Any tips appreciated...

[mdhughes03]

Hi guys
In a few months time I hope to be buying my first ever car :eek:
by then I should have £2000 saved. I could however raise more cash, as I don't mind waiting a bit longer for a better buy.

I just want something really simple, small, economic, not falling to bits but not expensive (as you can see from my budget!) as it's only for running around in, e.g. I don't have to rely on it to get to work so there won't be excessive mileage.

Having never bought a car before, I guess I'm just looking for any advice anyone has to offer, whether it's pitfalls to look out for or reccommendations-fire away

thanks in advance

Mandy x

[Premier]

As this is your first car, that £2k you've saved should just about cover the first years insurance for many cars.

So before agreeing to purchase, get an insurance quote based on that model ;)

[anewman]

Get a quote on a site like confused.com and keep changing the car until it comes out cheaper. Changing the car will be the easiest way to reduce insurance cost. Also consider adding parents as named drivers - even if they have insurance cover to drive other cars and will never drive your car as this can reduce insurance cost. Good luck.

[mdhughes03]

Yes I have already had a play around with insurance quotes based on the age and various models of car I would be able to afford and have got a few quotes between 700-800 pounds, and need to ring up to see if adding my father would make a difference to that. I have separate money put aside for insurance anyway but htank you for the link :)

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

diesel saxo or 106

i wouldnt spend too much on the first car as you often prang em in the first year or so

[mdhughes03]

Exactly what I was thinking :o

[carbonmonoxide]

Hi - to add to this topic: I was thinking of spending between £500-£700 on a first car when I eventually pass my test. Does that sound reasonble?

Also is it better to go through a used car dealer? I know nothing about cars so don't want to get ripped off and am guessing you have some sort of comeback through a dealer?

[albionrovers]

Try the Nissan Micra for size. Plenty of them out there.

[carbonmonoxide]

Try the Nissan Micra for size. Plenty of them out there.

that's exactly what my instructor said too! cheers, I'll look out for one if I pass :beer:

[Lemonade Pockets]

The only thing i would say about buying a old banger when you've just past is don't expect to stop as well as your driving instructors car.

[jaydeeuk1]

Yes I have already had a play around with insurance quotes based on the age and various models of car I would be able to afford and have got a few quotes between 700-800 pounds, and need to ring up to see if adding my father would make a difference to that. I have separate money put aside for insurance anyway but htank you for the link :)

When I phoned up for my first insurance quote, my lowest was £1200 TP F&T (highest £3k!) for a £800 1.6 fiat tipo. Directline said it would be cheaper to have a parent as the main driver, and me on the policy as an additional driver even though I was the one who would use the car 99% of the time. Slashed it to under £400. Did for for 7 years until I was 25 so saved myself a fortune!

[big gay kirk]

try getting something older.. by which i mean pre 1985.... plenty of stuff out there at knock down prices, insurance can be very cheap, diy maintenance is simple, and you'll have something different to your average euro box or chav mobile... as an example, 250 quid will buy you a 1.6 mark 4 or 5 cortina with tax and mot... i got an insurance quote for a 17 yr old on one, and for 6000 miles a year it came to less than 250 quid fully comp... a 1.6 capri was a little more... i also know where there's an Allegro 1.5 with t and t for about 150.. insurance would be about 200 quid fro a 17 yr old if you shop around... plus you'd be able to take it to car shows, so it gets you some cheap days out as well....

[mdhughes03]

Hmm well I am 27 so premiums are slightly lower for me. I live more than a hundred miles away from my parents so could I genuinely put one of them as the main driver???

[big gay kirk]

Hmm well I am 27 so premiums are slightly lower for me. I live more than a hundred miles away from my parents so could I genuinely put one of them as the main driver???

possibly not!!