First Car

I'm looking to buy a car, and I'm nearly 20, and have had my licence for over 2 years. I cannot understand how insurance quotes are worked out. I am wanting to slightly modify the car but only with alloys and tints, even though that goes against all rules of cheap insurance, but what I cannot understand is how a modified 1.2l Corsa is MORE expensive to insure than a modified 1.9l Fiat Grande Punto, and then a Golf GTI is almost double their cost to insure? I would in a second buy a the Grande Punto on that basis, but can't afford one as my limits about £3500/4000 for the car. Any suggestions on a good car that's not too expensive to buy, but isn't extortionate to insure once alloys and tinted windows are taken account of?

Asked on 9 November 2010 by keano61

Answered by Honest John

Don't even dream about mods. You have enough problems with insurance as it is. Cheapest to insure are lowest Insurance Groups, so Citroen C1, FIAT Panda 1.1 Active, Nissan Pixo, Peugeot 107, Suzuki Alto, Toyota Aygo. Build up some sort of NCD with these cars. Then progress to real, cars when you are older. When you get to my age you can't be bothered with speed cameras and restrictions any more, so you go for the sort of car that won't tempt you. However, when I was your age, I drove everywhere as fast as I could.

Tags: buying new cars learner drivers first cars small cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

Off the buses

My son aged 23 has just applied for his provisional driving licence and I am paying for some lessons as an Xmas present, as travelling to his new job by public transport is beset with problems. Any advice...

Scotch miss

My niece is 18 years old, having passed her test 15 months ago. She wants something with a bit more zip than her 1.0 litre 03 Reg Corsa (that is going to another family member) at least as much room and...

Risk action

Our second son (22) has not yet passed his practical driving test, although he is a fairly competent driver and has now let his theory pass lapse. Getting him on the insurance of either of our cars (both...