I'm really excited about getting my first car and have had my heart set on a VW Lupo for quite some time. These are difficult to get hold of in my area but I have seen a few, usually around the £3000 mark for a 1 litre engine car between 6 and 8 years old.

However, I have just seen a VW Fox which is a 1.2 litre engine, 2 years old and with many features (such as electric windows and central locking) that the Lupo does not have, which has done only 5000 miles! This car is £4500, just within my budget but obviously a lot more than the Lupos I have been looking at. It looks like a much better deal than a Lupo. The only thing is that I love the cuteness of Lupos and find the Fox quite an unattractive car.

I am now torn between the two. If I get the Fox I will always be looking at Lupos and thinking how much more attractive they are, but if I get the Lupo I will be thinking about how I could have got a much newer and better equipped car for not a great deal more money. Another problem in engine size - I love to travel and will want to drive considerable distances in my car. A 1 litre engine might not be up to the journeys I have in mind. The insurance looks to be the same whichever I choose.

Does anyone have any experience with one or both of these cars, or any tips for making the right choice?

Thanks,
Laura

Honestly, save you money and get a cheap run about, sub £1,000, and build up your no claims discount.
You are likely to have an accident within a few years of passing your test, si better to break a cheap car than a more expensive one.

As a side, VW parts tend to be expensive.
A similar car is the Ford fiesta, cheap to run, insure and repair.

I did consider that, but I'm going to university next year in a very remote and rugged area so I really need a car that won't fall apart on me. I get attached easily so I'm likely to keep the car for many years too.

Same answer as Curlyben... careful selection when you buy saves you trouble later (choose a reputed brand). No need to get most rcent model.