The costs of getting and running a car

KBX_2

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

25 miles each way a day on what sort of roads at what time, 30 minutes sounds optimistic. I used to drive an hour each way to work and it was soul destroying

Sorry, correction 18.4 miles, it takes approx 30 minutes. I know its doable as me and my colleagues had to do some training, which was around 20 miles away and we made it there within 30 mins (however we had to be cautious on the time we got onto the motorway).

KBX_2

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

A thread like this probably makes us all think just how expensive motoring is, but unless you have very convenient public transport, its a must.

Initial purchase of smallish car, probably anything from £1000 to £5000.

Depreciation of that purchase, £500 to £1000+ per year.

Servicing, repairs, MOT tyres etc, another £500 to £1000 depending on your luck and choice of car.

Fuel, say £2300, but could vary £500 either side depending on your commute and car choice....luckily !!!!!! Turpin takes the majority of that in tax to make you feel better..;)

Insurance, first car say £1500, again give or take £500 either way, obviously that will go down if you stay claim free.

Don't forget incidentals, parking charges, parking fines, possible minor accident losing your excess even if not your fault.

My father always said that once you bought a car you'd always have your hand in your pocket, he wasn't wrong.

Thank you for the breakdown. I am leaning more to the idea that a car might be a necessaity for me.

KBX_2

s_b wrote: »

basically you shouldnt have bothered applying for the job seeing as you cant do it and let someone that could actually get there on a morning have it
i applied to be a space pilot but when offered the position turned it down as the morning commute to houston would have eventually wore me out

suggest you get your test passed buy a car get used to things like steery wheels and pedals and then look for a job outside your comfort zone thats attainable:)

soz but you did ask

Sorry but I asked for an input on cars, not career choices. I appreciate being employed - even if it requires a commute.

KBX_2

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

In this job market you have to take what you can get. I was looking at jobs up to a two hour commute each way but luckily got one only an hour away by car.

OP maybe look into car sharing (or even a mini cab) whilst you learn if public transport is going to be a problem. I used to do a two hour commute and it was fine with a book and an iPod and that was working 8 to 8 but it does cut into your social life.

Thank you for understanding.

I am happy the job is only 18.4 miles away, and I am very happy to be an employed graduate. I have tried to see if anyone is commuting from where I live, but I am yet to find anyone - I will see if that changes upon starting the job.

KBX_2

neilmcl wrote: »

How come the train takes so long compared to the drive, you sure you could do the journey in 30mins? Where are you travelling to/from? Is their a bus service?

I would be travelling from Leicester to Rugby, considering it's next door you have to change at least once. The bus service takes approx 1.5 hrs also.

KBX_2

property.advert wrote: »

If you don't drive then getting a bike will more likely put you in the morgue than ease your train time.

Could you not move near to work ? or get a job near home ?

You don't want bangernomics with this mileage. To be honest and if cash is available or you fancy a loan, a new car with a long warranty might suit you down to the ground.

Whatever you do, it is going to take 3 months to get your own license so perhaps give this job a pass if you cannot move there.

Well I understand that I would have to commute initially (which is fine), but I know it will get tedious as I have commuted before.

Giving this job a pass is not really an option, I'd be silly to do so.

KBX_2

newfoundglory wrote: »

I reckon it will be more like 4 hours a day commuting - and you can't put a price on your sanity!!! (trust me on this one, its why I learned to drive!)

Learning to drive, and getting a car is a LONG TERM investment if you anticipate needing a car for years to come. You might consider spending a bit more on a car if thats the case.

250 to 300 miles a week is definitely diesel territory - something like a Ford Fiesta TDCi (old or new shape) would be perfect for a new driver and should be cheap to buy/run/insure/tax. You should also get excellent mileage.

Thank you very much I will take note of this as I browse.

patman99 wrote: »

What's wrong with an old banger?. I have spent the last year doing a 35 mile round trip to work in a 1998 Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec. Apart from a couple of tyres and an oil change I have had no trouble at all.
Have just replaced it with a 1.9TDi Octavia (X reg). The Focus cost £35 a week in fuel (I do about 230 miles a week with all the other running around I do). I reckon I'll save £10 a week with the Octavia.

At the end of day, it's all down to how well the owner looks after the car. For instance, I picked up the new addition to the fleet from having the cambelt, tensioner and water pump replaced yesterday. It cost £375, but it gives me 4 years peace of mind.
This is a major job that needs to be factored in when buying a car.
As for insurance, think about buying a 'dad Waggon '. Any vehicle that. Has no street appeal to the young will be cheaper to insure.

Oh I am not too concerned with what looks good, as long as its practical and cost efficient.

vax2002 wrote: »

A more common sense approach would make you look at the employment ?
Can you find a more local job, even if it is slightly less pay, as this one requires you to spend a good portion of the wages just getting there and back.

If I could do that I would, but I rather spend a bit more and stregthen my career prospects and work experience.

newfoundglory wrote: »

Is a 20 to 30 minute drive really that far !?!?

Initial outlay to drive might seem high, but after a year or two the savings kick in.

Trains and public transport have become so expensive, its often cheaper to drive now if you are smart about it.

OP - another option to consider if insurance and costs of car ownership are too high - is get your license and then take out a long-term rental car (Enterprise should hire you a car with less than 1 years driving). I would have thought you'd be looking at a minimum of around £300/month or more, plus petrol on top.

Thank you very much.

s_b

KBX wrote: »

Sorry but I asked for an input on cars, not career choices. I appreciate being employed - even if it requires a commute.

no worries
i was being realistic
you arent
you should be reading your highway code now not dilly dalling on a keyboard
lots to do and so little time
have you applied for a provisional licence yet?
well have you:)

property.advert

Rent a room near work and stay there Mon-Thur nights, commuting once a week on the train until you pass your test.