Need to buy first car(2nd hand) fast.. help!!

pazza2000

Hello,

I know all the answers could be found here, however as i have a few i thought i would put them all in one place -i hope that is ok:)

I am not a car person, up to now i have avoided buying my own however the time has come to get one and quick.

I have a budget of £4-£6k, and i am looking for something small & faily stylish(no fiesta/corsa though), 3 door hatch back, ideally a mini or an A3 -although i suspect the insurance would be high on the latter. Any other recommendations?

I am a 26yo male, have been insured as a named drivers on family members cars, although never had my own insurance before so have to take this into account.. have no idea how much it will be.

My quetions are, what is the best value method to buy? Is it to buy from private buyers? Are auctions worthwhile for cars priced in this region?

Also... when i do buy a car on the day from a private buyer/garage? How can i insure myself for the day to drive it home??

Apologies if some of these are silly questions

spiro

I would avoid auction unless you take someone from the trade with you.

Before you buy anything, think of a few cars you might consider and then put the details into one of the insurnace engines to see how much its going to cost you. With no NCB, young age you may be very suprised how much some cars are going to cost you especially as a lot of rates have gone up dramatically this year.

I tried (dummy details, you age, manully worker, licence held for 3 years) Audi A3 1.6 5dr SE 2005 value £5000 and it came back with £1850. 3dr is same cost.

Inactive

Buy in haste, repent at leisure.

Take your time, do your homework.

oldtoolie

Need a car quick and don't have much experience buying? Go to an auto supermarket. Big selection & fixed prices.

victor2

As spiro says, look at insurance costs.
If you have no idea what to consider, you could look at http://www.parkers.co.uk/choose/ and then see what appeals to you. I find their reviews interesting, especially the "Also consider" vehicles listed with each one.

pazza2000

License for 9 years
Have no claims bonus but like i said i have been a named driver on others insurance of that will make any difference. I expected an A3 to be high insurance although not that bad, definetly going to avoid that...

Something small; Mini, Astra etc...

I think i should avoid auctions and just buy from a garage.

Thanks

getmore4less

3 doors are a pain.

Getting people in/out

many are too small for a suitcase in the boot

the doors are larger so more chances of dings in car parks.


With 5 doors you can get people and luggage on the back seat.

pazza2000

getmore4less wrote: »

3 doors are a pain.

Getting people in/out

many are too small for a suitcase in the boot

the doors are larger so more chances of dings in car parks.


With 5 doors you can get people and luggage on the back seat.

I only need 3 doors, the car will be used by myself only.

Going forward, i am also wondering about insurance for the day to get me home when i purchase the car

I am a named driver on a family members policy so i suppose this won't cover me for another vehicle, even third party?

Is their insurance cover i can get over the phone for one day only?
Once home i can take out a proper qoute for a year however as ill be buying from far from home ill want to be able to ake it away there and then.

Kilty_2

You can take out a 12 month policy over the phone / online and be covered the second you complete the transaction