Buying a first car on a low budget and getting a safe vehicle

prowla

In general, any used car really does need driving before buying.

Beware of budget model cars being sold apparently cheap - they can be clunkers.

Also watch out with high mileage ones - they may have upcoming or missed service items (clutch, brake discs, fan belts).

If you're on a budget then worn tyres can be an upcoming expense.

I like to have a cheap car, but I tend to think of something like £500/year keeping it running; I had a £450 Renault Scenic which lasted me about 8 years on that basis.

FYI, that Scenic, a previous BMW, and my current cheapie (a Suzuki SX4) have had one of the electric window mechanisms fail; it's not something you might think about.

When buying, consider the availability of replacement parts; if something does need doing then getting them can be a bit of a mission.

BTW, I'm thinking of buying an SUV for around the £2k mark, just because I want one; however, I know it will have ongoing issues and resulting repair & maintenance costs.