Idea: First car guide Article: Planning thread

Thanks. Try and get the rover version of the civic as it looks nicer than the newer ones. In my opinion

What do you suggest JC.?

You're a regular member so your opinion is very useful.

At least with the form we get reasonable information to give them a recommendation.

And the article guide could help those that have no idea.

Posted from TSR Mobile

I didn't say I had a solution!

I'd prefer to have a discussion with an individual rather than arbitrary recommendations.

I do think it important that people put up what they want out of a car rather than simply "what should I buy".

No point saying "I want a small, cheap, economical car" and then getting a load of reccomendations for the usual crap hatchbacks i.e KA / Yaris / Aygo etc... if some vital piece of the puzzle has been left out.
i.e "I also have a drum kit and a massive dog to transport every day".

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forms.php?do=form&fid=88




At least with this form there is a quesiton of "specific uses of the car?" so this should come up then.

Want to have a quick look at my Form i've made and let me know how bad it is?

Go for it.

I just don't see how you're going to get people to use it given that there's already a "first car thread" (which is actually pretty pointless since all circumstances are unique) that people ignore anyway.
How are you going to make them use a template?

I think the reason people don't use the first car thread is because it's useless. Often questions in there get ignored anyway.

If we had a Sticky appropriately labelled
"Want to buy your first car? READ HERE FOR HELP" with the Form in the OP and eventually the wiki article there/linked from there then it could help.


Also, if people start a thread without then the useful regulars can point them in the direction of the form.

I think the makes of cars should be a drop down list instead as not everyone will be well versed with car makes and models.

Instead of asking whether fuel consumption is important you should be asking what realistically is their budget to run and maintain the car.

As most people will be youngish I doubt big boot should even be a criteria. I think it might be more pertinent to ask whether someone is mechanically inclined and whether they are willing to maintain their own cars.

What else you could add :-

As majority of buyers will be buying something used, could include in the guide how to evaluate a car, things like service history, vehicle record, some basic mechanical conditions and finally how to get a once-over by a mechanic.

You could also include a bit on test-driving a car, what to do during the test drive, what to look out for etc.

I think the makes of cars should be a drop down list instead as not everyone will be well versed with car makes and models.

Instead of asking whether fuel consumption is important you should be asking what realistically is their budget to run and maintain the car.

As most people will be youngish I doubt big boot should even be a criteria. I think it might be more pertinent to ask whether someone is mechanically inclined and whether they are willing to maintain their own cars.

What else you could add :-

As majority of buyers will be buying something used, could include in the guide how to evaluate a car, things like service history, vehicle record, some basic mechanical conditions and finally how to get a once-over by a mechanic.

You could also include a bit on test-driving a car, what to do during the test drive, what to look out for etc.