I got my first car on January 19th, 2024. It’s a 2009 Ford Focus Zetec. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet. It’s been great so far, but since it’s my first car, I’m kind of uncertain. It’s got a bit of rust here and there, but otherwise, it’s solid. What do you all think of it?
Solid first car! You don’t want anything too fancy for your first, but it’s good to have something reliable.
One tip though—take off the P plates. They just make you a target for impatient drivers who might tailgate or try to intimidate you. In theory, they’re supposed to help, but in practice, it’s hit or miss.
@Blaise
I used P plates for a couple of months, and honestly, I never had a bad experience. People were actually nicer to me with them on! Some even congratulated me for passing. But yeah, L plates were the worst experience ever.
@Leith
Yeah, it depends. Some drivers are more patient when they see them, but others just get more aggressive. It’s a gamble!
@Leith
I feel like taking the P plates off is like taking the stabilizers off a bike. It’s a bit nerve-wracking, but maybe it’s time.
@Leith
I never used P plates, and people were jerks to me anyway. Honestly, P plates just scream, ‘Pass me if you can!’ Lol. It’s all part of the driving experience.
@Blaise
I never used P plates either. But to be fair, my tiny one-liter car made it obvious I was a new driver anyway!
@Blaise
I had P plates on at first, and people were awful. They’d tailgate, overtake unnecessarily, and honk at me for going the speed limit. After I took them off, people gave me more space. It’s like night and day.
Great first car! You’ll get around 43-45 mpg if you drive conservatively. I bought a 2007 model a few years back with only 10k miles on it, and it’s still going strong.
Clove said:
Great first car! You’ll get around 43-45 mpg if you drive conservatively. I bought a 2007 model a few years back with only 10k miles on it, and it’s still going strong.
The P plates make me nervous. Feels like I’m still learning to ride without stabilizers.
@Sloan
Honestly, you don’t need them. Your driving will show you’re new, but the plates just encourage the jerks on the road. Trust me, it’s better to go without.
Clove said:
@Sloan
Honestly, you don’t need them. Your driving will show you’re new, but the plates just encourage the jerks on the road. Trust me, it’s better to go without.
That’s a good point. I guess I didn’t think about how it might actually make things worse. Thanks!
Take off the P plates! You’ve passed your test, and you’re just as qualified as anyone else out there.
Jory said:
Take off the P plates! You’ve passed your test, and you’re just as qualified as anyone else out there.
I feel like I’m not ready yet… kind of like taking off stabilizers on a bike.
@Sloan
It’s different. Taking the P plates off will actually help. You won’t stand out, and people won’t treat you differently. It’s a confidence booster, trust me.
Solid choice! Take care of it, and it’ll last you a long time.
Great first car! Get rid of the P plates though. They do more harm than good. Most people won’t even notice you’re a new driver unless you tell them.
Good choice. I’ve got a 2009 Ford Mondeo, and it’s holding up great. Just keep an eye on the timing belt and water pump—they can sneak up on you.
The Focus is a bulletproof car. Easy to maintain, and parts are everywhere. You made a good choice.
How much did you pay? I sold my 2010 Zetec S for £1300 a few years back and still think I let it go too cheap.