Lessons and used cars

gracie83

My mum had a KA for around 10 years now and has not had to pay much on it all. My OH also has a KS for several years and we have not paid much on it.

As a learner I did struggle with the KA. I learnt in a focus with the AA and I found the clutch on the KA so really high compared to the focus but I got used to it in time.

elfen

You guys are VERY helpful. I think I still have 2 years NCB on my scooter, but I can phone up and ask nearer the time.

I was wondering about going to a private instructor, there is one person who advertises £56 for 5 lessons but I think they're all over this area so they might be good (if they aren't, I'll have my 5 lessons and go elsewhere) I really want to get the theory out of the way as it'll give me a bit more confidence, but when I've had a few lessons, I saw told I was competent (didn't stall, speeding a little but got it calmed down) but I can't hold a steering wheel for toffee lol.

Oh, those who have had KA's - how much did you pay for them then, how much are they worth now and what are the MOT/tax/insurance costs like on them?

Dave101t

not only are private teachers usually cheaper, you get the full hour/2 hour with alot of care and attention, everyone i know through bsm, the aa etc didnt have great instructors.

book12

elfen wrote: »

You guys are VERY helpful. I think I still have 2 years NCB on my scooter, but I can phone up and ask nearer the time.

I was wondering about going to a private instructor, there is one person who advertises £56 for 5 lessons but I think they're all over this area so they might be good (if they aren't, I'll have my 5 lessons and go elsewhere) I really want to get the theory out of the way as it'll give me a bit more confidence, but when I've had a few lessons, I saw told I was competent (didn't stall, speeding a little but got it calmed down) but I can't hold a steering wheel for toffee lol.

Oh, those who have had KA's - how much did you pay for them then, how much are they worth now and what are the MOT/tax/insurance costs like on them?

Ask your friends about the private instructors they have used. Then use your friend's driving instructor. Private instructors are usually recommended from friends.

hethmar

My son started with BSM, the instructors changed twice and he spent an awful lot of time doing "theory" parked by the side of the road.

Humphrey10

I had my driving lessons with BSM, and had no problems with my instructor. I had the same instructor for every lesson.

Maybe get the instructor's contact details so if they leave BSM (or AA etc) to become a private instructor you can still have lessons with them?

emmell

My son used a private instructor, started learning on his 17th birthday Sept 30th, passed his test in January, just less than 4 months. He had his own car that numerous members of the family sat beside him to get experience, if he wanted picking up from anywhere we used to go in his car and he used to drive back. All his mates as they became 17 used the same instructor, so word of mouth is a good way.
As for the Ford Ka, my sister had one and loved it. I have a classic mini as a third car, it's great but a Ka would be a lot safer for a new driver and still cute.
Good luck, and remember, you may not need 6 months.
ML.

elfen

emmell that's really good, thanks.

I know if I get a Ka I won't have much boot space, but I'm not really looking to drive anymore than going to my mum's with OH for odd weekends, and maybe use it for shopping and possibly uni.

It might not take 6 months but I'd rather give myself more time to pass then less time, and 6 months allows me plenty of time to save up for a car/insurance/tax etc.

I've looked at afew instructors online and I'm probably going to go for a one-man band, as then I should get the same instructor. I'm also going to look at one who does 1st lesson free or a free assessment lesson, so I get an idea of where I am with my skills

janninew

elfen wrote: »

emmell that's really good, thanks.

I know if I get a Ka I won't have much boot space, but I'm not really looking to drive anymore than going to my mum's with OH for odd weekends, and maybe use it for shopping and possibly uni.

It might not take 6 months but I'd rather give myself more time to pass then less time, and 6 months allows me plenty of time to save up for a car/insurance/tax etc.

I've looked at afew instructors online and I'm probably going to go for a one-man band, as then I should get the same instructor. I'm also going to look at one who does 1st lesson free or a free assessment lesson, so I get an idea of where I am with my skills

Hi OP

My first car was a KA and I would recommend one! I like it so much that I've just bought another one! Repairs have always been cheap and the insurance and tax is very reasonable to! Its a great little car and in my opinion will be easy to sell on when you've finished with it!

They are great fun to drive, mine is really nippy and I do love it!!

elfen

Think my gut feeling was right in picking a KA. I know locally they can be got for about £850 upwards, so it's definitely the car I want to start with. And what's the betting that when I want one, I can't get one

Also, what's the best year/s to aim at for a KA. Whats the difference between the Ford and the Fiat? one?