First Car - Where to buy?

nikki_isme

Good morning!

I need to buy my first car. What's the best way to go?

Option 1 - Autotrader and get some cheapo car. I'd be looking to pay no more than a grand. This would go on my credit card.

Option 2 - Go to a proper dealer and get a car on finance. The car would cost more, but would I get a better finance deal? Also would I get more protection (like guarantees etc)

I'm so confused! I'm looking for a car that is cheap on insurance and easy on fuel. I only use it socially as I use the train for work.

Help!

Incyder

I have bought every car Ive owned over the last 26 years privately. I have never visited a dealer and never will. I will never take out finance on a car either.

For £1000 I would expect to get a very good well looked after car. I aim to buy from the over 50's who generally are the first or second owner and have full service history. You should begin your search looking in local shop windows at adverts, local papers, auto trader, sainsburys/morrissons have big notice boards with cars for sale sometimes.

Be warned, owning any car is very expensive. As your insurance will be high aswell as a first timer then really consider is it all worth it.
Take someone who knows about car mechanics with you when you buy.

Chimpofdoom

Used Renault clio might be a good suggestion for you. Cheap insurance category from what I remember.

Indout96

Option 1 - Autotrader and get some cheapo car. I'd be looking to pay no more than a grand. This would go on my credit card.

Aart from the cost of a credit card :eek: :eek: (unless its 0%) most people selling cars in Autotrader under £1,000 are likely to be private and so wont take a card as payment.

wba31

For your first car buy something you wont be upset at scratching or reversing into a post in. your insurance will be high, aim for a clio or micra or ka, good basic cars that dont cost the earth if something goes wrong (my choice out the 3 would be the micra - i had 3 in my first couple of years driving!)

Hammyman

+1. Your first car shouldn't be an expensive one as you're likely to get all manner of minor knocks on wing mirrors, scrapes on bumpers etc from mis-judging. Add to that your first winters driving is going to be the one where you're most likely to go sliding into someone or off the road.