Newbie Needs Help

[Gin And Teacups]

Ok so im only just 17 (2 months ago) and am coming up to my test in 3 weeks (or so)

I wanted to practice in my parents car (2003 Laguna 1.9DCI) but it would end up costing £800 for 6 months (a rip off)

so i will be looking for a car towards the end of the school summer holidays (after working to raise cash)

I have been looking at the Mk 1 clio as a first car

obviously either a 1.2 or a 1.4 at a push (depending on insurance)

anyway what clio should i look at (i.e RT, RS .etc) and what should i be looking to pay for insurance

I have £1000 for the car, do you think i could get a nice one for that (3 door, with some alloys) i dont want it to be "modded" but just look nice with a few sporty bits (factory sport trim, sport seats .etc) and in a good mechanical and cosmetic condition (taking age into consideration)



I just want a bit of general help

Thanks

Matthew Eames



P.S
are there any engine mods that would not affect insurance, and not to pricey

 

[GarethM]

hey dude welcome to the club

for a grand, id try and get an RT, they have a more sporty interior, but it will be a 1.4 and not sure if the insurance will be too high. try some insurance quotes on tesco or elephant and see wot you can afford.

any engine mod will affect your insurance as long as you tell them, which is a good idea, if you dont declare your mods it invalidates your insurance.

my advice would be start off with a 1.2 and build up some no claims bonus then when you can afford to get a more high powered car. (provided its a clio!!!)

hope this helps dude

 

[Chris1.4RT]

I got my first car in 99.

I was 22 with no no-claims, driving since 17, 3points.

Fully comp on a £3500 RT (back then it cost that) was £800 for the first year, £700 second year, then £500 3rd and £400 4th with no points by then.

Total rip off.

For a grand you can now pick up a decent RT but be prepared to pay similar for insurance.

Consider a 10 month policy, third party fire and theft. Try numerous insurers. Some, like elephant, will knock 10-30% off if you add a second driver (works best with a middle aged female, who has no points or claims and has use of another car).

 

[Justin]

hey mate, i got a RT for my first car, its a bit better imo than the 1.2 as it has extra features. my insurance was £1070 for my first year in my own name, TPFT. hope that helps!

Oh and yeah you will easily find one going for around that price! - good luck!

justin (PM me if you need any more help)

 

[theduck]

If you want to do modding, try CIS, Im with them and I can do pretty much anythig I like, as long as I dont touch the engine, so full exhaust system with decat means no increase in premium

 

[SoleX]

When I did my research on insurance for my first car I came to the conclusion there is very little difference in the money spent on a 1.1 Renault 5 and a Clio 1.4RT (for my area anyway)

The biggest engined car you’ll be able to afford will be a 1.4RT which is what my first and second car was and is good to start with. Economical and cheap to Tax, and because it sits in the middle of a long running model shape, parts are pennies, should you want to get your hands dirty at the scrap yard, as most of the parts you can "borrow" from the smaller 1.2s and even the 16vers, making parts limitless.

Id Say go for an RT, there are plenty about in good condition - Ive just sold one actually for £995 and that was great.

My insurance was about 1.5k Third Party/Fire Theft for my first year without pass-plus, but the quote for a 1.2 was 1.3k anyway - might as well pay the extra £200 for the extras an RT comes with tbh - Power steering, Electric windows, C/C bumpers, sunroof etc top with a speed of 122mph!

 

[Justin]

top speed of 122mph? wish mine would go that fast!!

 

[Gin And Teacups]

Apparrentyl this has been moved (but it hasnt)
sorry about that

firstly thanks for the help
I am seriously considering a clio (or a 306XS 1.6) as they are both group 5 insurance which aint to bad (and gives me a little power to beat my friends 1.2 corsas, fiestas .etc)

obviously this is a clio forum but which in your opinion would be better
(i have to be able to fit 2 guitars and a half stack amplifier in the back though)

They are both nice cars and both i can pick-up for a grand (clio would be slighty cheeper) the XS has the factory sport trim (exterior) and a GTI interior but without the leather (and of course a 1.6 instead of a 2.0)
is the RT the equivalant to this
(I want one of the Pre Facelift Mk Is)

Thanks (sorry so many questions)

*Edit*
something like this (but a RT)
http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=175485988http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=175485988
(this was a 1.2 on autotrader for £995)


[Edited by Gin And Teacups on 15 May 2005 at 7:01pm]

 

[White16valver]

Quote: Originally posted by theduckeatspork on 15 May 2005

If you want to do modding, try CIS, Im with them and I can do pretty much anythig I like, as long as I dont touch the engine, so full exhaust system with decat means no increase in premium

Plus, CIS let you drive other cars Third Party, like a comprehensive policy would - which is handy for having a play in mates cars and being legal (they did this when I was with them anyway - might be worth checking!)

Im not sure about 2 guitars and a half-stack amp - will be a bit of a squeeze in a clio I think! Definately wouldnt fit in just the boot I reckon...

 

[SoleX]

Quote: Originally posted by justinRT on 15 May 2005
top speed of 122mph? wish mine would go that fast!!



Had 126mph out of my 1st RT! Suppose im just good at picking em

Quote: Originally posted by Gin And Teacups on 15 May 2005I am seriously considering a clio (or a 306XS 1.6) as they are both group 5 insurance which aint to bad (and gives me a little power to beat my friends 1.2 corsas, fiestas .etc)[Edited by Gin And Teacups on 15 May 2005 at 7:01pm]

Ive driven my mate’s 306 1.4, and it was much much slower than the Clio RT on both top speed and acceleration. However, the 306 is much more comfortable when travelling long distances as it has a lower revving engine and heavier weight which gives it a nicer feel on motorways. The 1.6 might be able to give you the better acceleration and speed to match the Clio RT, but expect the extra weight. It does have its advantage though as they all 306s stick to the road like glue. I say go test-drive both, because no amount of reviews from forums can teach you what you prefer.

As for the guitars/amp space, the boot on clios are quite big for a small car, so id be inclined to say yes.

Try before you buy!

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/CARS_popup.asp?modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&make=RENAULT&model=CLIO&min_pr=500&max_pr=1000&mileage=&agerange=&1500&max_records=200&source=1&photo=1&sort=3&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH&start=10&distance=32&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200518192041175What about this one?

[Edited by SoleX on 5/16/2005 1:52:01 AM]