Don't think anyone has mentioned insurance costs being a problem?
First Car - Honda Civic vs. Ford Focus
- Thread starter Tolmekian
- Start date
Don't think anyone has mentioned insurance costs being a problem?
Soldato
The Civic isn't a particularly interesting car either, that generation is dull, and a 3k car will break and cost money to repair, and Honda parts are generally expensive.
A focus, is a cheaper car to run and maintain, and is by far the better car to drive.
The Astra isn't a bad car, but its more for people who see buying a car the same as purchasing a washing mashine.
A focus, is a cheaper car to run and maintain, and is by far the better car to drive.
The Astra isn't a bad car, but its more for people who see buying a car the same as purchasing a washing mashine.
If it was my money, I'd go for the Civic 1.6 Sport you mentioned. Their great cars (the Civic's) a number of my friends have had various models of Civic over the years and they've never had a bad thing to say about them. They've got a decent amount of space inside, fun to drive and handle pretty well to boot 
You can't really go wrong mate 
You can't really go wrong mate 
Associate
Nothing to add to this other than the Ghia advert is lying - those wheels are not alloy wheels.
Probably also say the Focus due to the replacement parts being cheaper.
Probably also say the Focus due to the replacement parts being cheaper.
Soldato
Except he (most) probably wont need to change any parts on the Civic.
Sounds like the winner to me !
Yes they are.Wow a lot more replies than I anticipated, thanks everyone Seems fairly even at the moment between the Ghia and 1.6 Civic.
I'll try to answer a few questions below.
The possibilities list is just me browsing for a few hours at these models and picking out a few that caught my eye. If you'd recommend an mk2 focus over the civic I linked then let me know; these are more just my take on what seems to be top in other 'first car' threads although if there's something out there that others would recommend I'm open to suggestions
Insurance seems to be 800-900 for the models I've been looking at (through reputable companies like admiral). Much lower than I thought it would be! So overall not really an issue as I'd rather get the right car for me for the sake of a few hundred £.
Hmm that's good to know. Ignoring my possibilities list though it seems like you'd recommend a clio 182 over the focus which I hadn't considered till now. If the focus hadn't had problems, would you still say the clio tops it?
Only 56k on the clock, 1.6l engine and 2006 model has made me interested, I'll do some more research.
That's just the type of feedback I need thank you. At first I wasn't at all bothered as long as it got me from a-b and was reliable, and although revving isn't my thing I do want it to be comfortable and capable of overtaking campervans
Seems fairly even at the moment between the Ghia and 1.6 Civic.I'll try to answer a few questions below.
The possibilities list is just me browsing for a few hours at these models and picking out a few that caught my eye. If you'd recommend an mk2 focus over the civic I linked then let me know; these are more just my take on what seems to be top in other 'first car' threads although if there's something out there that others would recommend I'm open to suggestions
Insurance seems to be 800-900 for the models I've been looking at (through reputable companies like admiral). Much lower than I thought it would be! So overall not really an issue as I'd rather get the right car for me for the sake of a few hundred £.
Hmm that's good to know. Ignoring my possibilities list though it seems like you'd recommend a clio 182 over the focus which I hadn't considered till now. If the focus hadn't had problems, would you still say the clio tops it?
Only 56k on the clock, 1.6l engine and 2006 model has made me interested, I'll do some more research.
That's just the type of feedback I need thank you. At first I wasn't at all bothered as long as it got me from a-b and was reliable, and although revving isn't my thing I do want it to be comfortable and capable of overtaking campervans
Soldato
Out of the two the Civic easily, but if i was you i would run some quotes and make sure insurance is reasonable.
Also if that was me i would buy a last gen Corolla, really under rated car, they cheap to run, total reliabilty and superb build, economical, comfy, lovely engines and fun to drive and look much better IMO.
Also if that was me i would buy a last gen Corolla, really under rated car, they cheap to run, total reliabilty and superb build, economical, comfy, lovely engines and fun to drive and look much better IMO.
Associate
I'd go for either of the civics.
I'd have loved to have had a civic sport for my first car.
Have you looked at insurance prices? That would be a major deciding factor for me if I was a new driver.
I'd have loved to have had a civic sport for my first car.
Have you looked at insurance prices? That would be a major deciding factor for me if I was a new driver.
Associate
Having owned a Honda I would go for the civic but as an alternative, have you looked into Mazda 3's? they share a lot of components with the MK 2 ford focus, as ford had a large stake in Mazda at the time of its construction. The only problem with the Mazda 3 is the 1.6 model's from 2004-06 do look very boring!
Soldato
The Focus and Civic look as much or even more "boring" than the Mazda if you ask me.
OP although you mention you don't want a car as big as a Mondeo, I would still look into it, maybe test drive one and see how you like it. My first car was/is a Honda Accord, and the size isn't an issue at all, you will get used to it very quick, I live in inner London and have to always park in tight spaces, and it isn't a problem. I found that the Accord is cheaper to insure than crappy little superminis too!
OP although you mention you don't want a car as big as a Mondeo, I would still look into it, maybe test drive one and see how you like it. My first car was/is a Honda Accord, and the size isn't an issue at all, you will get used to it very quick, I live in inner London and have to always park in tight spaces, and it isn't a problem. I found that the Accord is cheaper to insure than crappy little superminis too!
Don
Refreshing to see a sensible opening post in a first car thread
Associate
Any updates on the car search mate? Would a mark 5 golf be an alternative to the three you have on your list?
Soldato
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- 10 Mar 2006
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We have a 1.6 Civic, it's a 2001 model rather than a 2003 so not sure if that changes anything, but the gearing makes motorway driving quite a chore. 3500rpm at 70mph and the floor resonates exactly at this frequency making it even noisier.
It is fine otherwise, though. Light steering, economical and incredibly roomy. Passenger space in the back is enormous compared to the Focus.
What Rodenal says is true. Steering on ours feels weird - there is a strange resistance to move away from dead centre on the motorway (even after fully aligned etc.) which makes it even more of a goit to drive on the motorway. It doesn't naturally roll with the road, if you know what I mean, you seem to have to constantly correct it. Interior isn't too bad, mind, but I do find it generally to be a noisy little thing - probably cos the interior is bare.
It is fine otherwise, though. Light steering, economical and incredibly roomy. Passenger space in the back is enormous compared to the Focus.
What Rodenal says is true. Steering on ours feels weird - there is a strange resistance to move away from dead centre on the motorway (even after fully aligned etc.) which makes it even more of a goit to drive on the motorway. It doesn't naturally roll with the road, if you know what I mean, you seem to have to constantly correct it. Interior isn't too bad, mind, but I do find it generally to be a noisy little thing - probably cos the interior is bare.
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Associate
In a 2001 Focus 1.6, 70MPH is 3000RPM and against the road noise you can hardly hear the engine.
Soon I should be picking up my old mans Focus 1.6 Zetec as my new daily wheels.
116k on the clock and going strong, with just consumables being replaced. For the £500 i'll get it for it will be a great bargain.
I would say get the Focus, have always had a soft spot for them and they drive fantastically.
116k on the clock and going strong, with just consumables being replaced. For the £500 i'll get it for it will be a great bargain.
I would say get the Focus, have always had a soft spot for them and they drive fantastically.
Update -
I have a test drive booked in for a 1.6 focus as it's not too far from me.
Aaaand call me crazy, although I have a test drive booked in tomorrow for a 2013 Skoda Citigo (awaiting badge comments!).
I was reading up on PCP and really took to the idea of fixed costs, I would hate to be lumped with a surprise £xxx bill in repair costs shortly down the line.
With their current offer, it's:
-£2.4k deposit
-0% APR
-£69 a month for 3 years
Looks a great little car for my needs tbh and insurance is cheapest of the lot (£600) and tax £20.
Obviously it's quite a bit more expensive than going used although the fuel savings should be quite substantial, and the 3 years free servicing and warranty for peace of mind, and it's a brand new car after all.
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Don't tie yourself down to a three year PCP deal on your first car. You'll probably end up regretting it.
The only difference between fixed cost motoring and running a second hand car is that you know you're going to definitely spend money every month regardless as opposed to spending money every few months. New cars break too.
The only difference between fixed cost motoring and running a second hand car is that you know you're going to definitely spend money every month regardless as opposed to spending money every few months. New cars break too.
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