First Car

[epoxi]

I'm looking forward to getting a lovely 1995 (or later) Glanza V, but what's holding me back is insurance.

This would be my first car, and considering I haven't even got my full license yet: I'd be the worst candidate for insurance.

I've tried experimenting with various insurers/comparison sites around the net, and their quote seems to double, triple or even quadrouple as soon as I mention modifications or the fact it's an import car. How do you guys get over this? Is it simply a case of not telling the insurers about them, having a lot of driving experience, or pretending you have a standard Starlet?

I must admit I'm not too keen on the normal Starlet: not enough power or personality to stand out from all the rich kids at school (think 57 reg. BMWs :shoot.

I'm not too bothered about the intial cost of the car (thankfully) as they're apparently so good at holding their value...and I'm pretty sure I won't crash it *touch wood*, so basically insurance is the only problem.

Basically, what I want to know is: is it worth getting the car at this stage...or is it just a white elephant?

 

[Ryno]

depends, will owning a Glanza mean you can't afford to live? have fun? enjoy life?

end of the day it is 'only a car' and alough everyone wants a fast or nice car, sometimes it's the things that we can't own that make our lives worth living!

 

[smythy75]

depends, will owning a Glanza mean you can't afford to live? have fun? enjoy life?

end of the day it is 'only a car' and alough everyone wants a fast or nice car, sometimes it's the things that we can't own that make our lives worth living!

true there!! but if u can afford it go for it!! havin a dearer car means u have o behave which is a good discipline in a way, keeps young ones away from drugs an all, at least with a car u have something to show for ur money!!! i dropped u a pm pal!!

 

[dac69er]

normal starlets are ok.

who gives a fuck if all the other kids have more expensive cars. most newer cars have no soul, especially the likes of beemers (apart from maybe the M3).

i love my little 1.3 runaround. cheap to insure and run. goes ok. simple to work on. does the job and i can have fun in it even though i have a GT.

 

[epoxi]

Wow: thanks for the amazingly fast replies guys! My mum really wants me to get a car so she doesn't have to drive: so it's not a burden; and if I have a car I might as well enjoy it.

The real reason I chose the Glanza is because it's reliable and, as I've said, is the only way I can afford a cool car (or at least spend as much as I'm willing to) is by opting for something like a Starlet. I've always loved cars, and it really gets on my nerves when all my friends get brand new cars just because they can.

 

[dac69er]

something like that shouldnt bother you mate. if your happy then dont worry about it.

 

[Ryno]

best car i ever had when i was younger was a £80 bog standard 1.3 astra i brought while i was saving for my next car, the girl i brought it from didn't feel safe driving it anymore because it was stolen and recovered...

....i had to open and start it with a screwdriver because the little gits that nicked it had mushed the lock and ignition barrel...

...but the reason it was the best car i ever had when i was younger is because i did not give one shit about it, i took it to gravel car parks in the middle of no where and empty quarry pits and down the smallest green lanes not made for non-4x4's, hammered the hell out of it 24/7, and all the time i was constantly learning how to control a car in the process, i could drive for as long and drove as far as i liked without having to worrie about spending money on servicing, thinking about the miles i'm putting on the car, or spending a fortune on petrol and insurance.

something for you to chew on while your thinking about if it's the right choice

 

[Monkfish]

I'm looking forward to getting a lovely 1995 (or later) Glanza V, but what's holding me back is insurance.

This would be my first car, and considering I haven't even got my full license yet: I'd be the worst candidate for insurance.

I've tried experimenting with various insurers/comparison sites around the net, and their quote seems to double, triple or even quadrouple as soon as I mention modifications or the fact it's an import car. How do you guys get over this? Is it simply a case of not telling the insurers about them, having a lot of driving experience, or pretending you have a standard Starlet?

I must admit I'm not too keen on the normal Starlet: not enough power or personality to stand out from all the rich kids at school (think 57 reg. BMWs :shoot.

I'm not too bothered about the intial cost of the car (thankfully) as they're apparently so good at holding their value...and I'm pretty sure I won't crash it *touch wood*, so basically insurance is the only problem.

Basically, what I want to know is: is it worth getting the car at this stage...or is it just a white elephant?

Here's some advice for you...

Don't buy a Starlet as a first car - You will stack it into something, maybe kill yourself (Or someone else) and get yourself into finantial and legal shit. Buy something cheap and cheerfull. It doesn't have to be a shitbox, but if you are unlucky enough to have a bump or scrape, it won't rape your wallet. So what if Silver Spoon Steve has got a 57 plate BMW payed for by Mummy, he'll soon be crying once he's bent the fucker. Plus, if your car is only worth a few hundred and you stick it in a hedge, providing no 3rd party has suffered any injury or damage, you don't have to inform them of the accident. You will also pay through the arsehole for insurance. Wait a bit, get some no claims and experience under your belt, then you can have a modded Starlet and enjoy watching Steve cry into his fuel bills for his overweight-under-powered-company-car-mile-muncher.

Don't EVER not declare modifications on insurance - Ever! If you do not declare a modification and need to make a claim, the insurance company are quite within their right to void your insurance. In short, you will be in a world of shit. Also, non-declaration of modifications is one of the causes of the fucking extortionate prices we have to pay at the moment. Please don't contribute.

Do enjoy your first car - You will enjoy your first car. Period. I had an F-reg 1.0l Nova Saloon in Invalid blue as my first car. By the standards of (most of) the cars that followed it and compared to the Starlet, it was a pile of utterly useless, bog standard poverty spec Vauxhall shite. It was so slow I once got overtaken by Tectonic plate movement. No joke. I still loved it though. It was my first car, my break into freedom and I had some damn good times in that car over the year that I owned her. Would I own one again? Fuck no. Did I enjoy owning it? Yes.

 

[JGT]

Personally, i'd do what you want.. Best lesson in life

 

[Mikey Jay]

If you're after a Glanza just to look good (vain ) get a Glanza S.

Non turbo but still more powerful than UK spec Starlets (100bhp compared to 74bhp)

 

[Nwimie]

you wont get insured on a glanza V fort any sensible price mate so ust forget about it now

i only just manage £1000 quid this year with 3 years no claims and being 21 !

i had a crap box clio for my first car great fun just didnt care about it one bit ran it into the ground :]

 

[Adam_Glanza]

no such thing as a 95 reg glanza is there? i thought they only started in 96 as the quadeye gt was made in 95 and stopped?

neway..

i definetly dont agree with it as a first car.. 2 much power and you wont find insurance for it neway. even if you do its gonna be over 1600 even as just a named driver.

 

[59bhp]

i had a 1litre micra for my first car and i loved it to pieces. i know what you mean about everyone else getting brand new cars, personally im happy for them but i would never own something like that. Bit boring isnt it? if u can afford a glanza v for your first car (im guessing your quite loaded) then go for it. Chances are u will prob stack it but thats up to you and how sensible you are behind the wheel.