advice for a new driver

tom1189

Just looking for some opinions/advice on my current situation. I've recently past my driving test at the age of 25. I've no actual need to start driving (quite content commuting by bike) but the social/leisure draw is quite strong. The car will be used for doing the shopping, odd days out etc. Im also seeing it as an investment of sorts should a future job require the use of a car.

Ive got around 3k in savings, the original plan was to get something around the 1k mark and stick the insurance on a 0% credit card (letting the remainder of my savings earn interest and paying the card of monthly). I am currently debt free.

Ive started searching this past weekend and have viewed a couple of cars, and have to admit I'm pretty fed up already! Its the anxiety of buying something that turns out to be a !!!! heap that's getting me down.

So I'm considering upping my budget to say the 2k mark. I was curious as to whether this should put my mind at ease a little more?

It seems car dealing is a bit of a murky world and I'm still worried about getting ripped off! Though perhaps this is just the MSE'er in me and I just need to take the leap.

Any thoughts/ideas welcome.

JustinR1979

Can get a decent car for 2k, get one bought and get out driving

forgotmyname

If you have £2000 in hand then buying a £1000 car will leave you with £1000 for those repairs that are bound to crop up.

Servicing, tyres, brakes etc..

£2000 potentially maybe more reliable. But that could also need several hundred £'s on servicing and repairs.

Any car is a risk. Even new ones can have issues.

£2000 is usually where i look for cars now. I choose high mileage but well maintained cars.

mchale

tom1189 wrote: »

Any thoughts/ideas welcome.

Get a idea of insurance cost's 1st, depending where you live ins could be £2500 or more, also take a mechanic with you when you go to look at 1 to buy.

rob404uk

Hi, I was in a similar situation to you a couple of years ago but I passed at 30. I spent 1650 on a 10 year old low mileage seat Ibiza which has been reliable until Saturday. Called the aa and all it was was a 12 pound switch for the radiator fan. Been good on the whole. Mcale has a point on insurance. Cost me 2k first year at 30. Although now down to 600

JustinR1979

Oh and pass plus will probably pay for itself in the 1st year, and then a bit each year after.

enjoyyourshoes

Insurance

I have been informed 'insure the box' is worth a look for first time drivers.

Put that in the basket when you are searching for quotes and look t Martins tips for car insurance

JustinR1979

I'm 35 and still put mother down as a named driver, saves a few quid every year.

tom1189

Local car dealer who came recommended attempted to sell me a car with a blown head gasket! Hasn't done much for my confidence in used car sales.

Insurance is around 1k depending on the car, that's with a black box which I don't have a problem with.

BeenThroughItAll

tom1189 wrote: »

Local car dealer who came recommended attempted to sell me a car with a blown head gasket! Hasn't done much for my confidence in used car sales.

Insurance is around 1k depending on the car, that's with a black box which I don't have a problem with.

Tell us where you are in the country and you may find there are some recommended places from local users.

tom1189

Good idea, I'm south Manchester/Stockport based.