Jobs & Education1 min ago
buying a car for the 1st time
18 Answers
i passed my test today, but I have no idea now what to do. I have no idea about cars, insurance anything. I wouldnt tell if a car advertised was good or bad, im not a mechanic.
Answers
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As a suggestion,
Buy a cheaper car as you will now learn to drive, also you will build up no claims on your insurance, which I assure you will not be cheap.
You've just learned how to pass your test, real life is slightly different.
If you are buying a car, take someone with you who knows what to look for or even, the AA will do it for a fee, not sure how much but will give you peace of mind.
Buy a cheaper car as you will now learn to drive, also you will build up no claims on your insurance, which I assure you will not be cheap.
You've just learned how to pass your test, real life is slightly different.
If you are buying a car, take someone with you who knows what to look for or even, the AA will do it for a fee, not sure how much but will give you peace of mind.
Congratulations!
Ask around friends and neighbours for a local car showroom they have had good service from, go and see them and tell them what you want (ie cheap, economical etc) but see several before you decide.
You may pay a bit more than buying out of the paper but at bleast if there is a problem you have someone to go back to.
Be prepared for a shock when you ask about the cost of insurance - for that reason your first car will probably be old and small engined.
Ask around friends and neighbours for a local car showroom they have had good service from, go and see them and tell them what you want (ie cheap, economical etc) but see several before you decide.
You may pay a bit more than buying out of the paper but at bleast if there is a problem you have someone to go back to.
Be prepared for a shock when you ask about the cost of insurance - for that reason your first car will probably be old and small engined.
I am looking to buy a Ford Fiesta 1.6 tdci Econetic (70+ mpg and zero road tax) and have been searching for insurance quotes. Today I have found £1,700+ through to £498 for the same cover. I have been driving a bit longer than you though, 34 years actually. As I said earlier, shop around.
Just seen you KA post £1800 without any no claims doesn't sound too excessive.
Just seen you KA post £1800 without any no claims doesn't sound too excessive.
Daughter is currently looking into buying her first car and she's been to our local Vauxhall dealer, where for a minimum deposit of £100 and monthly payments of £199 she can have a brand new 2 door Corsa - in red I believe other colours may cost more as will other models and what extras you might need. I only mention this as it might give you the option of having a new car. Otherwise I would just like to echo the previous answers in that you should shop around for for a car and insurance. Well done on passing your test!
Congratulations !
Insurance on a car often takes into account security features on a car too, so on a little for Ka, the locks will not be as secure as say a Honda that would have more gadgets built into the locks and ignition to stop someone stealing it.
Buying a brand new car as a first time may seem like a good idea, but what with the fact that for the first year you will no doubt (as careful as you are) be in a situation where you don't see a post when you park and open the door into it, or someone will scrape your car in a car park and drive off without a care.
Small engined cars are usually cheaper on insurance and you will also find that if the car is more than 10 years old, it will be lots more to insure than a newer one.
Another option is to buy a classic car and drive that on a limited milage policy for a year. It would normally have to be garaged or parked on a drive overnight, but for around £140 a year it works out a lot cheaper.
Remember that some classic cars can also be un-reliable though, unless you get an old Honda civic from 1990 and insure it as a "modern classic".
Oh the joys of motoring....It does get better as you gain experience though, think I'm on my 25th car now, only been driving since 1997 !
Insurance on a car often takes into account security features on a car too, so on a little for Ka, the locks will not be as secure as say a Honda that would have more gadgets built into the locks and ignition to stop someone stealing it.
Buying a brand new car as a first time may seem like a good idea, but what with the fact that for the first year you will no doubt (as careful as you are) be in a situation where you don't see a post when you park and open the door into it, or someone will scrape your car in a car park and drive off without a care.
Small engined cars are usually cheaper on insurance and you will also find that if the car is more than 10 years old, it will be lots more to insure than a newer one.
Another option is to buy a classic car and drive that on a limited milage policy for a year. It would normally have to be garaged or parked on a drive overnight, but for around £140 a year it works out a lot cheaper.
Remember that some classic cars can also be un-reliable though, unless you get an old Honda civic from 1990 and insure it as a "modern classic".
Oh the joys of motoring....It does get better as you gain experience though, think I'm on my 25th car now, only been driving since 1997 !
Congratulations - I remember the day I past my driving test - I drove to the coast for chips and ice cream with my BF of teh time!
In more recent times we have had a KA and I recommend it as a perfect little car for a new driver . Its easy to drive, easy to park and doesn't go too fast!
I wouldn't buy a new one for the reasons mentioned. If you have a second hand KA and you scratch it or knock the door nothing lost really. You can run it around for a few years and do your very best to build up a no claims bonus which will start to reduce your insurance premiums.
For peace of mind, buy from a local garage which people can recommend. Don't buy from private ads or autotrader unless you have someone to help you pick a good car from a pile of rubbish. Good luck and avoid green ones, they're not lucky cars.
In more recent times we have had a KA and I recommend it as a perfect little car for a new driver . Its easy to drive, easy to park and doesn't go too fast!
I wouldn't buy a new one for the reasons mentioned. If you have a second hand KA and you scratch it or knock the door nothing lost really. You can run it around for a few years and do your very best to build up a no claims bonus which will start to reduce your insurance premiums.
For peace of mind, buy from a local garage which people can recommend. Don't buy from private ads or autotrader unless you have someone to help you pick a good car from a pile of rubbish. Good luck and avoid green ones, they're not lucky cars.
They have brought up the prices of insurance for women now so that they will pay similar to men.
Being a named driver has now been called "Fronting" as most people use it as an excuse to be the main driver when they are supposed to be an occasional driver, it's a real pain to get insurance, but it does pay to shop around.
You can also run the price comparison websites through more than once and the quotes can be higher or lower, it's very random.
Best to get someone who knows about cars to come with you and don't let your heart rule your head, there are bargains out there to be had, yo just need to look for them, but it may take a little time.
Being a named driver has now been called "Fronting" as most people use it as an excuse to be the main driver when they are supposed to be an occasional driver, it's a real pain to get insurance, but it does pay to shop around.
You can also run the price comparison websites through more than once and the quotes can be higher or lower, it's very random.
Best to get someone who knows about cars to come with you and don't let your heart rule your head, there are bargains out there to be had, yo just need to look for them, but it may take a little time.
Congratulations. Now your problems are just beginning.
I can echo the the advise you've just been given but something else I have discovered is, it is just as cheap, if not cheaper, to insure an old car fully comprehensive than third party fire and theft so it's worth getting quotes for that cover as well.
My wife and I have been driving for over 40 years and our fully comp. ins. on a 1800cc Nissan Primera is £216 p.a. with Hastings direct. They are worth taking a look at.
I can echo the the advise you've just been given but something else I have discovered is, it is just as cheap, if not cheaper, to insure an old car fully comprehensive than third party fire and theft so it's worth getting quotes for that cover as well.
My wife and I have been driving for over 40 years and our fully comp. ins. on a 1800cc Nissan Primera is £216 p.a. with Hastings direct. They are worth taking a look at.
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