Moving to the UK, car buying advice.
Discussion
Hi All,
Seems I am relocating to the UK early in the new year, and as such would be interested to find out more about buying and owning a car in the UK.
I am aware of the yearly MOT, road tax and insurance, obviously details around the costs involved here I am still hazy about.
Regarding the actual purchase of the vehicle, I would most likely wait around 6 months before starting shopping.
I already know what it is I will be looking for (s2000 under 50k miles) with a budget of around £5k and another £2k for insurance taxes etc.
Would this conceivably be possible, and what if any other considerations would I have to keep in mind with regard to running costs and general car ownership in the UK?
Appreciate any input.
Seems I am relocating to the UK early in the new year, and as such would be interested to find out more about buying and owning a car in the UK.
I am aware of the yearly MOT, road tax and insurance, obviously details around the costs involved here I am still hazy about.
Regarding the actual purchase of the vehicle, I would most likely wait around 6 months before starting shopping.
I already know what it is I will be looking for (s2000 under 50k miles) with a budget of around £5k and another £2k for insurance taxes etc.
Would this conceivably be possible, and what if any other considerations would I have to keep in mind with regard to running costs and general car ownership in the UK?
Appreciate any input.
Do you have an EU driving licence? It may be worth checking into.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-in-great-britain-on-non...
https://www.gov.uk/driving-in-great-britain-on-non...
As said, insurance could be a pain.
As far as the mechanics of buying a vehicle are concerned, it's very easy. Maybe it's the same where you're moving from, but in some places I've lived it is an absolute nightmare!
Every car should have a document called the V5C, or "logbook".
It states the make, model, owner, VIN number, Reg plate, taxation class etc...
Basically when you buy a car, you fill your address in, the seller signs to say they've sold you the car, you sign to say you've bought it. The seller then posts this off and the new logbook with your name drops through your door a few weeks later.
In the interim, there's a little part of the logbook you tear off whilst signing it and keep with you to say that the main document is on its way, if anyone asks. Any remaining tax is transferred to you, any remaining MOT is transferred to you.
As far as the mechanics of buying a vehicle are concerned, it's very easy. Maybe it's the same where you're moving from, but in some places I've lived it is an absolute nightmare!
Every car should have a document called the V5C, or "logbook".
It states the make, model, owner, VIN number, Reg plate, taxation class etc...
Basically when you buy a car, you fill your address in, the seller signs to say they've sold you the car, you sign to say you've bought it. The seller then posts this off and the new logbook with your name drops through your door a few weeks later.
In the interim, there's a little part of the logbook you tear off whilst signing it and keep with you to say that the main document is on its way, if anyone asks. Any remaining tax is transferred to you, any remaining MOT is transferred to you.
Disco You said:
Welcome. Insurance varies a lot based on location and age. So that information may be helpful...
And since they ask, how long you've been resident in the UK and how long you've had a UK licence. I suspect your answers to these might raise the budget required for an S2000 
Bill said:
Depending how long you're staying it might be worth buying something cheap and running it for a year to get some no claims discount. Either way I'd call a decent broker and have a look on one of the comparison sites like comparethemarket.com sooner rather than later.
Any advice as to what a good choice would be?My requirements are pretty basic, fun to drive
obviously I would lower the amount I would be willing to spend as this would be, as you say, just to get some insurance history.I will be in the UK for at least 5 years and likely longer.
Shimigo said:
Any advice as to what a good choice would be?
My requirements are pretty basic, fun to drive obviously I would lower the amount I would be willing to spend as this would be, as you say, just to get some insurance history.
I will be in the UK for at least 5 years and likely longer.
I have family from SA - I would love to own an S2000 out there, I fear you would get a lot less use out of the roof over here. It rains. A lot. All. Year. Round. My requirements are pretty basic, fun to drive
obviously I would lower the amount I would be willing to spend as this would be, as you say, just to get some insurance history.I will be in the UK for at least 5 years and likely longer.
Bill said:
MX5? [/in gag]
Don't write the idea of an S2000 off, but it's worth doing some research so you know what to expect rather than finding out in 6 months. Insurance for new drivers is bloody expensive.
Well according to the site previously mentioned I am looking at around 1600 a year with excess at around 600, so as long as I keep it out of the hedges....Don't write the idea of an S2000 off, but it's worth doing some research so you know what to expect rather than finding out in 6 months. Insurance for new drivers is bloody expensive.
Insurance insurance insurance - welcome to rip of Britain!!
Location is a massive factor, as will be experience. Have a go on www.confused.com (or similar) and make some details up if needs be - it will give you a clue as to whether the S2000 is realistic or not! Sadly the S2000 is notoriously difficult to insure - well it was when I looked at buying one!!
Location is a massive factor, as will be experience. Have a go on www.confused.com (or similar) and make some details up if needs be - it will give you a clue as to whether the S2000 is realistic or not! Sadly the S2000 is notoriously difficult to insure - well it was when I looked at buying one!!
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