I'm looking to buy my first car around about my birthday (16th September), so far there are a number of things I have to think about:
1. I don't want the boy-racer image that goes with 17-year olds driving superminis, I want something more "grown-up".
2. Insurance costs in the UK are ridiculous for young drivres (I was quoted £1380 a year for a 1994 45BHP Vauxhall Corsa ) , I'll probably have to ask my parents very nicely to insure whatever I get as theirs and have me as a "named driver" - I'll then pay the cost of the insurance.
3. I need something bigger than a lawnmower engine under the bonnet. Feeling vulnerable on the motorway in a gutless city car isn't my thing.
So far I've seen that I can pick up a 2002 Vauxhall Astra 1.4i16v LS (with Air Con) for under £4k, it's the biggest and most comfortable car I'll realistically be able to afford to buy, and a 0-60 of 11.5 isn't bad either (it's as fast as a Focus 1.6) but has anybody got any (sensible and realistic)ideas?