Car for Learners

[nopanic - neil]

Simple question,

A friend of mine's Kid is due to start driving next year, so he has to get rid of his Beetle.

He likes the idea of a Smart Car - simple and easy to park and his kid won't suddenly find they have a load more mates once they have passed there driving test.

So a few questions.

1. Did they ever make a manual Smart car (One with 3 pedals)
2. Other Car to consider - What small, but safe and reliable car would you recommend?

He has no knowledge of motors and needs to be able drive into London, and down to the south coast, as they live in Luton.  So it needs to be few years old and reliable.

Any suggestions please.

[Brian(Liverpool boys)]

NP, do not know about the smart car, but I would go for a cheap and cheerful second hand Ford KA, small economical to run and maintain.

[nickliv]

and surprisingly good to drive.

[Bob U]

My son learned to drive in a Nissan Micra. After he passed he used it for two years traveling up and down to Uni and in Pompey. It was very reliable and never gave him any trouble. Cheap to insure and run and only 1000cc so it wasn't powerful enough for him to act stupid in. They hold their price well because they are a perfect first car. He sold it after 3 years for only £220 less than we brought it for.

[Robspot]

He likes the idea of a Smart Car - simple and easy to park and his kid won't suddenly find they have a load more mates once they have passed there driving test.

Indeed, but he may well lose the ones he already has. Smart Car my arse!!

[Bob U]

He likes the idea of a Smart Car - simple and easy to park and his kid won't suddenly find they have a load more mates once they have passed there driving test.

Indeed, but he may well lose the ones he already has. Smart Car my arse!!

I dunno, this could be fun.

edit. this is almost full scale

[nickliv]

For Fun?

For F**ks sake more like it.

[pretzel]

Neil,

We had a Ka for about 3 years as a runabout a while back and I must agree with Brian and Nickliv. Cheap to run and insure and good to drive. Your friend should be able to pick up a good one for no more that 2K.

Smarts I believe are all of the 'flappy paddle' semi-auto variety, and not very good either. From what I've read the gearchange is awful, even on later models. Also weren't most of the earlier ones (and therefore the less costly ones) all left hand drive?

Pete B.

[termietermite]

Love my Micra (new shape/chassis though).  It's no co-incidence that driving schools love em.  I'm on my second and (touch wood) not a single problem from day one.  2 year 20,000 mile service interval on the diesels.

I have a friend here with a 12 year old one (120,000 on the clock) and it has run trouble free from new (only tyres and normal maintanance).

[rcutler]

I was going to post saying the Ford KA but i believe I was beaten to it. I hate Fords even if I think the new modeo is one of the best looking estates on the road.

Ford KA's have one of the lowest insurance rates around and I have heard nothing but good things about them. My only real problem is image. My sisters first car was a beetle 1969 that was too hard for her to drive so she got a NEW! Volkswagen Fox for £6k! This car has surprised me as with no "no Claims" she has a fully comp premium at £500 and the car is far bigger then it looks. It is even nice to drive!

Ford KA for cheapness but if you want a car to keep for years I would go with the Fox.

[Barry]

Basic Fiat Panda (latest one) is often recommended in the motoring press, smaller engined ones are Group 1 insurance, so you might end up paying less for the insurance than the cost of the car.

Take four adults, although I found shoulder room a bit tight, but I'm a bit wider than average.

Smallest Micra insurance group 2, choice might depend on if learner is male or female, Micra's look so girly, the only males who would drive one are trainee hairdressers.

Suzuki Swift very highly rated, even Clarkson said it was very good, looked at one the other day, and was very impressed, but insurance a bit higher.

[wishy]

Barry,

I take exception to being called a trainee hairdresser.

I currently drive a 1.3 Micra,which I bought for my eldest to learn to drive in....but on looking for insurance for him,it was too much.

Anyway the trusty Espace  died ,so I now drive the pocket rocket.It is great fun to drive.....nippy and handles well,and does about 45 to the gallon.

It reminds me very much of my old Mini in the drivability stakes!!!!!

Wishy

[mike(liverpool boys)]

I'd go for a 1.2 16valve renault clio dynamique. insurance group 3,excelent saftey rating and really well spec'd for the money (sports seats,alloys,cd player,air con,electric everything etc) I had 3 in my household at one point and have'nt got a single complaint. just about the only french motor i' go back to.

[Robbo SPS]

My skipper is selling her P reg Ford Ka soon for a little over £600 i think. She drives it like an old dear, and hasnt ever been thrashed. Its been reliable and the engine isnt stressed or full of techno gimicks.

I hate fords but these have very little for going wrong....