MoneySaving Advice for a Newly Passed Driver

effortless

hey guys,

I always get amazing feedback on all posts so I thought I'd chime in here for some advice.


I passed my driving test earlier today, and as the past few months have been expensive I'm looking to cheap out as much as possible for the time being to get on the road.

What car should I be looking for, a higher priced model or a cheap banger? Can I pay monthly on insurance and will this involve a credit check (i've been refused a mobile contract before )?

What pitfalls should I be looking out for? Where are the best places to look?

In my specific circumstance, I'll be doing a lot of motorway driving.


I hope this thread can help anyone just passing their test for advice on saving a bit of cash.

Any help appreciated, Thanks!

forgotmyname

Get quotes for both something new and cheap and something old and very very cheap.

Who knows, Seems to be pot luck. If i add a driver who has made claims to my claim free policy it actually
gets cheaper? Work that one out.

Monthly payment plans would normally get credit checked and can add quite a sum to the original
policy fee.

Doesnt matter what roads you drive on, They just assume your new and you will crash and cost them
money.

Best place to look, EVERYWHERE. Online comparison sites, Club sites, Performance car magazines, Small
brokers.
Mines insured through a club scheme, Still expensive though. Risen £150 in the last 2 years. Even though
i have 10 years+ no claims and fast approaching old fart status.

spiro

There was an article in the press (Daily Mail) this week about insurnace companies reviving use of trackers to help reduce insurance costs for new drivers. See here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1350509/Spy-car-slash-cost-insurance-cover-young.html

They do this using several methods; driver declares annual mileage (lower = cheaper), banding times of day (no overnight driving = cheaper) and several other factors.

cyclonebri1

Regarding choice of car, the question is how much can you afford to pay??

My advice would be to get a mainstream car of maybe 5 or 6 years old but high mileage.

But don't rule anything out without checking the insurance out, you might just be suprised what cars work out cheaper to insure.

It's highly likely statistics being what they are that you will at least put a few scrapes/dinks on your 1st car. Something less expensive maybe best?, but don't use that as an excuse to drive "carelessly"

Chimpofdoom

Get a used car that's a nation favourite (lots of spare parts out there! Do your part recycle )

Insurance wise on an older car Third party, fire and theft would allow for some savings. If possible, add a second experienced driver (not as the main driver however)

Arguably, if you really wanted to be a MSE, you could look for cheap second hand cars that have LPG (autogas) already fitted (there's a website with high mileage cheap LGP cars). It'll save a bundle on fuel and help the environment at the same time

Coveredinbees!!!!

Get cheap breakdown cover so if it goes pop on the motorway you won't get a huge bill to tow you off.

bigjl

How about a classic car, some cars are considered classic for insurance purposes sooner than some may think. Classic policies are seriuosly cheap.

Think along the lines of Mercs, BMW's and such, they are well up to modern driving conditions . If you can find an old 190 (or any other Merc for that matter) with the diesel engine in it then you can use veg oil, for that chipshop smell.

You also have a choice of Golf's, Jettas and all kinds of uber cool german machinery. Imagine cruising around in an old Scirocco. It won't mean you are a skinflint, you are an automotive connossier (Ok, yes I can't remember how to spell that)

KierNet

Avoid Corsas, Saxos, Novas, anything that you see the local boy racers in, insurance will be sky high!

Try looking at Third Party Fire and Theft and Fully Comp, for some reason FC is cheaper than TPF&T for me.

Have you looked at Pass Plus? I saved around £400 on my first year, some people have saved £1,000!

McKneff

Ive just seen in my paper

Join the AA for £39 and get a £20 boots voucher back. (this doesnt include homestart) but handy if your doing a lot of driving


Phone 0800 919595 and give the reference A1005

:T:T and Congratulations:T:T

cyclonebri1

bigjl wrote: »

How about a classic car, some cars are considered classic for insurance purposes sooner than some may think. Classic policies are seriuosly cheap.

Think along the lines of Mercs, BMW's and such, they are well up to modern driving conditions . If you can find an old 190 (or any other Merc for that matter) with the diesel engine in it then you can use veg oil, for that chipshop smell.

You also have a choice of Golf's, Jettas and all kinds of uber cool german machinery. Imagine cruising around in an old Scirocco. It won't mean you are a skinflint, you are an automotive connossier (Ok, yes I can't remember how to spell that)

Actually quite a valid point, but when I've had specialist insurance on track/classic/kit cars, it allways asks dow you have another exiating policy, ie, these are cheap but only as a 2nd policy???

Diamond78

When you go to view a car and test drive it, always take someone with you that understands and knows about cars.

I was unlucky and ended up buying a £700 car and the car dealer assured me the car needed no work and was in great condition. Had I not got the car checked soon after buying, the engine would of gone and I would of been without a car. I ended up having to pay for a new timing belt and new front brake pads.



Don't get me wrong, there are some great car dealers out there and if you know about cars then that's good but if there are a few things you are not sure about, take someone with you know.