Buying a cheap car

Ectophile

venomx said:

What about leasing a car?  I'm unemployed so guessing I wouldn't be eligible 

Lots of the dealers on auto trader have awful reviews.  

I'm not allowed to drive yet so have plenty of time to do my research

Must be an element of risk whether private or dealerships.  When I do come to get  a car I'll take a family member who knows what to look for

Leases are totally inflexible.  You sign up for maybe 3 or 4 years.  At that point, you are committed to paying every month without fail.  If your circumstances change, that's tough - they still expect to be paid.  Don't pay, and they will trash your credit record.

Then at the end of the period, you hand the car back, and you have nothing to show for all the money you have paid.

venomx

Ok not a good idea then. 

nottsphil

venomx said:

Grumpy_chap said:

Do you have any friends or family that can assist you with choosing a suitable car, and come with you for viewing?

  One of my parents is knowledgeable when it comes to buying and selling cars.

In half a century, I think that is the first time I have ever come across somebody refer specifically to their father or mother in such a way - it's as if you're not sure which one has the knowledge! 
Why don't you provide your location and say how you'll be using the car (commute, passengers, cargo, lots of short trips etc) then maybe we could look at ads in your area and give examples of what would be considered good deals.