First car at 25, 5k cash budget

[Apathy]

Hi all,

I have finally decided to learn to drive at 25 as I have moved out of London so have need for a car.

I have a budget of 5k (savings from previous job) for the car and 1.5k a year for insurance. I am in that odd gap of being a first driver but being over 24 so insurance and new driver deals don't seem to exist (unless I'm looking in the wrong places).

I have looked at potentially financing, on a 2017 second hand car, effectively using the whole budget to pay for the depreciation and then give the car back in 3 years, this way saving money on potential repair issues. One obstacle is that I am currently unemployed although I could get a cosignatory from a parent.

The cars I have been looking at so far are petrol and manual. The main ones being the Mazda 2 and the Fabia, but I am open to any options, especially if it's a slightly better car that insurance don't see as risky!

Use at the moment is likely to be 8-10k miles a year.

Thanks in advance

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Clio's are worthy of a good look especially with the 1.2T engine as they have a decent bit of poke & come with a decent bit of kit.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or the non turbo 1.2 might be cheaper to insure:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Nickp82]

I would definitely consider the Suzuki Swift, they are reliable and great to drive although boot space is small.

[anonymous-user]

Mx5

[ZX10R NIN]

Another option is a Volvo C30 they're very insurance friendly:

1.6 R Design SE Sport

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

R Design

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Apathy]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will check out insurance on those cars now. Do you think getting a car with 60k miles is still safe for repair costs vs financing a pre reg or ex display car?

[ZX10R NIN]

A car with 60k on the clock really isn't an issue you don't have to spend all of your budget, at the end of the day if you're currently not working why load yourself up with finance?

[Apathy]

Makes sense, my assumption (not knowing so much about cars) was that the potential cost of repairs down the line on an older car vs an almost brand new car with warranty, would be worth the financing. A friend mentioned he spent 2k in repairs on his car within the first year so was looking at the best ways to avoid something similar happening!

[StuTheGrouch]

Apathy said:

Thanks for the suggestions, I will check out insurance on those cars now. Do you think getting a car with 60k miles is still safe for repair costs vs financing a pre reg or ex display car?

Buy on condition, as mileage is only one factor. An unloved car with 30k miles is a riskier purchase than a cherished example on double the mileage.

[MissChief]

DSGbangs said:

Mx5

If you have no real need of more than two seats, absolutely do this. Otherwise before you know it you'll be more concerned with MPG, rear legroom and road tax per month. Buy something fun while you can!