jtbo wrote: After you drive more, let's say after first 200 000 miles you start to understand what it means to keep some marginals. Been there done that, I think everyone does at beginning, but sooner one gets it better

To be honest there is no mileage at which you become better at driving. You are constantly learning - even having driven over a million miles I am still learning.

foggyjames wrote: I'm not an old fart (none of us are, except V6_Man)

That's right, you feel that burn. What Rupert spends most of his time learning is how much slower than the rest of us he is the in the 1/4 mile

cheers

James

V6 Man wrote:

jtbo wrote: After you drive more, let's say after first 200 000 miles you start to understand what it means to keep some marginals. Been there done that, I think everyone does at beginning, but sooner one gets it better

To be honest there is no mileage at which you become better at driving. You are constantly learning - even having driven over a million miles I am still learning.

foggyjames wrote: I'm not an old fart (none of us are, except V6_Man)

There really is no limit where you stop learning, but I have found out that those who drive bit more get few facts about cars, society and traffic, sooner, but usually after first 200 000 miles that how you look traffic and your driving has changed.

I'm not saying that don't rev and don't keep fun, that is perfectly allowed, but as world is what it is there is no point to give certain nanny type persons more things they could use as leverage to put more Gatzos or another stupid limitations to our roads and hobby.

Here comes responsibility from your actions and this thing won't be there immediately, it takes time but eventually everyone gets it, at least I hope so

I can say that I drive sometimes sideways too on public roads, but always I make sure that risks are under control, going only by feeling will hurt not only you but whole all car enthusiasts in current world, unfortunate it is but so true.

1,4l is very good one to start with, also it is cheaper to maintain as many parts are lot cheaper and it is not drinking as much fuel either. Actually I had idea at one point to get 1.4 too, but then I started to think about my car usage and well, my home track has too long straights, lol.

thanks for the info guys, but one thing: i have been driving for almost a year now anyway (due to working at my uncles garage) and i think ive picked up quite a bit of experience from driving so many different cars all the time. of course ive still got a long way to go and even i dont feel that i can control a car properly at times.
however, i had an agreement with my dad a loooong time ago that when i pass my test he will pay for my insurance. so now the time has come where i shall be getting my own car soon and we still have that agreement. personally, anything under a 1.6 feels slow to me and i would really like a 2 litre for the sheer power (and to boast to mates of course lol).
i have already had a quote on a 360 gle which came at just under £900 third party. it was £1009 full comp. and with suspension, rims and brakes it was just under £1200. considering my mate who lives round the corner to me had a 1.1 mk3 fiesta and was paying £1200, i thought this was quite good.
concerning parts and maintenance, i can get the parts lower than trade price (due to my family being in the business) and labour would come free as i'd be able to do most things myself at my uncles garage.
the only other thing of concern would be the fuel hehe. this is a matter i am working on and i am on the hunt for a job...

On was on my Dad's trade insurance for the first 4 ish years of driving, as it cost very little (about £100 a year I think). Couldn't insure anything outrageously stupid (any type of GTi was a no-go for example) but it allowed me drive some decentish cars whilst my mate's were pootling around in 50bhp shopping trolleys. My first car was actually a Renault 5 GTL 1.4, so I guess that's the same lump as the 340s

Despite what people said it worked out well in the end, as when I got my own insurance after finishing uni I was over 21 which brings the premium down a bit - think I paid around £700 on my first policy for a 205XS (1.4 revvy little thing - the poor mans GTi). So I still havent got full no claims, but I'm only paying around £300 for a group 15 BX with Business cover and 1 years NCB, and about £280 for the GLT with all mods declared and third party any car cover with 3 years NCB.