, with some lovely prices... lol! I did see 2 fiestas that caught my eye. Both S reg, one had 5 doors, the other 3. I like the 3 door one better. Also saw a nice T reg Daewoo Laton (?) that was really cheap but the milage was 85,000!!
I could have bought a car a long time ago really, it's just the insurance. After phoning round, the dearest one for me (being under 21) was £3000 and the cheapest being £1100. While we're here, anyone recommend any good insurance places?? The cheapest one for me up to now has been Tesco.
Chloé

Hi Chloe, I bought a Skoda diesel saloon and its turned out to be a fantastic car, loads of mpg and a roomy car. My daughter was so impressed she bought the petrol version and thinks its terrific......Toms

I love my GOLF.

Originally posted by Chloe
We went to Dixons, saw some lovely cars, with some lovely prices... lol! I did see 2 fiestas that caught my eye. Both S reg, one had 5 doors, the other 3. I like the 3 door one better. Also saw a nice T reg Daewoo Laton (?) that was really cheap but the milage was 85,000!!
I could have bought a car a long time ago really, it's just the insurance. After phoning round, the dearest one for me (being under 21) was £3000 and the cheapest being £1100. While we're here, anyone recommend any good insurance places?? The cheapest one for me up to now has been Tesco.
Chloé

There us a company that deal with women only its called Diamond their number is 0800 36 24 36 they are open from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am to 4pm and their website is http://www.diamond.uk.com/

Insurance is the frightening bit as you are so young.
Whatever car you get it will cost you an arm and leg in insurance costs so you might consider running it through your fathers insurance, if he will let you that is.
I would be interested in quotions you have if its not personal so i could get an idea for my own son who is thinking of driving.
I,m sure when he see's your quote he might think again.
Good luck with your car Chloe whatever you may get.

Well my BMW 520i is WKD! Get one of those :thumbsup:

Originally posted by NutroniC
There us a company that deal with women only its called Diamond their number is 0800 36 24 36 they are open from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am to 4pm and their website is http://www.diamond.uk.com/
Diamond are run by Norwich Union Direct and are known for over pricing!

I'd opt for RAC online as they search through a massive database of insurers to find the best deal!

I got mune through them, and am insured withg AXA (via RAC), and they beat AXA's direct quote by over £400!

Weird:loopy:

There are 2 places to go and have a look at cars, but not to buy as they are both over-priced, imo. They are Car Craft next to the airport and Direct Cars near Crystal Peaks. They both have an impressive range of vehicles and, in the case of Car Craft, you can sit in the ones they have indoors without asking the salesmen.

Reminder: only use these places to chose your car then go home and look on the internet for real prices.

Good luck.

Originally posted by max
There are 2 places to go and have a look at cars, but not to buy as they are both over-priced, imo. They are Car Craft next to the airport and Direct Cars near Crystal Peaks. They both have an impressive range of vehicles and, in the case of Car Craft, you can sit in the ones they have indoors without asking the salesmen.

Reminder: only use these places to chose your car then go home and look on the internet for real prices.

Good luck.
Excellent advice that max! Well done mate! :thumbsup:

we bought car from dixons (nissan) recently, and no problem. went in to look at 2nd hand cars, but they had good deals on new ones (got 1 years free insurance, interest free credit, etc) it worked out better to get a new one.

(You had to be 21 to get the free insurance though).

A relative has just bought a new car through jamjar.com - they had to go and pick it up from somewhere near Doncaster, but saved over £700 over the best price they could find from a 'real' dealer. I believe it is owned by Dixons anyway!

I used to get my insurance through Endsleigh (when I was under 21) - you don't have to be a student to use them, which was cheaper than most places. I now use Direct Line (or will go back when my 1 years free runs out ;-) )

Be wary about insuring a parents name, if the car is registered / owned in your name, but insured in theirs, they may not pay out if you need to claim (as they could claim the insured person is not the primary driver). Plus you don't build up a no claims discount, if you take the longer term picture.

Chloe, what you want is a Peugeot 306. It just so happens that I have a lovely one for sale -see here. (http://sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4471)

Even if you're not interested in mine - I've had three french cars and they have all been reliable, although I think Japanese one's are suppose to be even better.

They showed the new Panda (http://www.caroftheyear.org/pages/Coty04.htm) on Top Gear last night, which got a very good review. You can pick up a brand new one with alloy wheels, ABS and all sorts of toys for just £6.5k. You often get good finance deals or free insurance when buying new.

Originally posted by Zamo
Chloe, what you want is a Peugeot 306. It just so happens that I have a lovely one for sale -see here. (http://sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4471)

Even if you're not interested in mine - I've had three french cars and they have all been reliable, although I think Japanese one's are suppose to be even better.
You've just gone WAY down in my estimations now Zamo. French cars are w*** !! End of!

Nissans are built the best IMHO.
BMW are great (although people have varying reports), never had or will own a Mercedes so cannot comment (on the cars anyway ;) )!

Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!

Originally posted by DaBouncer

Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!

Except champagne, calvados, wine, and various cheeses.

Nomme

Originally posted by DaBouncer
Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!
Also except
Victor Hugo
Jules Verne
Alexander Dumas

oh, and The French Revolution and the Statue of Liberty

Originally posted by DaBouncer
You've just gone WAY down in my estimations now Zamo. French cars are w*** !! End of!

Nissans are built the best IMHO.
BMW are great (although people have varying reports), never had or will own a Mercedes so cannot comment (on the cars anyway ;) )!

Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!
The Peugeot 205 GTI and Renault 5 GT Turbo are ****? Two of the greatest hot-hatches ever I think.

DB, I think you just blew any chance of earning a commission from the sale of the missus's 306!

Originally posted by DaBouncer
... Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!

Except for a healthy attitude to sex - as opposed to the post Victorian, tight-assed and body-part obsessed British attitude.

Originally posted by DaBouncer
Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!
I'm writing in defence of my 106! I've had it for 6 years and it's still going strong.
A BMW would be quite nice, but sadly they're out of my budget!

And whilst I hate to admit it (being a United supporter), Thierry Henry is a pretty damn special (French) player...

Originally posted by Lou
I'm writing in defence of my 106! I've had it for 6 years and it's still going strong.
A BMW would be quite nice, but sadly they're out of my budget!

And whilst I hate to admit it (being a United supporter), Thierry Henry is a pretty damn special (French) player...

Me too Lou! Super little car - perfect for UK driving with all it's congestion-parking problems - and, of course, the rip-off price of petrol.:)

I see I'm out numbered here!

I stand by my statement! DOWN WITH ALL THAT'S FRENCH!

Originally posted by DaBouncer
I see I'm out numbered here!

I stand by my statement! DOWN WITH ALL THAT'S FRENCH!

What!? Even their 'letters' and their 'kissing'?

Nomme

French Cars are OK, have nice design touches etc. Renault Clios are nice positive handling cars with the right engine and tyres.

Peugeot 307s are very comfortable for small cars even over long distances.

Nissan Micras (not the latest ones, havent tried 'em) are UTTER PANTS

For a cheap old banger that will get you there, you could do worse than an old Peugeot 205 in reasonable nick, just make sure that the timing belt has been properly maintained.

[quote]DaBouncer

Nothing good can or will come out of france.... NOTHING!

The United States of America were a French invention, thought you quite liked the USA DB?

The car itself was a French invention (steam powered, see: cugnot (http://www.3wheelers.com/cugnot.html))

Film? Photography? Manned Flight? Nothing good?

C'mon DB, surely you must reevaluate your opinion by now?

As for cars, our Peugeot 205 diesel made it to 320,000 miles before the bodywork finally gave up, although the engine was still going strong. Is this a record? (no a record is a black disk with a hole in the middle....)

Damn it!

OK forget my earlier more hasty statements! Damn you Phan, a plague on your house!:D

I thought the USA was a British/Irish invention not French. I was under the impression that the French just helped them gain independance. Am I wrong?

OK the staue of liberty is cool!
French Cheese... I like!
French Kissing is great... must admit!

But there cars are utter tosh!

Originally posted by DaBouncer
Damn it!

OK forget my earlier more hasty statements! Damn you Phan, a plague on your house!:D

OK,

to be fair, it is a bit of an overstatement to say that the USA was invented by the french. but their revolutionary thinkers were instrumental in the creation of the Declaration of independence, consitution and bill of rights.

And I have to agree that some of their cars are utter tosh, namely the Xantia Diesel we have at the moment, where the hot air fan has failed making driving in this weather somethin of a grind. (to say the least).

DB, I'm with you on the French thing, anybody who supports Nukes are daft(very very polite as there are women present)

saab 93 estates and volvo s seris are good.
good for safety too!! saabs look better:thumbsup:

My top 3 small cars are........... (drumroll)

1. VW Polo. Great build quality and not too expensive. Ace blue and pink dash board lights.

2. Honda Jazz. Not too common and looks rather good.

3. VW Lupo. Small and funky. What more could you ask for ?

I know many people who have bought Saxo's and 106's etc and to be honest, these people have had problems with them.

There was a report of the 100 most reliable cars on the Top Gear website a few months back which had 7 of the top 10 manufacturers as being Japanese and 5 of the bottom 10 as being French. My experience of French cars (older ones) is that they are shoddily made, although many of the newer cars have bucked the trend (such as the 307, the C3 and C5, Megane etc).

Good thinking, jj. Here's a link to the survey:

Top Gear Survey (http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/prog16/survey.shtml)

Just been down for a car.. what a day! First of all my bank doesn't open on Saturdays! Anyways, went on to a garage on London Road, looked at a new fiesta, was nice but not for me. Turned round and saw a nice little Saxo. So my new best friend is a Citreon Saxo. N reg. Lovely little car, got an immobiliser (go on, shoot with the jokes!) CD player, sunroof and all that jazz. Got to wait while/until :P Monday now as my piggin banks rubbish!
Chloé

Originally posted by Chloe
Just been down for a car.. what a day! First of all my bank doesn't open on Saturdays! Anyways, went on to a garage on London Road, looked at a new fiesta, was nice but not for me. Turned round and saw a nice little Saxo. So my new best friend is a Citreon Saxo. N reg. Lovely little car, got an immobiliser (go on, shoot with the jokes!) CD player, sunroof and all that jazz. Got to wait while/until :P Monday now as my piggin banks rubbish!
Chloé
Saxo's look pretty cool.

What colour?

Get yourself a Ford Ecort Finness, it is a lovely car to drive and Stuart Hattersley at Dixon Ford will give you a good deal if you negotiate with him. Tell him Hal. Evans. sent you.

Originally posted by Chloe
Just been down for a car.. what a day! First of all my bank doesn't open on Saturdays! Anyways, went on to a garage on London Road, looked at a new fiesta, was nice but not for me. Turned round and saw a nice little Saxo. So my new best friend is a Citreon Saxo. N reg. Lovely little car, got an immobiliser (go on, shoot with the jokes!) CD player, sunroof and all that jazz. Got to wait while/until :P Monday now as my piggin banks rubbish!
Chloé

Make sure you get it alarmed! Saxo's are notoriously easy to break into. Nicking car CD players seems to be back in fashion at the minute. :mad:

Originally posted by halevan
Tell him Hal. Evans. sent you.

Is that likely to benefit them or you? :P ;) :D

It's a white one. It has an immobiliser and I'm going to have an alarm fitted as I've paid quite a bit less for the car than what I thought I would. Also got a steering lock and it's parked infront of our security cameras.
Chloé

If you can afford a tracking device get one of those too!
They also lower your insurance premiums.

Just a thought!

£1300 is the lowest insurance we could find!! How bad's that!! Nearly more than what the car cost!! But I guess it's because I'm only 18 and I'm a woman (grrr!)
Chloé

Originally posted by Chloe
£1300 is the lowest insurance we could find!! How bad's that!! Nearly more than what the car cost!! But I guess it's because I'm only 18 and I'm a woman (grrr!)
Chloé
Well women normally get better deals.
Yes being 18 wont help, but where you live wont either.

Not a dig at Manor Park but it's past record for car theft, vandalism doesn't do it much favours today.

Have you tried:
www.elephant.co.uk
www.rac.co.uk/insurance/

I got mine through RAC and it saved me loads!

Check em out!

DB

Yep, RAC was the best quote for me too.

I got mine through Confused.com

Tut tut at you DB!! :P
Chlo

Originally posted by Chloe
Tut tut at you DB!! :P
Chlo
Hey I'm just being honest Chlo Bo.
Having once worked for a Car Insurance Company I know how they grade different post code areas.

Have you tried any of the affor mentioned online insurers?

Profile Insurance on Twentywell lane, the got me an Audi Quattro Turbo down from 1100 to 420 fully comp, that was after I had shopped round on the internet.