Advice for buying first car needed
Discussion
Hi so I have just passed my driving test 
i got a license just for automatic cars and I have a few questions about buying my first car.
Im 27 so insurance shouldnt be too bad im guessing. Cars seem to really vary in price, I see used cars for sale on gumtree quite cheap but dont know if its wise to get a cheaper car that could have problems with it and need work done in the next few years or if its better to spend a bit more and get a newer one? I dont currently have enough money to buy a car so Im wondering if I should save up and wait or if I should get one of finance? I do want to get driving ASAP I put in all my outgoings into a salary calculator and worked out I have £375 spare a month so I can even save that up each month until I have enough or get a car on finance but then the £375 would have to include tax, petrol, insurance and the car repayments. So not sure whats best really?
What makes/models of cars are best? Any known for problems that I should avoid?
Mod edit to remove URL.
i got a license just for automatic cars and I have a few questions about buying my first car. Im 27 so insurance shouldnt be too bad im guessing. Cars seem to really vary in price, I see used cars for sale on gumtree quite cheap but dont know if its wise to get a cheaper car that could have problems with it and need work done in the next few years or if its better to spend a bit more and get a newer one? I dont currently have enough money to buy a car so Im wondering if I should save up and wait or if I should get one of finance? I do want to get driving ASAP I put in all my outgoings into a salary calculator and worked out I have £375 spare a month so I can even save that up each month until I have enough or get a car on finance but then the £375 would have to include tax, petrol, insurance and the car repayments. So not sure whats best really?
What makes/models of cars are best? Any known for problems that I should avoid?
Mod edit to remove URL.
Edited by Scrump on Wednesday 29th January 12:15
What car is "best" depends on what your requirements are.
However - I would say, be wary of getting finance based on the spare cash you have according to some income calculator. If that cash is really spare - have you found that you've had £375 a month building up in your bank account? "Spare" in theory is very different from "Spare" in reality. In theory, I have loads spare every month - in reality....... not so much.
However - I would say, be wary of getting finance based on the spare cash you have according to some income calculator. If that cash is really spare - have you found that you've had £375 a month building up in your bank account? "Spare" in theory is very different from "Spare" in reality. In theory, I have loads spare every month - in reality....... not so much.
Do you need a car?
If not save up. £375 spare IMO isn't enough to be able to finance (bank loan/PCP/HP), insure, tax, maintain (service, tyres etc..) and run a car.
Personally I would save up at least £1000-1200 and buy the best small hatch you can find depending on insurance quotes. Insurance and tax could be best part of £50-60 pcm on their own.
If you really want a car now then a small bank loan would be my choice for say £2000 so it covers your first years tax and insurance as well as purchasing the car.
Just seen you need an auto which will unfortunately mean less choice depending on the budget.
If not save up. £375 spare IMO isn't enough to be able to finance (bank loan/PCP/HP), insure, tax, maintain (service, tyres etc..) and run a car.
Personally I would save up at least £1000-1200 and buy the best small hatch you can find depending on insurance quotes. Insurance and tax could be best part of £50-60 pcm on their own.
If you really want a car now then a small bank loan would be my choice for say £2000 so it covers your first years tax and insurance as well as purchasing the car.
Just seen you need an auto which will unfortunately mean less choice depending on the budget.
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