Learning to drive, what car should i buy when i pass?

Blue Cypher · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:02

Hi, im just learning to drive at the moment and i thought i should start looking at buying a car now so i can see how much it could cost on insurance etc. To be honest a car to me is something that just gets me from A to B and i couldnt care other than that. So where would i look to get a car? where would i look to get insurance (im 21 by the way)?

Can you nice OCUK people help me please by giving me some tips etc.

PiKe · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:04

Try a quote on a 1.2 Clio, that was my first car.

moss · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:04

Depends what your budget is really.

Janesy B · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:06

Depends on budget, as long as you don't for for BMWs and Audi and the like you will be OK.

In regards to the insurace, the yellow page + phone + last working day of the month = loads of companies desparate for your money and will fall over each other to get you a good quote.

Adam_D200 · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:06

moss said:
Depends what your budget is really.

x2

I'm sure you will also get more into cars once you have tried a few interesting ones...

Morba · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:09

fiesta 1.25

Blue Cypher · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:09

Well i only wanted to spend £500 for a banger but i could be persuaded to spend £1000, dont want to spend loads as its my first car and i WILL get dints etc that i dont want to have to get fixed. (trying to collect no claims)

Are there no decent websites for cars?

Ricochet J · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:10

1.25 Fiesta with a years MOT. Buy one with high mileage for about £400.

ruffneck · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:11

Ricochet J said:
1.25 Fiesta with a years MOT. Buy one with high mileage for about £400.

Ricochet J · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:14

From AutoTrader

1998 FORD FIESTA 1.25 LX 16V 3dr Hatchback

Manual, 96,000 miles, R-reg, Red. long MOT, sun roof, good runner, cheep tax and insurance. Great MPG. £495

Pictures show it's in perfect nick.

You'll prob get him down to £450.

InvaderGIR · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:14

Didn't know they were that cheap these days. :eek:

As has been said, the Fez is probably the best choice, cheap and reliable for a first car.

Ricochet J said:
Pictures show it's in perfect nick.

Don't they always. :/

InvG

Janesy B · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:15

Ricochet J said:
1.25 Fiesta with a years MOT. Buy one with high mileage for about £400.

Or buy a nice N/P reg one for around £800.

moss · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:15

Blue Cypher said:
Well i only wanted to spend £500 for a banger but i could be persuaded to spend £1000, dont want to spend loads as its my first car and i WILL get dints etc that i dont want to have to get fixed. (trying to collect no claims)

Are there no decent websites for cars?

I would recommend something like a mk2 Mondeo or P11 primera, both should be reliable and have reasonable running/insurance costs. They are both easily availiable for under £1000 and scrap yards are full of spares if you do need something.
Dont worry about the size, you will be surprised how easy it is to drive a larger car and you get so much more for your money over a smaller car.

Bakedgoods · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:28

If you can pass your test there's no reason you should be 'getting dints'.

Blue Cypher · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:31

Wardie said:
If you can pass your test there's no reason you should be 'getting dints'.

While that is true, its still a high possibility as experience is low and i probably would reverse into a barrier at some point!

InvaderGIR · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:33

Yup, accidents happen, so it's sensible to get something that doesn't mater if you reverse into a pillar or even write off, better to lose £400 on a cat than £4000.

InvG

Bakedgoods · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:34

I suppose, but having a nicer car gives you a little bit more of an incentive to drive carefully

If you're only getting a shed I would make sure you only get third party insurance, there's little point in anything more...

Blue Cypher · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:56

Wardie said:
I suppose, but having a nicer car gives you a little bit more of an incentive to drive carefully

If you're only getting a shed I would make sure you only get third party insurance, there's little point in anything more...

yes i would only get third party, trying to get as cheap as chips here, better get money sorted though, gonna be tough to afford it all!

InvaderGIR · 2 Jul 2008 at 12:58

Seeing as you are 21 the insurance wont be as bad as a 17 year old...but it still won't be nice. It's easy to run quotes though to find out.

InvG

Blue Cypher · 2 Jul 2008 at 13:00

InvaderGIR said:
Seeing as you are 21 the insurance wont be as bad as a 17 year old...but it still won't be nice. It's easy to run quotes though to find out.

InvG

Yeah, this whole thing is new to me though, so are there any places that are cheaper than the mainstream in general or is it hit and miss on who does the cheapest quotes?

Learning to drive, what car should i buy when i pass?

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