advice for a new driver

BeenThroughItAll

tom1189 wrote: »

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

Sadly I can't help as I'm in the North East, but I'm sure there will be someone.

Ebe_Scrooge

As others have said, get some quotes on insurance before you buy anything - it's likely to be costly for a new driver. Don't automatically assume that smaller will be cheaper - for instance, Corsa's can be fairly expensive due to their "boy racer" reputation, whereas something like an old Volvo estate may be more reasonable.

And don't spend too much on a flashy model - with the best will in the world, as a new driver you're fairly likely to pick up minor dings and scratches. Not meaning to put you down there, just being realistic ! If the car is not pristine in the first place it won't matter so much. I'd always prefer something that's mechanically sound but with a few knocks on the bodywork ( as long as there's no serious rust ).

In terms of actually buying, you'll always pay more from a dealer than from a private sale. But you'll have some comeback against a dealer, whereas private sales are strictly "sold as seen". But if you're mechanically minded ( or have a friendly local mechanic who'd go with you in return for a couple of pints ), then you can get some very good deals privately.

BeenThroughItAll

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

In terms of actually buying, you'll always pay more from a dealer than from a private sale. But you'll have some comeback against a dealer, whereas private sales are strictly "sold as seen".

Best point made so far.


A £1000 car bought privately will be £1500+ on a dealer's forecourt, so that £1K 'part-exchange to clear' bargain from the dealer is the sort of thing you'd pay £3-500 for from a private driveway.

londonTiger

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.

if you're 25 the black box isn't going to do much for you. Black box was intended for young drivers 17-21 ish so the insurance company can put them in curfew and track their speeds. Because young drivers are high risk.

richy999

If you need use of a car very infrequently, have you consider renting one as and when you need it?

londonTiger

richy999 wrote: »

If you need use of a car very infrequently, have you consider renting one as and when you need it?

renting one is never economical unless you're using the vehicle less than 10 days a year. I use zipvan for my business and I ended up paying £1000 for very very infrequent use. Costing about £60-£80 each trip - plus it's stressful to have to collect and drop off the car in your allotted time.

Plus hire cars are busiest during leisure times. The Zipvan sits on my road all day 9-5 but then on weekends it's impossible to book it because people are using it for b&q, ikea stuff.

My business use is generally mon-fri but I was caught out once when an event spilled over onto the weekend for a home buyers show.

That was a bad day. Managed to hail 3 black cabs and get them drop off all my stuff in a convoy

loskie

You say you have "no need" for a car so don't buy on. Join one of the city car clubs. I am sure there will be some in your area or hire a car as and when you need one. If you don't need it it will just be a pain in the neck.

CKhalvashi

londonTiger wrote: »

renting one is never economical unless you're using the vehicle less than 10 days a year. I use zipvan for my business and I ended up paying £1000 for very very infrequent use. Costing about £60-£80 each trip - plus it's stressful to have to collect and drop off the car in your allotted time.

I use a small local company, who can give me on i10 for less than £100 a week.

Just checked, and the insurance terms I use require 3 years driving experience, so this may not be an option as/when you need a car.

Other companies may vary.

Ebe_Scrooge

Post from garyplumley marked as Spam, along with all his others.

tight_scotsman

Like others have said its very expensive when you put your first car on the road.
My first tip is on insurance. Get an experienced driver on your policy as an additional driver. This can save you a couple of hundred quid.
DO NOT be tempted to front on the insurance. This is ilegal and can land you in very hot water. (Fronting is where you get an experienced driver to say he is the main driver and you are an occasional driver)

On buying a car the honda jazz is a good solid reliable 2nd hand car most have been driven by little old ladies going for thier pension once a week.
You can pick up a decent 04/05 plate jazz for around £1500.
Dont let high milage put you off.These Honda engines are bullet proof.

Walk into a Honda dealer or any dealer for that matter and ask if they have any trade ins around your buget. They might prefer to sell direct to you than send it to auction.

Consider anything that will get your insurance down as low as possible. For instance a dashcam will get you 20% off with swift cover.

Good luck and happy motoring