Vauxhall Corsa or Mazda 2 (First car)

JXN1990

Hi all, I've lurked around here for a long time but this is my first post. I'm looking into getting a first car and ideally I want a car that is new-ish and reliable.

I've done a bit of research and found it would be smart not to go above insurance group 4 so these 2 cars fit. Both are around 6-7k and 4k insurance on both. I would look to take out an 8k loan to pay for both of this and add the rest from savings.

Looking for opinions on both cars or if you have any recommendations for a better first car to have.

cddc

Not much between them really as unlike older models, the current Corsa is pretty good. I would side slightly with the Mazda as it is likely to retain its value better and prove more reliable in the long run. However parts and servicing will probably be cheaper for the Corsa so swings and roundabouts really.

Mazda for me though.

Lithian

£4k insurance is a joke, so are insurance groups really. You should be able to nearly half that with a bit of effort.

Cheapest cars to insure are typically ones that don't get crashed much and ones that don't get stolen. Think boring rather than (can we swear on MSE?)

Assuming you have £3k savings? That is enough to get you on the road anyway, try not to get in negative equity on a car! The last thing you want is to be in a situation where you owe more on the car than its worth. With the situation you mention you are already £1-2k behind as soon as you sign on the dotted line. You could write it off, get an insurance payout, still owe money and have no car!

Personally I wouldn't go above 50% of the value of a car on finance (although I appreciate that's not always an option) so if something goes wrong I can sell the car and walk away without owing money.

forgotmyname

Insurance group 4 doesnt mean a lot, Some group 9 cars are cheaper to insure. Just depends on what claims the
company you choose have with that car and your area.

£8k loan for a £6k or £7k car are you mad? What if you have a bump how will you pay the policy excess?
Servicing, Repairs etc?

Fast track road to bankruptcy.

Save for the insurance then save £1000 for a car then learn to drive. And hope you dont bend it as the
insurance will be worse next year. If you dont get get a nice bonus of 1 years no claims.... ooohhhh..

GingerWarrior

JXN1990 wrote: »

Hi all, I've lurked around here for a long time but this is my first post. I'm looking into getting a first car and ideally I want a car that is new-ish and reliable.

I've done a bit of research and found it would be smart not to go above insurance group 4 so these 2 cars fit. Both are around 6-7k and 4k insurance on both. I would look to take out an 8k loan to pay for both of this and add the rest from savings.

Looking for opinions on both cars or if you have any recommendations for a better first car to have.

I have had the Mazda 2 TS2 for coming up to 2 years now, bought from new. I really enjoy the car - it's only a 1.3 (the version I have) but it's pretty nifty.

Looking that you're insurance for a year is half the price of a car - why not get yourself a cheaper car, get 3rd party insurance and start building up some no claims (that is if you can on 3rd party insurance).

LandyAndy

GingerWarrior wrote: »

I have had the Mazda 2 TS2 for coming up to 2 years now, bought from new. I really enjoy the car - it's only a 1.3 (the version I have) but it's pretty nifty.

I have a Mazda2 Tamura bought new in Sept 2009. A 1.3 petrol. We've done 25k miles in it without incident. A very pleasant little car.

samwsmith1

I would say the Mazda2, but that could be because I want one myself add currently drive an old corsa!
For a brand new 2 on drive the deal it's currently £8700 for a 3dr TS - http://drivethedeal.com/buy-a-new-car/mazda/mazda2+hatchback/index.html

The corsa only got 54% from which? as well compared to the 2s 80% (I think).

grizzly1911

LandyAndy wrote: »

I have a Mazda2 Tamura bought new in Sept 2009. A 1.3 petrol. We've done 25k miles in it without incident. A very pleasant little car.

I have a Corsa 5 door bought nearly new in Nov 2009. A 1.3 CDTI. We've done 17k miles in it without incident. A very pleasant little car.;)

Seriously though I am with the other posters here do not over commit. get something modest and less sexy:eek: and get that insurance down first.

The Corsa is group 3 deliberately purchased for SWMBO so that the kids could learn to drive in something compact at a "reasonable" insurance cost.

McKneff

Ive had my 09 Corsa for 2 years now and I love it. Its a Corsa Design, electric windows,interior lights go on inside when you click the remote from halfway down the drive, arrive home, pull the iginition towards you and the headlights light your drive up till yu get in the house. So many more things on it. Drives brilliantly, holds the road well, I wouldnt hesitate to get another one in a couple of years.

mcjordi

sounds like youve just passed your test with insurance at 4k..
id agree with others and get something cheap and build up ncb.. as your bound to bump it or be bumped.. i know i did when i first passed my test..

marlot

Have vauxhall solved the problem with corsa camshafts snapping in two?