Some new driver questions

Dist · 13 May 2012 at 22:36

I've nearly finished my studies and it's time I need a car to get around and have the mobility to look for jobs in a wider area and I'm hoping I could get some advice on a few things. Currently I still only have a provisional licence (had it for about 7 years now but not really needed it) but I plan to get a full licence sometime over the next few months.

First off, should I try and get my own car to practice in (with a full licenced passenger of course) on top of instructor training, and if so what sort of car (specific makes/models to look out for would be useful) should I be looking out for for ease of driving, low insurance (low for a new driver, I don't expect any amazing deals) and one that will hopefully last long enough that it won't break down 10 min after purchasing.

Secondly, my parents are willing to help me out so when it comes to insurance as a new driver and helping pay for my first car, should I be looking into being put on my parents policy along with the car I plan to use (I won't be using my parents car)? or do I have to have my own policy in my name?

And finally, is there anything else I need to be aware of as a learner driver and getting my first car? Should I bend over and ready myself for the insurance companies or is there anything I can do to help reduce the costs which seem to be at insane rates right now?

Dist · 14 May 2012 at 18:05

bigdan676 said:
Good first car would be a Peugout 107, low insurance and road tax was £20.

Dan

Any other suggestions?

I just had a quick browse of auto trader to get a general idea of what's available and there are no 107's in my area.

Dist · 2 Jun 2012 at 00:02

I've got another couple of questions if people can help.

For a new driver, what is the average yearly costs for a car minus petrol (MOT, upkeep, tyres, tax, insurance).

And is there much of a difference in terms of insurance if I was to drive only a couple miles to a train station every day compared to a 64 mile trip each day?

I'm trying to compare the costs of traveling into/around London by train if I can eventually get a job, or by car. When a parking permit at the train station costs £1200 a year, and the train tickets would cost between £3500 and £4500 a year, I'm thinking the train/parking costs would be greater than the costs of owning and maintaining a car and paying for petrol.

Dist · 2 Jun 2012 at 11:28

I know it heavily depends on the type of car and condition but right now I'm not looking at any car specifically, I'm just trying to get a rough idea of what is affordable when looking for what locations are within reasonable commuting distance. I wasn't expecting an accurate figure but I thought that perhaps there are statistics out there which would show things like national average costs for a new driver, or what would be the rough minimum I would be likely to pay for car upkeep.

But anyway, thanks for trying to help, perhaps I'll come back if I can find a reasonably priced (and insurable) first car.