Buying first car as a 17 year old

[Deleted User]

Currently, I’m still learning to drive, I have had about 6/7 lessons so far.

I’ve found a car near a local dealer for a Renault Clio, it’s decent, good price, good car etc.

Anyway, could I go to the dealer and buy the car myself without my parents involvement (e.g acting as the main payer)?

When I buy the car, could I get the dealer to drive it home? My dad holds an automatic license and no one else in my house drives. Also, when I practice in it, is my dad allowed to supervise me despite him being an automatic license holder?

Would I also need to get insurance even if I leave it sitting in my drive?

neilmcl

AFAIK the supervising driver must hold a full driving license for a manual car if you want to drive it. The dealer is unlikely to drive back the car for you let alone allow you to test drive it as a learner. Looks like you're going to have to wait until you pass your test before getting a car that you want.

Can we assume you're a cash buyer? You really need someone who knows about cars with you else you'll likely end up getting shafted.

maninthestreet

Have you got any insurance quotes??

Apodemus

Deleted_User wrote: »

Currently, I’m still learning to drive, I have had about 6/7 lessons so far.

I’ve found a car near a local dealer for a Renault Clio, it’s decent, good price, good car etc.

Anyway, could I go to the dealer and buy the car myself without my parents involvement (e.g acting as the main payer)?

When I buy the car, could I get the dealer to drive it home? My dad holds an automatic license and no one else in my house drives. Also, when I practice in it, is my dad allowed to supervise me despite him being an automatic license holder?

Would I also need to get insurance even if I leave it sitting in my drive?

If the car is taxed, it needs to be insured. There is an automatic fine and they do check. If it is not in use you can put it on a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN) and then it can sit in your drive uninsured (assuming this is a private drive, not a public space), but would need to be taxed and insured before use.

Strider590

A Clio is popular with young and elderly drivers, both very high risk categories of driver. Insurance wise I hope your ready to get ridden by a herd of rhinos.

Really you want something in the large family car category, but with a small engine, a 1.6 or 1.8 petrol. At the very least run some quotes to see what works out cheaper before you commit.

Car_54

Don't do it!

The car is going to sit there on your drive, costing you money (insurance, depreciation ...). Your father can't supervise you, so it will be uselesss until you pass your test. Meanwhile, its constant presence will put pressure on you to pass, which is the last thing you need.

Norman_Castle

As above, pass your test first!

warehouse

If you go alone to a car dealership for the first time to buy a car you will pay a lot more than if someone with experience comes along with you. You also risk buying something with problems as you can't test drive it.

I'd advise you to wait until you have a full license. If that's in a years time then you can buy the identical car for cheaper as well. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you'll never find that good of a car again. You'll find better.

Jackmydad

I'd listen to the advice above. Having a vehicle parked up is going to be a nuisance, as nobody can move it off your drive until you have passed your test.
Don't think you'll get away with "just moving it" by using the road incidentally. I actually know someone who got "done" for that.
And as said, it's not the only car in the world, there are definitely better, cheaper cars out there you haven't seen yet.
It's exciting getting your first car, but pass your test first, and then look at what's actually going to be the cheapest to insure. It may not be the smallest, most obvious first car.

worried_jim

Strider590 wrote: »

Insurance wise I hope your ready to get ridden by a herd of rhinos.

Just spat a mouthful of cider over the keyboard. I'm having this.

Strider590

worried_jim wrote: »

Just spat a mouthful of cider over the keyboard. I'm having this.

What a tragic waste