Advise on a new small car...

[Chris Smith]

It looks like my main job is coming to an end, not overly bothered, but with me I haven't a clue what I want to do, so for the time being I am going back to being a driving instructor...

So I need to look out for a suitable teaching car and one that would have a boot for a small buggy...

I have been looking at
Fiesta's
Clio's
Peugeot 208
CITROEN DS3

Now fiesta's and 208's are pretty cheap, clio's get pricey, DS3 silly expensive... But hold value ok...

My other options is do I buy one (2nd hand less than a year old/15k on the clock), or rent one from a driving instructor specialist.. (fiesta works out at £310 per month fully serviced, replacement tyres)

Another issue the Insignia, it's hpi clear/finance clear, do I sell, part ex or keep for 6 months or so... And then decide what to do...

 

[andybond]

Can you afford to run two cars ? That will make a decision for you on the Insignia.

The Festa fully serviced option looks like a good one as you wont have any depreciation to factor in. It also takes car of everything that might end up costing you. What are the commitment lengths for one though ?

 

[Chris Smith]

Afford 2 cars yes for the time being... Don't really want to let the insignia go, however I know I won't use it at all... Lucy says it is to big for her to use when she returns to work...

I could get a hire car on a 7 month contract (2nd hand-cut less than 2 years old) , I can get a brand new fiesta but that's a 2 year contract...
I can get the 208, DS3 and clio in contract for similar prices... Not sure what to go for..

 

[detailR]

From a driving point of view, I think the Fiesta is nicer (although I haven't driven a new Clio). It also looks a bit 'cooler'.
For instructing, people could be put off if they don't enjoy the car.

it looks like it has the best deals too at the moment.

 

[Chris Smith]

Fiesta and clio and ds3 all get 5star on the instructor forums.. They avoid the corsair due to weak clutch...

Everybody teaches in fiesta around here, very easy to drive and engines are good....i think the new clio is a bit bigger but I used to teach in a focus and never had anyone say it was to big.. So many choices to choose from

 

[andybond]

Tough gig this one Chris.

I guess its a case of going out and driving them all ?

 

[Chris Smith]

Yeh reckon so, may have a look at round this week.. Would be a shame if I sell the insignia... (If anybody is after a cheap family car let me know)... Although I reckon lucy could handle it when she goes back to work

 

[DaveL485]

Clio.

Totally biased because I like Renault.

And if you buy a Fester I will ban you

 

[Chris Smith]

Clio.

Totally biased because I like Renault.

And if you buy a Fester I will ban you

Would be cool to re-do this

 

[Chris Smith]

Can scrap the Ds3, just been in one, observations from inside the car to the rear are shocking... How can people check a blind spot easily without having to move their home bodies like you would in a van... Sure it's not issue for most people but short/fat/disabled people would struggle...

Renault is next place for me to go

 

[Chris Smith]

Didn't got to renault in the end, will pop there tomorrow...
However I went to Peugeot, 208 looks very clean, modern inside and good visibility, great fuel economy to, and cheap ish.. Even for a brand new one!

Then I popped into Mini... Wish I didn't now... The mini 5 door SD looks the nuts, great performance, ok boot.. And they do a good finance for business users making it affordable... More so than the rental for a fiesta from the driving school company...

 

[Chris Smith]

An update so far,

Options are
Mini 5 door cooper
Peugeot 208
Audi A1 sports back diesel
Mercedes A180D

The Peugeot is alot cheaper than the others, can get a new GT line 5 door diesel for £14,500!! Nearly £10k cheaper than the others, however I feel I would get bored and fed up with a normal car, I want something nice and smart as 2 days a week I will be working for my brother in law building firm in the office and visiting lidi head office at times with him...

I am driving the mini, and merc tomorrow...

Insignia may stay for the time being to

 

[Chris Smith]

Tomorrow I have a bmw 120d M sport on trial for the day... Not exactly what most driving schools use, but I may only be teaching 2 days a week if at all...

 

[DaveL485]

You should get a Twingo like Adey's.

 

[Chris Smith]

You should get a Twingo like Adey's.

He has already messaged me... For my other job I cover 20,000 miles a year... Twingo will be no good for that.. As a toy/track car it's ideal, but if I wanted that I would most likely get a 225...

 

[Chris Smith]

Deposit put down on a new mini Cooper 5 door diesel. Not a small car, but ideal for my use.