Buying my first car...

SixTwoSix

SixTwoSix

SixTwoSix

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Passed my driving test this morning and have around £750 to spend on my first car. Don't want to spend anymore than this really as it is my first and most likely i'll end up having a little accident over the next 12 months.

Basically just want some advice of the basics to check when buying a second hand car, completely new territory for me here. I know the basics such as service history, HPI checks and so on, that's about it.

Sorry it's a bit of a noob question, don't want to just rush out and buy a car, would appreciate any and all advice...cheers!
 
 
phil_c_ said:
well seeing as your a 1st time driver you want something cheap and cheerful, preferably something with a small engine to keep those ridiculous insurance premiums down! maybe something like this 1.0 polo, volkwagen do nice reliable engines me thinks..

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ni/cars_popup.jsp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=none&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=VOLKSWAGEN&min_pr=500&source=0&model=POLO&max_pr=1000&miles=60&agerange=&mileage=6&postcode=wv12+5fh&variant=&bodyid=0&trim=&fuelid=0&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=25&ukcarsearch_full.y=10&start=10&distance=40&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=201019358626885
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Nice little Polo...I was actually thinking something 1.3 or less, will be using it for daily commute to work, 15 miles round trip, that's about it really.
 
Firstly find a small car you like the look of, minor importance on a first car but you'll be the one sat in it so it could matter, then google it for known/common issues. Work out how much of your budget is available for professional mechanical work that might be required or get a Haynes and some tools and the guy/girl (mentioned below) to volunteer their services to help maintain the beast after purchase ;)


Then get someone who knows how working brakes/clutch/gearbox/engines are supposed to sound/feel and get them to go with you when you check out your prospective first purchase.

Most importantly, for me anyway, take your time and have a look at lots (whatever lots is to you) of cars in your price range till you yourself feel reasonably confident that you know what you're looking for/at. Congrats on the pass and don't let your mates distract you when you finally take them out driving! :)
 
Don't fall into the usual thing of, first car must be small, try insurance quotes and let that be a factor of what you buy, be it a Mondeo or a Fiesta.
 
Thanks for the replies...some very sound advice above.

I'm leaning towards getting either a corsa/fiesta/saxo/clio...something like that. Have been on both gumtree and autotrader and insurance hovers around the £1k mark for all these small models with £250 excess and 3rd party fire and theft.

I've had a corsa in the past when I was learning about 4 years ago, a 1.6 diesel and it was a pleasure to drive. Obviously I don't want something with such a big engine now. Back then I was living out in the sticks and insurance was about £500 even as a learner driver.

On a personal note, i'd prefer a hatchback, don't want anything too big until my confidence has increased. I also don't like the look of Ka's despite the cheapness of them, couldn't bring myself to drive one. Have been looking at golfs/polos but the insurance is quite hefty.
 
i would avoid the corsa,saxo and 106 route insurance companies love young drivers and expect u to buy one so the premiums will be higher, i would suggest a ford ka 1.3 they are quite a quick little car and handle like a go-kart u should find insurance wise that u will get more engine size and bhp for the money. might look like a bit of a granny or girls car but u will be quicker than any of ur friends in their 1.0 l saxos etc!
i know cos i owned one as my first car and im not ashamed to admit it!
;)
 
The 4 cars you named are probably the most popular first time cars, and therefore will most likely have the highest premiums for first time drivers.

You might not like it, but if you want to save money then you need to look at less "young driver" cars.

When I was younger I went from a Ford Escort to a Renault Laguna ( like this http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1713487.htm ) and my premiums pretty much halved, even though the laguna was more powerful, newer, faster and worth more money.

Find some random cars, and do some quotes :)
 
supermodder said:
i would avoid the corsa,saxo and 106 route insurance companies love young drivers
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This is the embarassing bit...i'm 31 :p

I do have valid reasons for taking so long to getting around to actually taking my test but i'm not going to go into it...all that matters now is that I actually have a licence :D
 
MrMason said:
The 4 cars you named are probably the most popular first time cars, and therefore will most likely have the highest premiums for first time drivers.

You might not like it, but if you want to save money then you need to look at less "young driver" cars.
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Of course yeah...makes perfect sense. I wasn't going for those cars in the sense of they look "cool" or anything, just cos they are small and easy to drive for a first timer.

MrMason said:
When I was younger I went from a Ford Escort to a Renault Laguna ( like this http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1713487.htm ) and my premiums pretty much halved, even though the laguna was more powerful, newer, faster and worth more money.

Find some random cars, and do some quotes :)
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I'll start checking out the less obvious cars, can see many hours ahead online comparing quotes :D
 
SixTwoSix said:
This is the embarassing bit...i'm 31 :p

I do have valid reasons for taking so long to getting around to actually taking my test but i'm not going to go into it...all that matters now is that I actually have a licence :D
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sorry bout that just assumed u were young driver, yeah definately go for the less obvious cars u will usually find volvo' are a good car for insurance companies. they have a high safety rating and there usually associated with the 'older' gent.
 
On every car your looking for rust anywhere you can physcially look. Especially the sills, wheel arches and places like the boot floor (lift up the carpet in the boot).

Sounds that shouldnt be there, any odd vibrations when driving a long etc.

View when its bright and not raining and check that /everything/ works.

Then look online for common problems with the cars your going to see.

Read the v5/documentation carefully ;)
 
SixTwoSix said:
This is the embarassing bit...i'm 31 :p

I do have valid reasons for taking so long to getting around to actually taking my test but i'm not going to go into it...all that matters now is that I actually have a licence :D
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That's kind of good though - I'm 25 and passed at the end of last year so quite an old first time driver too (I've had a full motorbike license since I was 22 but this has no bearing on car insurance prices). My car is a 2 litre 306 and even the insurance on that isn't too shocking, I think about a grand. Run some quotes for some bigger engined cars and bigger cars in general and you might find you're surprised how little it actually goes up.

My car's not quick by any stretch but it's much nicer to drive than a breathless little 1.0 trolley and because I'm relatively old for a new driver it's insurable.

Although we're new drivers, we're out of the 17-25 bracket which is a big help and keeps it well outside of stupid prices. Should apply to you even more so.
 
supermodder said:
volvo' are a good car for insurance companies. they have a high safety rating and there usually associated with the 'older' gent.
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Volvos also have higher repair costs and anything you hit is going to be toast.
I paid allot to insure my S60, significantly more than a mondeo.
Insurance is one of those things you cant really guess and have to just get a few quotes and see.

A 31 year old new driver, tbh im quite intruiged as to what your going to end up paying. My cousin learnt to drive at a simillar age and he got killed on insurance.
 
Just get whatever's in good condition with a long MOT, a MK2 Mondeo or perhaps a Nissan Primera. Smaller cars attract a price premium because they are popular with young drivers.
 
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