Advice needed!!

[tiimbo]

Hi Guys, I am looking to buy my son a 2006 Polo to learn to drive in, my wife will also be using it.
Is there much difference between the performance of the 1.2 (64) engine and the 1.4 (75) engine.
Does the extra 10 HP make much difference?
They all seem to be around the same price and the insurance on the 1.4 is about £300 more.
I have seen a nice April 2006 1.2 SE for 6k with 42000 miles and am very tempted, it has privicy glass and a GTi front grill, just the kind of look my son would love!!
Or, should I hold out for a 1.4s???
Any help and advice greatly appreciated.
Tim

[mrnigel]

hmm yea the 1.4 75bhp engine has that teeny extra bit of ooomph and torque to get you up them hills and its also a 16v compared to the 1.2 12v. Its really up to you if you want to spend an extra 300pound on the insurance.

[tiimbo]

Still not sure!! I am a car nut so love powerfull motors (Currently got a Dodge SRT10 8.4 L V10 500HP)
The 0-60 time seems to be 2 seconds slower for the 1.2, is that realistic?
Is the spec on an SE much better than the standard s? Is it easy to change the front grill for a GTi one?
Anything I should look out for on this age/model polo?
Cheers,
Tim

[whitegtipolo]

dont get the 1.2 its a 3 cylinder rattle bag, 1.4 all the way smoother and alot better with 4 cylinders!

[RITCHAT]

as said before avoid the 1.2 3cylinder petrol model at all costs for various reasons
1. tend to be abused as no power and are driven hard to get them to do anything
2. little torque for those arrgh need to get moving times ie overtaking a truck
3. hit a hill you will start going down through the gear box
4. 0-60 is ok I guess but after that you will need patience

get a 1.4 model its got 4 cylinders and I believe all the 9n3's are now 16v better fuel economy

Personally I would avoid petrol but I am a tight get and drive a tdi polo better fuel economy and quicker .cheaper to run insurance is reasonable depending on who you go to.

Sandy

[tiimbo]

Thanks guys for your advice, I think I will stick to the 1.4, sounds like a better option.
Tim

[whitegtipolo]

Thanks guys for your advice, I think I will stick to the 1.4, sounds like a better option.
Tim

good man! or even a stretch to a 1.6

[matt_123]

1.6 do it ! can snap at the heels of a gti and has more oooomph but the 1.4's are still nippy

[whitegtipolo]

1.6 do it ! can snap at the heels of a gti and has more oooomph but the 1.4's are still nippy

snap at the heels LOL funny man! if it could catch mine i would be worried!

[tiimbo]

I would love to go for a 1.6 but I dont think the insurance companies would touch it for a 17 year old?!?!
Any advice on insurance companies for young drivers? Who is using who? I have been quoted £2350 for a 1.4s 2006 polo.
Does this sound reasonable?
Tim

[whitegtipolo]

shocking prices i used to pay when i was 17 £1500 notes for a new vtr how can you afford 2grand?? i would get a ped till i turned 19ish! dont use confused.com or anyhting like that, ring adrian flux or what i find to be really cheap no frills insurance is elephant.co.uk and you can do a 10month accelerator but get a years no claims!

[tiimbo]

Thanks for the advice, I have got my truck with Adrian Flux so maybe they will do me a deal? I will also try Elephant.
Tim

[chibblesmynibbles]

I would love to go for a 1.6 but I dont think the insurance companies would touch it for a 17 year old?!?!
Any advice on insurance companies for young drivers? Who is using who? I have been quoted £2350 for a 1.4s 2006 polo.
Does this sound reasonable?
Tim

Ive got a 1.2 polo s, its an 06. My insurance is £2,400 a year, im also 17. so thats not bad seems its a bigger engine. But im currently searching a cheaper quote and will use the companies mentioned. My friends have said that bell insurance is good? im yet to get a quote so i couldnt comment.

I think that all insurance companies cripple young drivers nowa days, especially being boys.

[Joe_9n3]

I would love to go for a 1.6 but I dont think the insurance companies would touch it for a 17 year old?!?!
Any advice on insurance companies for young drivers? Who is using who? I have been quoted £2350 for a 1.4s 2006 polo.
Does this sound reasonable?
Tim

Ive got a 1.2 polo s, its an 06. My insurance is £2,400 a year, im also 17. so thats not bad seems its a bigger engine. But im currently searching a cheaper quote and will use the companies mentioned. My friends have said that bell insurance is good? im yet to get a quote so i couldnt comment.

I think that all insurance companies cripple young drivers nowa days, especially being boys.

True story! I would definately recommend Bell, its also a good idea to get yourself insured on the car as well as your son... Brings the price down considerably with Bell! I would say £2350 is way too expensive... When i first passed i had a 1.6 peugeot 306 and that was only £1500. Keep on shopping around, you will find some good deals.

[mrnigel]

ive got a 1.2 polo match my insurance is £1800, first car im 18.