Car for learner driver

Discussion in 'Bulletin Board' started by Chef Tyke, Jul 28, 2025 at 7:15 AM.

  1. Che

    Chef Tyke Well-Known Member

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    Long shot but I’m looking to buy a car for a young learner driver. I am thinking something like a seat Ibiza, polo etc with engine size below 1.2

    on the off chance ave anyone is selling something reliable please let me know cheers

    alternatively if anyone can recommend any good local dealers that would be appreciated
     
    Chef Tyke, Jul 28, 2025 at 7:15 AM
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  2. Jay

    Jay Well-Known Member

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    That was my approach when I was 17 too. "Well, I can't afford a car, let's get stoned."
     
    Jay, Jul 28, 2025 at 7:24 AM
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  3. sadbrewer

    sadbrewer Well-Known Member

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    Hyundai i10 is an excellent choice, maybe not as fashionable but probably cheaper than the VW. My current one is 15 years old and never had a fault.
     
    sadbrewer, Jul 28, 2025 at 7:24 AM
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  4. Archey

    Archey Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately I'm no longer selling one, but I can't recommend a Suzuki Swift enough. I had a 65 plate 1.2 for about 6 years, and it never put a foot wrong. My Mrs has had her 10 plate Suzuki Alto for about 13 years and again, it's never let her down.
     
    Archey, Jul 28, 2025 at 7:56 AM
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  5. Baz

    Bazza Well-Known Member

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    When I was teaching learners.
    I bought 2 from Brighouse auctions.
    Peugeot 306 then a Peugeot 206 ex lease car, sent to auctions with high milleage.
    Worked well as I didn't lose much on them.
    From novice drivers giving them hell.
     
    Bazza, Jul 28, 2025 at 8:20 AM
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  6. Che

    Chef Tyke Well-Known Member

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    Haha
     
    Chef Tyke, Jul 28, 2025 at 8:32 AM
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  7. Rdo

    Rdo1104 Active Member

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    My daughter had a Citroen C1 for 9 years from passing her test until a couple of months ago. Never missed a beat 1.0 engine so as cheap as you can get to insure.

    can also look at the Toyota Aygo or Peugeot 106 as theyre basically all the same just badged differently.
     
    Rdo1104, Jul 28, 2025 at 9:34 AM
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  8. kir

    kirky boy Well-Known Member

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    Zuzuki alto 1.0l economic to run ,small to park, and reliable.
     
    kirky boy, Jul 28, 2025 at 9:36 AM
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  9. cam

    cambstyke Well-Known Member

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    All of the above are good "starter" cars.

    Can I also add to this thread a suggestion for a car that may not automatically spring to mind as a starter car? A Mazda MX5 with a 1.8 litre petrol engine is as cheap to insure as a VW Up for a young lad who has just passed his test.

    I'm talking of the Mark 3 version, convertible (manual soft top or electric hard top) around 2007, 2009. Good fun to drive and reliable. Make sure to look at the mot history online to check no major rust problems. Also check wheel arches aren't bubbling with rust.

    We have sold quite a few of these with mileage of around 70,000 miles for around £3,000 to £3,500.
     
    cambstyke, Jul 28, 2025 at 10:09 AM
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  10. Skinner

    Skinner Well-Known Member

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    Wifes is same age and running spot on. good MPG low insurance £30 road tax and cheap maintenance..and decent extras..Air con etc.
     
    Skinner, Jul 28, 2025 at 11:55 AM
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  11. CarltonRed

    CarltonRed Well-Known Member

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    A good starter car because you can only get one other person in it, so when they have passed their test they won’t do something stupid with all their mates loaded in it?
     
    CarltonRed, Jul 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
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  12. Barnsley Chopin

    Barnsley Chopin Well-Known Member

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    Id be concerned about a new driver in a rear wheel drived car in the winter months - otherwise they are great cars to drive!
     
    Barnsley Chopin, Jul 28, 2025 at 12:03 PM
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  13. Terry Nutkins

    Terry Nutkins Well-Known Member

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    I know some great local dealers mate…
     
    Terry Nutkins, Jul 28, 2025 at 12:12 PM
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  14. cam

    cambstyke Well-Known Member

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    Yes, I'm sure that is one factor influencing the competitive insurance premiums for the Mazda MX5.
     
    cambstyke, Jul 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
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  15. Sopwith Camel

    Sopwith Camel Well-Known Member

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    When you have 10 mins have a look on YouTube Scottish car clan good lad on there give you lists of cheap and not so cheap cars say 3-10k.
    Good ones and ones to stay away from with the wet belt etc..
     
    Sopwith Camel, Jul 28, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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  16. North Yorks Red

    North Yorks Red Well-Known Member

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    upload_2025-7-28_14-42-58.jpeg
     
    North Yorks Red, Jul 28, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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  17. Barnsley Chopin

    Barnsley Chopin Well-Known Member

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    In 2010 I bought a Y reg Yaris for the missus for just over 1k, it had 35k on the clock and one owner, an old lady who had passed away. Had to travel down to near Canterbury to pick it up but it was a belting little car, never broke down, sailed through MOT every year. Then some daft twit pulled out in front of OH and totalled it.

    You can still get gems on Ebay if you search hard enough.
     
    Barnsley Chopin, Jul 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
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