Buying for the first time

RosiPossum

Hello, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm looking to buy my first car. I don't have savings but my credit rating is okay. I'm currently on a 22.5h contract but am moving to a village where I will need a car. I will be a full time, permanent member of staff there, on about £22k, but I need a car before I start.

I'm moving from Glasgow to Co.Durham, and just wondered what the best option was? A friend said Arnold Clark were good and give warranty that you can use at any UK AC dealer, but I'm pretty clueless about the whole thing.

Advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

happyc84

Hi RosiPossum,
I'm from Glasgow but would be wary of main dealers such as AC; unless you know what type of car you want, also determine how much you want to spend or can afford per month.
Other factors:- How many miles per year will you be driving.How many people will be in the car.
work out what type of car you like; big or small plenty of choice out there. remember a good dealer will want you to come back. Good luck.

forgotmyname

How much can you save a month? Do you have any no claims bonus to use? A policy in your name thats less than 2 years old generally.

Budget? Type of car? Journey type? Distance each way?

Expect a car to drain your wallet weekly..

RosiPossum

Thanks for the replies, I wasn't sure what info to put in.
I'd like just a wee car, like a yaris, clio, that kind. I don't have no claims as I've never had a car, but I've had my licence for 8 years now with no points.
I don't know how many miles I'll be doing. If I live in the village I'll be working in, I'd take a guess at 50/week average. I'd only need it for going to the supermarket, visiting my family, and going for days out. I may have to drive to/from Glasgow on rare occasions though.

I don't know what my budget would be. If I'm bringing in around £1400/month (net) but have rent of around £500, phone/media of around £100, council tax, and food, utilities etc. I'd guess that leaves me with £200/m budget or so. My husband is working too, but we don't know what he'll be doing yet - current plan is to stay in Glasgow for college for 2 weeks and work the other days (3 days college) and come down for a week.

It will mainly be just me or me and my husband in the car. He doesn't drive. It will be for personal use.

Not sure if hire purchase, financing, leasing etc is best. Just after some advice from people who have been here before

forgotmyname

So your journey will only be 5 miles each way? Thats going to be bad for an engine. It wont get upto a decent working temperature to burn the deposits off.

Get some insurance quotes 1st. It maybe over £1000 a year..

Avoid finance if you can... A car can soon cost a lot more than you think.

RosiPossum

Sorry, I'd be staying in the village where I'm working so I'd guess a few trips of 10-20 miles rather than 10 trips of 5 miles.

Iceweasel

Hi there, Rosi P

Insurance will play a big factor if you haven't had a car of your own before.

Depending if you were a 'named driver' on someone else's policy you may well get an introductory discount - you really need to shop around for that.

Get a small, simple car, as young as you can afford, as the insurance premium will be less.

Fuel economy is not of prime importance with the mileage you anticipate.

Do NOT get a diesel as they thrive on high miles and can give problems if used only on short journeys where the engine will possibly never reach it's correct full working temperature.

You're on the right track with thoughts of Yaris, Clio etc.

Test drive as many different makes and models as you can and you'll know when one feels 'right' for you.

Whatever you buy, get at least a 3 month warranty with it, even if it costs a bit more.

Take a mechanical savvy pal with you when you inspect any used car.

Good luck in your quest.

Do come back with more questions if you need to - opinions on specific models etc.

albionrovers

Consider Nissan Micra. Plenty of used models out there.

westwood68

Iceweasel wrote: »

Do NOT get a diesel as they thrive on high miles and can give problems if used only on short journeys where the engine will possibly never reach it's correct full working temperature.

Correction...do not get a modern diesel.

An very simple older small diesel like a 1.5 diesel Saxo or Peugeot 106 will also fit your purposes. Many are still on low mileages and will return 50-60mpg all day long. The older tech on these engines is well proven to 200000+ miles with no fancy electrics, flywheels or filters to go wrong.