Collaborative Post
It’s fair to say that driving tests are getting more difficult for new UK drivers, who are also facing more expensive costs compared to previous generations.
A few years ago, reversing around corners and ‘three-point turn’ were eliminated. In their place, we’ve seen the introduction of ‘driving with a satellite navigation system’ and ultimately, longer driving tests. In the past, in order to complete the likes of a three-point turn, examiners would have to take drivers into quiet, residential areas — often avoiding rather stressful built-up areas and traffic.
Furthermore, there is a continuous increase in the cost of driving. That got us thinking. It’s been ten years since the Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May competed in the ’17-Year-old Challenge’.
With a budget of £2,500, the presenters were asked to purchase a car and insure it. The other minor stipulation was that the car had to be fit for a 17-year old and everything they’d need from it.
It’s fair to say that inflation has had a negative impact on the economy over the past ten years. Prices in 2019 were 33.03 per cent higher than they were in 2009. Therefore if the Top Gear boys had £2,500, to keep things fair, we’d have £3,325.67, embarking on the same mission, ten years later.
On average, a fully comprehensive policy insurance would cost a 17-year-old in 2019 around £1,036, according to Money Supermarket. We’re pre-emptively taking that out of our overall budget.
Having said this, let’s look at our top three cars that are ideal for a 17-year-old in 2019/2020 with a budget of £2289.67.
Second-hand Audi A4 Estate – £1,995.00
You can find a used Audi A4 Estate 2.0L TDI for under £2,000. Okay, we won’t beat around the bush and suggest this vehicle is low mileage — it’s not. However, although 130k miles on the clock of a low quality car will set the alarm bells ringing in even the most relaxed of individuals, with a car such as the A4, which the RAC described as ‘strong in every department’, you can drive with confidence.
The Audi will need regular servicing for it to last longer!
The older A4 models weren’t well equipped to face transmission problems. But by the time we reached the 2005-08 generation, these problems had been ironed out.
The S-Line model delivers 167bhp for a 2.0L engine, offering enough power for when you need it.
With a luggage capacity of 442 litres, this Audi offers plenty of space when you fold the seats. That said, unfortunately there aren’t parking sensors, meaning if you aren’t the most confident of parallel parkers, this wagon might not be the best suited.
Despite being on the market since 2007, the Audi is overloaded with technology. Cruise control and electric seats are certainly enough to make those long road trips that little bit more comfortable.
With the £2289.67 you could afford the car and also replace the standard Audi radio with a Pioneer Bluetooth system and subwoofer, which a 17-year-old will surely appreciate.
Used Skoda Fabia – £1,995.00
In the past, Skoda didn’t have a respectable reputation as it was considered one of the most unreliable in the motoring world.
It was only after an important investment and a buyout from the Volkswagen Group that Skoda became one of the most wanted cars. The Fabia shines bright like the Polo or the A3, while the Octavia exists as a fierce rival for any executive saloon in the modern motoring world.
Nowadays, many taxi drivers rely on Skoda, and this is a proof that Skoda has indeed improved its reputation.
You can purchase a 2011 Fabia from a Skoda dealer for the same price as the A4. In return, you’ll be satisfied with the 55 mpg that this vehicle offers. Although it’s only a 1.6L diesel, the 103 bhp engine is enough to outweigh many alternative small cars.
The Skoda Fabia has got everything: modern, ergonomic and inclusive of a satellite navigation system to help you on the road without need a map.
Used BMW 3 Series – £1,995.00
The BMW 3 Series was produced between 2005 and 2011 and it offers high quality German engineering not easy to find in other vehicles.
This is a beautiful and at the same time very functional car. Superbly, designers took heed of previous customer feedback and assigned it to the development of this 3 Series with an emphasised focus on interior space and standard equipment taking precedence.
Although BMW 3 Series is relatively smaller compared to the previous two vehicles we detailed above, the car still offers a reasonable boot space. It also comes with rear parking sensors, perfect to make any type of parking, including the tightest ones, easy to do.
The steering wheel control is also a plus that will help a new driver who hasn’t got much experience.
However, on the downside note, BMW only delivers around 28 mpg return in urban conditions.
Things have certainly changed since 2009 when Top Gear picked Volkswagen Golf MK III, a Hyundai Scoupe, and a Volvo 940 Turbo Estate as the top vehicles!
From Volkswagen servicing experts, Vindis.