Never owned a car - need one now!

movingupnorth

Hi - apologies if I make any newbie errors here!

I am in need of some very basic advice. I passed my test at 18 and now, in my (ahem) mid 40s, I am finally going to have to get me a car, having never owned or been insured for one before.

I cannot afford to buy outright and have received a few pearls of wisdom as to how I should approach this:

1. I should buy an old used car, flog it, and earn my no claims
2. I should lease a new car.

I will be commuting into the city, daily.

Does anyone have any opinions that could help me, please?
Many thanks!

A

GlynD

You need to get something small and reliable. A fleet car manufacturer like Ford or Vauxhall. Something reasonably new, like a 2 or three year old which will have low miles and you'll be able to get or put a warranty with it to deal with any unexpected repairs. An Astra or perhaps a Focus. Something along those lines but not necessarily of those makes.

tanith

I agree I wouldn't buy new either just something that is smallish and reliable as suggested above... have you considered a refresher course before you contemplate getting behind the wheel? Its an awful long time since your test and there have been lots of changes since you learnt..

s_b

definitely buy s/h as you will bump it if even slightly
a refresher course is a must after so long
oh and something small so you can park it easy in the city

movingupnorth

Thanks - I will definately be doing a refresher!

I am interested in leasing - because it means a smaller initial outlay. Do any of you have an opinion on leasing as apposed to buying? Would that make my premiums more expensive, do you think?

thank you!
A

GlynD

I would avoid leasing unless you are VAT registered. Same for contract hire, unless you take a PCP. Your method of buying won't affect your premiums though. Just stay well within what you can afford and you'll not go wrong.

slyracoon

movingupnorth wrote: »

I passed my test at 18 and now, in my (ahem) mid 40s, I am finally going to have to get me a car, having never owned or been insured for one before.

Have you not driven at all since you passed?? Or have you driven other vechiles but just never owned your own?

If you've not driven regularly since you passed I would recomend some refresher classes with a driving instructor. The roads and cars in general have changed alot in the past 20-30 years.

movingupnorth

I've driven but not in the last 5 years. I did a refresher course and didn't like it - at the time, I was in central London surrounded by good public transport and able to avoid the issue - now, I am moving jobs and locations and can no longer stick my head in the sand!

the thing I am concerned about is insurance. Friends are telling me I will be paying astronomical fees because I have never driven before.

movingupnorth

Thanks - what is a PCP?

GlynD

movingupnorth wrote: »

Thanks - what is a PCP?

It's where you take a car on low finance payments - perhaps a brand new one. At the end of the agreement you get offered the car at a price which was agreed when you took out the agreement. You don't have to buy it though, you can say no and hand it back and either forget about car ownership, or take out another PCP or purchase/use in another way.

Some people like this because it's true that you never make money on a car unless you're a dealer so you may as well drive one which you know you'll never own but is of very good quality.

PS: it means Personal Contract Purchase.