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mdhughes03
mdhughes03 Posts: 458 Forumite
in Motoring
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
Remember to always be yourself-unless you suck. Joss Whedon
«1

Comments

  • Premier_2
    Premier_2 Posts: 15,141 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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 ;)
    "Now to trolling as a concept. .... Personally, I've always found it a little sad that people choose to spend such a large proportion of their lives in this way but they do, and we have to deal with it." - MSE Forum Manager 6th July 2010
  • anewman
    anewman Posts: 9,200 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    mdhughes03 Posts: 458 Forumite
    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 :)
    Remember to always be yourself-unless you suck. Joss Whedon
  • hewhoisnotintheknow
    hewhoisnotintheknow Posts: 3,162 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    mdhughes03 Posts: 458 Forumite
    Exactly what I was thinking :o
    Remember to always be yourself-unless you suck. Joss Whedon
  • carbonmonoxide
    carbonmonoxide Posts: 166 Forumite
    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
    albionrovers Posts: 2,028 Forumite
    Try the Nissan Micra for size. Plenty of them out there.
  • carbonmonoxide
    carbonmonoxide Posts: 166 Forumite
    albionrovers wrote: »
    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
    Lemonade_Pockets Posts: 1,162 Forumite
    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
    jaydeeuk1 Posts: 7,714 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    mdhughes03 wrote: »
    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!
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