Used car suggestions- first car

Nails

Hi
Im doing a bit of research into buying my first car after recently passing my driving test. I'm looking for something reliable, and within a budget of less than €3000. I would use it mainly for going kayaking and the odd journey at weekends so it needs to be able to have roof racks and be able to carry the weight of a boat or two (40/50kg). Something cheap enough on insurance would be gr8! Ive had 2 years as a named driver.
I was thinking maybe a 98-00 toyota corolla 1.4l? any other suggestions? Any help is really appreciated

Cheers
E

Mailman

A panda?
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Fiat/Panda/car/774737/
You'll have roof bars in place.
They're reliable.
Insurance friendly.
cheap to run.
Might be a bit slow on the few occassions you carry a kayak but will be well able for the job.

kuro_man

Get an estate. The flat load-area is perfect for watersports (and sitting on), bigger boot to hold your gear and usually has roof-rails so putting on a rack is easy.

Ford Focus/VW Golf Estate are a sensible buy (avoid the 1.8 diesel in the Focus) or this http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Nissan/Primera/ESTATE-YOU/1168960/ - squeeze the dealer hard for a cash deal.

Smaller alternative is Skoda Fabia http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Skoda/Fabia/1.2-AMBIENTE/1029798/

Larger ones are Mercedes C/E class, Audi A4/A6, and Volvo, of course!