UK Car Insurance Takes The Piss

Ok, im 17 and nearly 18 and looking for my first car.

I have been looking at a few quotes on cars that are practically toys with 1 liter engines like corsas, polos, clios, fiestas and I am being totally screwed for insurance. The cheapest I have found is a 1.2 corsa and the insurance is £1,939 a year...

Its really starting to take the piss now, I work 2 days a week and at college for the rest of the week so my yearly income is only just under £5k if I work 2 days a week every week for the year. Worst thing is, my contract only says I work 2 days a week if there is work for me (which at the moment there is), if not then I work 1 day a week which adding tax, fuel, insurance, mot and everything up it leaves me with about £200 left.

What is going on here, theres absolutely nothing I can do. I might as well quit while I am ahead theres no point me getting a car until the 2 years I am at college are up and even then when I will be 19 I will still have to pay a stupendously ridiculous price.

Dont know how it works in your part of the world, but rates are fairly high here too.
A couple of things to consider..

-2 door costs more to insure than a 4 door
-Hatchback or fastback vs trunk is also more expensive
-Engine size which I think you covered matters
-Vehicle safety rating helps
-Being a student helps too, but not sure what companies you have there..
-A driver ed course, here it can knock off 40+%


Common things, but it may help...

Ok, baring in mind what you said above here's the latest quotes I got. I did try the Pass Plus and it doesn't really knock off much.

Vaxhall Corsa LX 1195cc - £1,939/year
Citroen Saxo Forte 1124cc - £2,391/year
Fiat Punto 1242cc - £2,915/year
Ford Fiesta Azura 1119cc - £2,374/year
Rover 111 1119cc - £2,166/year

Its absolutely ridiculous... Their idea of reducing accidents is to put the price up so much people cant afford to buy it or something.