small car for mature learner!

toadhall

thats me the mature (near 40) learner. i need a small hatchback to practice in and then when! I pass for me to drive alone. Dont have a lot of money about £800 max but i just dont know what to get or what I can get for that money.
any suggestions gratefully recieved

Lady_E

I learnt many years ago on MK11 Ford Escort and had a m MK1 as my first car . However that was a long long time ago . I would highly recommend either an old pre 92 Nissan Micra or and old Ford Fiesta pre 95. You are aiming to get some road sense and a fancy dashboard is no use . I have had both Micras and Fiesta and apart from anything else they are economical , tidy cars and will help build your confidence up. Good luck with the driving .
Ps- Go to WHSmith and look for a copy of Parkers Guide which is the trade mag for how much cars sell for. They list cars together with Fair,Good and Excellent condition and will give you an idea as to what you can get for your money . Play into the equation servicing, insurance, running costs and you should get a rough idea what you can get . HTH x

vansboy

Fiesta. But NOT diesel ( bigger engine & different driving experience to petrol & higher road tax)

VB

safesound

vansboy wrote:

Fiesta. But NOT diesel ( bigger engine & different driving experience to petrol & hugher road tax)

Personally, I've just come back to driving after a ten year break and I took refreshers lessons as I was so underconfident. However, although a little offputting, I drove my boyfs diesel renault 19 with no problems at all (2ltr+diddy car= very dangerous combination).
I would recomend one of these in petrol (cheaper price) as they are very underrated cars and EXTREMELY reliable and economical. You could probably even get upto an N (96) with £800.

sharon

Ted_Hutchinson

With a bit of negotiation both of these could be a good buy but I'm sure there are similar in your area.
[url="javascript:more_info(200545213263134,136,'CARS',2,200545213263134,490,560);"]1997 FORD FIESTA 1.3 Encore 3dr Hatchback,[/url]
[url="javascript:more_info(200545214105678,70,'CARS',10,200545214105678,490,560);"]1998 FORD FIESTA 1.3 Encore 3dr Hatchback,[/url] 60,000 miles, Red.. . . . . (private)