MX5 for a first car (at nearly 40)

[Goochie]

My brother in law has just realised that learning to drive would be a good thing - and he is nearly 40!

He has decided that he quite likes the idea of an MX5 to learn to drive in and use as his first car. He's had a few insurance quotes and even with a provisional license it comes in at only a grand.

So the questions are; is an MX5 a sensible choice of first car for a mature person? Having taken a good look through the classifieds here it looks like he will able to get a leggy MK2 or a low mileage MK1 for his £5k budget - which would people suggest is likely to be the best for a first car?

I think the car will look perfect sat outside the shoe shop that he runs

[Munter]

Insurance often go's up once you pass. You no longer have an experianced driver telling you what to do. And the risk go's up. Although at 40, standard "rules" might not apply!

As a 1st car it's not a stupid idea. It's popular with girls because it's easy to drive. But it's also robust. So if he does abuse it a bit it's not likely to break. It's not a "lively" car. Drive it gently and he should have no problems.

If it's what he wants after he passes it's got to be cheaper than buying a fiesta, passing selling the fiesta and buying an MX5.

[mk1salami]

MX5 for a first car will be fine. Much better than a Fiesta, Corsa or similar for the money. I certainly wouldn't be dropping 5k on a mk1 though. For a mk1 I'd be looking at 3k absolute tops and more like 2k now. 5k should get you a good mk2.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Or a Mk2.5.

[zac510]

I think it's a good idea, if he respects the car he'll respect his driving too.

If you put an older co-driver on the insurance claim you might save a little.