Need advice: which first car?

[Dizzy Driver]

First of all, sorry if this is the wrong forum to ask. Anyone know a more suitable forum for first time car buyers?

Anyway, I live in the UK and I'm about to buy my first car and I know very little about cars (total newbie) so I would appreciate any advice at all. I want to know what you all think are important features when buying a car? What should I know about? I know nothing!

I'm looking to spend very little — less than £1,500 — and I would like the following features (in order):

1. Very low insurance.
2. Feels good to drive (I've driven about 6 different cars and by far the best "feeling" car was a new Vauxhall Corsa)
3. Hatchback, so I can carry bigger things around in the back (like the keyboard I play).
4. Safe construction in case of accidents.
5. Ideally, good miles to the litre, as I make a lot of long distance trips.
6. I prefer small cars.
7. But... I have long legs!

I don't really care what the car looks like since it's my first car and I'm told I'll have a few scratches in my first year. But my personally preference is curvy cars, like Ford's 2-seater Streetka. The Streetka and the Audi TT are the only two cars I like the look of (excluding sportscars). When I've been driving for a while I definitely want to get a Streetka as a second car — which is why I'd like this first car to have really cheap insurance.

Any advice at all (from anywhere in the world) would be really appreciated. I want to get my car bought soon! Thanks!

[Spastik_Roach]

You've come to the right place A Streetka's probably waay outta your budget right now, but just a normal Ka would be easily affordable I expect. Ka's are very good, very sharp handlers, Economical, small, funky design...

[henk4]

as you are on a relatively tight budget you do not have many options, but in your case I would have a look for a late Peugeot 205 diesel, which would give you a good economy for your long trips and reasonable comfort. Turbo versions are definitely faster but may be above the funds available.

[BjD]

Im looking to get back on the road for a even tighter budget i was hoping for another Mini but prices seem to have trebled since I last owned one :S

In terms of cheap insurance, ones Im looking at are older Fiestas, VW Polo, Pug 106, Corsa, Micra or Metro. Even so Im looking at around £1000 for insurance They're all around the 1litre mark so won't drink petrol, and (I think) all hatchs.

[CHEESE-TACULAR]

im not too in-tune with the lower priced UK market but how about a Peugeot 106?

[Rockefella]

New cars seem to be out of the question with your budget but then again, I don't know the pricing on most cars in the UK. I'd recommend a used VW Lupo or a Vauxhall Corsa though.

[Quiggs]

I'm not sure how insurance rates relate to England, but have you looked at VW Golfs? Mk2's and 3's are fairly cheap. And I think they came with TDI's in Europe (we only got gas engines in Golfs; Jettas had the TDI's.). Otherwise, look for a 1.8L 4. Polo would be another good choice if you need something smaller than that.