Suitable car for daughter
07-10-2008, 11:39 AM
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Suitable car for daughter
Looking to buy a car for my daughter to use when she starts to drive in August - was initially keen on a newish 2.2 CDTI Civic but am not sure on spending 15K+ on a car that will be mostly for her use.
Need something reasonably powerful as she will be towing her dinghy which will be around 500kg with trailer.
Am thinking diesel for consumption but then with current prices is there really a big difference.
Not too worried on insurance group but I guess lower the better.
Any thoughts?
Need something reasonably powerful as she will be towing her dinghy which will be around 500kg with trailer.
Am thinking diesel for consumption but then with current prices is there really a big difference.
Not too worried on insurance group but I guess lower the better.
Any thoughts?
07-10-2008, 03:05 PM
#2
towing and new driver ???
are you going to teach her? think about sending her on a course with the National Trailer & Towing Association. There are limitations that didn't apply when you (or I) were younger and perhaps having to tow. Although it would have to be a bloody heavy dinghy to fall foul of these newer rules.
most new drivers are lucky to have a
are you going to teach her? think about sending her on a course with the National Trailer & Towing Association. There are limitations that didn't apply when you (or I) were younger and perhaps having to tow. Although it would have to be a bloody heavy dinghy to fall foul of these newer rules.
most new drivers are lucky to have a
07-11-2008, 01:47 AM
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The new civic are not the easist to see out of/ judge the bonnet lenghts etc.
I would get a older safe car, with clearly visable edges.
She will smash/bash the Civic, and it will be far more expensive to repair than a old 306 or something..
/and i wish my dad got me a first car like like.. 1.1 Fiesta for the win.
I would get a older safe car, with clearly visable edges.
She will smash/bash the Civic, and it will be far more expensive to repair than a old 306 or something..
/and i wish my dad got me a first car like like.. 1.1 Fiesta for the win.
07-11-2008, 02:07 AM
#7
Mate of mine got old cars for his three daughters, for the reasons stated above.
Proved wise with middle daughter especially, whose Polo got bent within a week of her passing her test; by a brainless slit pulling out across her at a roundabout, who then gave daughter loads of attitude!
Proved wise with middle daughter especially, whose Polo got bent within a week of her passing her test; by a brainless slit pulling out across her at a roundabout, who then gave daughter loads of attitude!
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07-11-2008, 02:19 AM
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Thanks Gents, sage advice! yes I understand that towing rules have changed - have been towing boats for several years now - with her as passenger so she should have picked something up!! She also did the under 17 driver day at Car Limits a few months back (my excuse or a day with Andy Walsh) so she has something of a clue now.
Anyone have experience of the new Mini - they are going for a reasonable price now and are "girly" stylish....
My dad gave me his old HB Viva when I passed my test - had to pay to have it towed a week later as it was so broken!
Anyone have experience of the new Mini - they are going for a reasonable price now and are "girly" stylish....
My dad gave me his old HB Viva when I passed my test - had to pay to have it towed a week later as it was so broken!
07-11-2008, 02:53 AM
#9
I'd say any old-skool car that you have to drive trains one to become a better driver.
The HB Viva had the most abrupt clutch this side of a F1 car, but a lovely gearchange & steering. The engine was made of chocolate, so it went well until it blew.
The Mini's all a bit over-assisted, but it might do the job.
The HB Viva had the most abrupt clutch this side of a F1 car, but a lovely gearchange & steering. The engine was made of chocolate, so it went well until it blew.
The Mini's all a bit over-assisted, but it might do the job.
07-11-2008, 02:57 AM
#10
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It's definitely a good idea to find out insurance costs for various models before doing anything else. A 2l Mondeo will be horrendous for a 17-year old, for example.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that any of the sensible insurance-priced cars are capable of towing a dinghy.
A newer car will come with all the airbags and safety stuff so will protect her better in the event of a big crash.
One of the far eastern manufacturers (Hyundai or Kia) is probably your best bet. Failing that, (and it pains me to say it) but a French car is also probably worth investigating as their diesels are probably better equipped for towing.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that any of the sensible insurance-priced cars are capable of towing a dinghy.
A newer car will come with all the airbags and safety stuff so will protect her better in the event of a big crash.
One of the far eastern manufacturers (Hyundai or Kia) is probably your best bet. Failing that, (and it pains me to say it) but a French car is also probably worth investigating as their diesels are probably better equipped for towing.