Want a new car

[Duff]

At current I have a W reg Suzuki Swift 1Ltr, its my first car and had it just a year. I bought it without knowing much about cars, really off first impression and because I wanted a car quick. It is a nice car to drive, milage is low and I do like it but since getting into the car scene I want something more powerful and a little more appealing. Only problem is that I'm not really financially prepared to change, I could but it just means more debt. To add to the pressure of changing 2 of my mates have just bought 1.8Ltr Ford Focuses which we know at the age of 21 insurance is very high. I feel a bit left out now with a very cheap car which goes about as fast as a moped. I want to know what cars could I look at for a couple of grand around the 1.6/1.8ltr mark, or should I not change at all just yet?

[MORELLO]

Go to www.autotrader.co.uk and type your requirements in. You may not get a Focus, but there are slightly older but decent alternatives...

[Impret-Sir]

I think if it was me, and you really can only afford two grand, plus the insurance issue with you having so little driving experience, I would stay put fot another year, save up, and get some more no-claims bonus while your at it. You will be driving for a long time, there is no rush, for that money you run the risk of buying a pup, or something that will not make you feel any better about yourself than what you are currently driving. In a years time, your options will be much better.

[ianess]

The one thing that's guaranteed about cars is that they'll burn a hole in your bank balance.  If you can live with that and just want to keep up with your mates then that's the way you'll probably go.  There are plenty of decent motors around for about �2K.  I'd run the Suzuki until its MoT became due then get rid of it.....but as you say it's a nice little motor. Catch 22.

[jake-the-peg]

Have you thought about classic cars for example you can get something like this

http://www.classiccarclub.co.uk/carpages/audi_quattro_turbo.asp

for silly money and you can often get classic insurance rates with owners clubs.

How about a Porche 944 they start at about 2.5K

Mind you a lot depends on your insurance - If you've been driving 3-4 years with no claims or convictions in a good postcode you'll have a lot more options.

I'd say look at what you can afford to insure not what you can afford to buy 

[Cockney_si]

Pug 306 1.6 is not bad for around that money and cheap insurance. Best handling car in it's class, has airbag too and electric windows and power steering.