Starter Car

Nebulous2

In this strange world, with limited new cars available and second-hand prices much higher than previously - where would you start for a first car?  

I've a relative, female, mid-20s who is almost ready to sit her test, and when she passes she would want to buy a car. Wants a small car, lives in a city, parking not an issue. She has an idea of 2016ish, budget of £6k, which on looking at adverts seems tight. An extra £1000 seems to open up a lot more options. 

Any thoughts? 

DB1904

Nebulous2 said:

In this strange world, with limited new cars available and second-hand prices much higher than previously - where would you start for a first car?  

I've a relative, female, mid-20s who is almost ready to sit her test, and when she passes she would want to buy a car. Wants a small car, lives in a city, parking not an issue. She has an idea of 2016ish, budget of £6k, which on looking at adverts seems tight. An extra £1000 seems to open up a lot more options. 

Any thoughts? 

Run some dummy insurance quotes, small car, new driver could be an expensive combo with the other variables. 

tacpot12

I'd second the idea of checking insurance quotes. She needs to check them very carefully; a small difference in the specification of the car might make a big difference to the cost.

I would also not recommend getting anything too expensive as a first car. New drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of owing a car, so during this time it may be better to be driving something that already has a bit of wear and tear on it and will not lose as much in depreciation if it is damaged. I would recommend spending no more than £3,500 on a car for a new driver.   

mgfvvc

Totota Aygo (also known as Citroen C1/Peugeot 107 IIRC). Cheap to run, cheap to fix. There should be lots about and it should be relatively easy to find a decent one.

Nebulous2

DB1904 said:

Nebulous2 said:

In this strange world, with limited new cars available and second-hand prices much higher than previously - where would you start for a first car?  

I've a relative, female, mid-20s who is almost ready to sit her test, and when she passes she would want to buy a car. Wants a small car, lives in a city, parking not an issue. She has an idea of 2016ish, budget of £6k, which on looking at adverts seems tight. An extra £1000 seems to open up a lot more options. 

Any thoughts? 

Run some dummy insurance quotes, small car, new driver could be an expensive combo with the other variables. 

Cheers - we definitely will run quotes. No interest in 'sporty' looks nor performance. 

Nebulous2

mgfvvc said:

Totota Aygo (also known as Citroen C1/Peugeot 107 IIRC). Cheap to run, cheap to fix. There should be lots about and it should be relatively easy to find a decent one.

Cheers - the Toyota seems more expensive, but I've seen a few Citroens close to budget. I didn't appreciate the C1 was the same car. 

forgotmyname

Open autotrader and look at all the cars you think look nice and get insurance quotes.  Then get a really comfy chair
and work your way through the cars you think looks OK.   Then when you have sunk as far into the seat as you
thought possible work down to the cars to really do not like the look of. Those are likely to be the cheap to insure cars.

Anything you like will probably be expensive.   

400ixl

The smallest cars like those mentioned so far tend to be more expensive to insure than something slightly larger as they are common starter cars.

Have a look at something like the Hyundai i20 or if you do want smaller the i10. They have 5 year manufacturer warranties so you may find something in your budget that is still in that warranty.

shane2k

to get cheap insurance you need the cheap group car insurance and good on fuel get like a fiesta or kia picanto similar likes of them are about 2 

autotrader you can select insurance group you want low as possible

but always make sure theres history of service and the trader/dealer always check the reviews

chrisw

Fiat 500 seems very popular with new young drivers. They have their niggles but are pretty robust and cheap to fix.

Ectophile

chrisw said:

Fiat 500 seems very popular with new young drivers. They have their niggles but are pretty robust and cheap to fix.

Or its cheaper sibling, the Fiat Panda.