Looking for a new car

[tobybowes]

Im close to passing my test and im think about buying a car. Now i know all about insurance comarisons etc but when buying the actual vehicle itself im clueless.

Im thinking of getting a petrol with LPG for the money aspect. I want 4 doors. Not bothered about the make really. 5 years old max. And have a budget of £2000-4000.

Now im sure everyone will realise thats a very vague outline, but ive no idea how to go about buying a car. Ive had a look around and there doesnt appear to be a specific forum for this.

Any help from websites to buy cars from, to what car you think would be good. I dont want any offers of people trying to sell on here because that is against site rules.

Thanks

[Skint_Catt]

You'll have more luck on the Motoring Board under Travel.

Excluding the LPG aspect I would suggest a Focus/Fiesta depending on what size you want - you can get 4 door saloons if thats what you want though a 5 door hatch will be more readily available on the market as these were more popular but then 4 doors will be cheaper because less people want them so your choice really!

You will also need to think about how many miles per annum you will do and what sort of driving (motorway/short trips) - for example I found the seats of the Ford Ka very tiring/achy for long distance motorway driving but fine for a little run around!

Also need to think about insurance groups (Focus Grp 5) - the lower the better if you're a new driver - willkeep the cost down a bit for the first few years!

www.peachorlemon.co.uk (http://www.peachorlemon.co.uk) are quite good for reviews
Parkers website is good to check out second hand prices
or buy a comprehensive magazine with all makes models and styles and have a flick through until you narrow it down.
Fish4cars is good to see whats on sale in your local area once you've got an idea of what you want.

C xx

[Nile]

Hello tobybowes

I'll move your thread to the 'Motoring & Public Transport' board.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=1009335#post1009335)) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email abuse@moneysavingexpert.com (abuse@moneysavingexpert.com).

Regards

Nile

[Pssst]

I'd suggest that as a new driver,you start by looking at insurance and then buy a car you can afford to insure !

Insurance costs for new drivers are very scary