Honestly, anything 3 years old or younger is a tad unrealistic for a first car, especially if you're a student. The insurance takes replacement costs in to consideration as they think we'll try and go on two wheels through the McDonald's drive through, to impress a girl.
The things you've got to look at are:
- Value
- Engine size
- Power
- Safety features
- Import or intended for the UK
plus I wouldn't by anything in an insurance group higher than 4 and nothing unusual..