First car...hardly know where to start...

GreatBigBookcase

Hello all, I'm in my 40s, passed my test when I was 18, and have never had a car or hardly even driven since. I now think I could do with a car...two kids...schools/nurseries to get to...and lots of little weekend trips that I want to do but just can't do on public transport.

But, I honestly hardly even know where to start, so can I ask a few questions? Any advice would be much appreciated please.

1) How cheap can I go for a reliable little run around? It would mainly be local trips to schools/activities, but with the occasional weekend trip further afield, but unlikely more than an hour or so on the motorway. I don't *really* want to buy a car (in that I don't want to spend the money!) but family-logistics-wise, it would really help, so I don't want to spend any more than I have to.

2) What affects the cost of insurance? Older car = cheaper insurance? Smaller car = cheaper insurance?

3) Also re insurance, would I be classed as a new driver because I've never owned a car/had insurance before? Would that make it really expensive?

4) What sort of costs would I be looking at to run a small family car, say a Renault Scenic or Ford Focus?

5) Are there particular makes of car that are more reliable and wear better over time? I mean, is an old Ford better than an old Renault (assuming they've been looked after the same)?

6) Any suggestions for good little family cars? I've only mentioned Renault Scenic and Ford Focus because that's what friends have got...

Would really appreciate any advice.

physicsgirl

If you've hardly driven since you passed your test, you may want to include the cost of a driving lesson or two to help get your confidence back.

In terms of insurance, your age will bring the insurance down but your lack of driving experience as evidenced by 0 years no claims bonus will push it up. I would suggest putting your details into one of the comparison sites, along with the details of your friend's car and see what it says price-wise. I would imagine that the Renault Scenic will be expensive because of its large engine size, the Ford Focus would possibly be cheaper. In terms of cars with small engines that would be cheaper to insure, I would recommend a 5 door Volkswagen Polo - the most spacious of small engined cars I've been in with good boot space. You could buy an older second-hand one for ~£2000 (but of course it's massively dependent on age, mileage, condition, where you're buying it from etc.).

In terms of running costs other than insurance you need to consider tax (car-dependent), MOT, annual service, money to cover possible problems, and then petrol/diesel cost is obviously dependent on how far and what type of driving you'd be doing along with the mpg of the car.

nimbo

I would second the refresher driving lesson or two.

Have a look at some cars for sale online and fill the details in - on compare the meerkat or other comparison website. It will let you know the cost of insurance - most cars for sale will have a pic of the number plate. Also as a tip never start the insurance that day - starting it next week (obviously making sure it's in place for when you actually get the car - not leaving it a week) saved me bit - maybe around £150 or so.

Fully comp insurance for me turned out to be cheaper than third party. I hadn't driven for basically three years until i got a car last month. But the fact you have had a licence for X years will make you cheaper to insure than a 20 year old - but not super cheap as I understand.

Newer cars for me again bought down the cost - rather than an old banger. Because I needed something super reliable for work and driving an old car with rattles used to make me anxious I bought new. Not saying that is what you should do - BUT I would say test drive at least two or three cars. I was convinced I wanted an Aygo until I drove it and it was frankly really uncomfortable to sit in etc.

If buying pre owned try to take a mechinacally minded friend to look under the bonnet for obvious issues. Not a fool proof method - but good to have someone know what an engine should look like. My brother took me for my previous car - and was good at ruling out ones which should have been in the car graveyard at least.

Good luck.

GreatBigBookcase

Thanks so much nimbo and physicsgirl. Lots of very useful info. And yes absolutely to driving lessons again! I feel quite worried about driving now, especially with two kids in the car...I might find that a few driving lessons puts me off the idea of buying a car completely...

It's the lack of boot size in smaller cars that's a concern, so I'll certainly look at a Polo, thanks for that tip.

Right, a few driving lessons to see how it feels and I'll keep pondering...

getmore4less

As long as you nail the basic needs there will be quite a few choices.

got to be 5 door.

Look at the small estates as well like a Fabia, slightly more practical boot.

Small stuff can be pricy as everyone thinks they are cheaper, sometime there is better value going up a size as more fleet cars hit the market.

Might be worth a trip to car supermarket to have a good look round loads of choices if you don't have access to enough dealers locally.

SensibleSarah

I didn't start driving until my mid 30s. I found that although insurance was cheaper for me having no experience than it would have been for an 18 year old, it still wasn't cheap (about £1400 the first year) and that was for a little car with a little engine.

I actually found that my next car, a huge diesel people carrier with a 1.9l engine, was considerably cheaper to insure. Probably that car was considered lower risk because no boy racer would be seen dead in one

I currently have a petrol Nissan Note & it could maybe fit the bill of what you're after in terms of small family car. Decent size boot, plenty of space in the back for the kids & fairly cheap insurance wise. Pre-2013 models do look fairly ugly though

daveyjp

For reliability always consider Japanese first. Honda Civic, Toyota Auris would be near the top of my list.

If you want something which any grease monkey should be able to fix a Ford Focus. Tens of thousands to choose from and you will always find a gem amongst the rubbish.

I wouldn't consider a diesel at all. Potential for far too many expensive problems just around the corner.

Strider590

Smaller cars are a bad idea, they're expensive to buy used because everyone assumes they're cheap (small car premium), they're badly built because they're designed to keep customers coming back into dealerships for work (unlike vehicles aimed at the fleet market), they're expensive to insure because young drivers buy them and this makes them statistically more likely to be in accidents.

bluesnake

think you should follow the banger economic thread and breakdown insurance - just in case if it ever happens. Don't buy new.

Even after a few lessons, it takes time to be able to judge the width and length of your vehicle, and have an idea of what other on the road are going to do.

Many people have minor, but often costly scrapes when they get a car that is new to them, but in your case possibly more so as you have little practical experience. Depending how much you drive, after 6 months or a year, when accustomed and familiar, only then get the car you want.

Things to consider: are 4 seats enough? Carrying stuff 5 door/van. If you are driving it a bit in town then Petrol engine has generally cheaper total cost, but if it is mainly used on an open road for over 30 mins then a Diesel could have a cheaper total cost.

Have a look here http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/ and read other peoples questions there, as it will answer many of yours.

Things that make insurance expensive varies, but some are: car insurance group, your history, and your postcode, speed and sportiness of car, but there are loads of other items.

Pincher

Alas, new drivers tend to have accidents in the first six months, and if you have wife and kids to distract you, I would try to rent for a bit initially.


Car Clubs tend to have a selection, which allows you to try out what size you need for your family.


A guy I know just bought a Mercedes A class, second hand. He has a wife and two kids. Easy to park, sure, but must a tight squeeze for a weekend away.

jk0

Could you buy a new car with insurance thrown in?