A 147 is different to the run of the mill so I can see why you're attracted to it. I'm old enough to remember people saying you never "owned" an Alfa you "had an affair with it" ie be prepared for good and bad times! I think they've moved away from that and there are good independents around but parts are expensive.

My son was in a similar position a few years ago and was looking to replace the Clio 1.2 we bought for him to learn in and sold on. The price of insurance drove the search and it ended up noticeably cheaper for him to drive a 4 year old Passat 1.9 diesel than another older Clio 1.2 or Corsa or Polo. He still has it 4 years later, properly maintained and apart from a new alternator, utterly reliable with 45mpg. He spends his spare cash on his sports and hobbies. Some cars are obviously frowned upon by the insurance companies. Maybe a carefully selected Fabia vRS or Ibiza with the 130 bhp VAG diesel unit?

You're totally right about the telematics, would end up paying more than on your usual insurance. Besides, I don't like the thought of being monitored... :)

Insurance wise we're talking silly money. For a 1.6 147 it's around £4k for the year... Not only am I a liability as a new driver I also live in a pretty rough area. Only "acceptable" quotes I've recieved so far have been between £2 and £2.5K for 1-1.2 engines. Paying more for sport trims etc. obviously.

Like all new drivers, unless you have very indulgent parents, or have the income of a footballer, you'll have to do the same as all others have and get something a bit smaller and insurer friendly for a couple of years.

As for not wanting a Ka, the old saying still stands, second class ride better than first class walk.

If you can afford £4k+ for insurance alone, then buy whatever you want.

So, to put this post in some context I am 22 and I am a newly qualified driver.

Find a list of all Group 1-3 insurance cars.. Nothing else.

Nothing else.

Nothing else ..

And find a list of reliable car makers ; hint: Wannty Direct

Match the two lists up..

It's very simple.

Then read the HJ guides.. and come back and ask our opinions on the 3 -4 cars left which you can afford.

Afford = sum to buy car +insurance for year 1+ insurance excess (in case of a crash) +£500 for unexpected bills.

Then you can decide hwo to spend £2k on a car..

Edited by madf on 06/10/2012 at 11:23

Find a list of all Group 1-3 insurance cars.. Nothing else.

That's too restrictive. I took out my first policy at age 23 on a 1.6 Corolla. Insurance was bearable (~£850 third party only). That was a few years back but even so, 22 isn't 17.

I also started on a 1.6 (Focus). When we bought the car I was almost 23 and Mr Bobbin the same; he had 5 years on a car licence and I was a learner on a provisional licence. Our insurance was £800 fully comp. We're talking 2006. When I passed and he bought his Celica the Focus became mine; I had the insurance down to £340.

Insurance is a very important factor, but it is possible to get reasonable insurance on a car that isn't a pokey little 1.0. The biggest factor seems to be postcode - that £340 I had in one city shot up to £500 20 miles down the road when I moved house....

Oh I also meant to say to the OP - you said MX-5......if you can do it, go for it. The funnest thing ever.

Edited by Bobbin Threadbare on 06/10/2012 at 21:18

Hope it gets fixed.

Your idea of stashing the cash away like that is a smart one!