neuroboy

Hi there. I'm new here. I'm looking to buy my first brand new car - I'm nearly 40, but never really bothered with cars, even though I passed my test at 20 and do like driving... but always either been too skint or not had the need. In fact, apart from a few car hires, I didn't drive at all for all of my 20's and most of my 30's. I have owned a couple of VW Sciroccos in the past 7 years, but only had them on the road a total of 3 years, and not had much luck, what with getting 6 points on my license, bashing into the back of my mates new Mondeo and ultimately getting my last beloved Scirocco written off by a thieving junkie scumbag. I'd love another Scirocco, but my insurance went sky high, economy was atrocious and I doubt I'd pick up such a great reliable bargain like I did before. So I'm looking to getting a cheap, fun, economical runabout for the city, the occasional short jaunt up the M1 to see my sister, and twice-yearly trip to see my folks in Scotland. I was originally looking at a Panda, but discovered my well proportioned 6 foot frame had trouble squeezing in, the worst aspect being the window pillar digging into my shoulder with the seat back in a driving position I liked. Gutted, as I would've loved a 100HP :) I then considered forking out a bit more and going for a Grande Punto because they look great and are relatively cheap... but have read so many horror stories, especially on the Autocar customer reviews and Fiat owners forums. But I've also had an eye on a C1 for a while - they look cute and sharp, run on peanuts and have a nice funky interior. I'm well impressed with the emissions and economy and the low tax and insurance group, plus have read very few negative reviews or user feedback. So I had a test drive, and really enjoyed driving it for the 15 mins or so I did, though I felt the engine was a little noisy and the ride a bit stiff, but otherwise a great simple drive with plenty of style and character, and most importantly a really nice driving position with plenty of space for me. I know they are cheap (though not as cheap as a Panda which you can get for £5K online!) but I'd really like to spend more time with one before committing myself. Ideally I'd like a weekend but even 4 or 5 hours would be great - time enough to pootle around town, throw it about some country lanes in the Peaks and razz up the motorway to show it off to me sis and her little ones, who'll love its smiley face. So I'm wondering how I can do this as I cannot find anyone renting them out or offering an extended test drive in my local area. The only rental I can find is a 2 year contract hire.... a bit excessive for a test drive methinks! Anyone have any ideas? I'm in Sheffield.