Need help buying first car

[Felissen]

Hi Guys,

So I need a bit of help getting my first car, I've been looking around a lot comparing small cars like Corsas and Clios as well as bigger cars like Audi A3s and Ford Focuses engine sizes ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 diesel and petrol and I just can't seem to decide on what to do.

Insurance wise it doesn't seem to matter on the car at all the 1.9 A3 was £2100, 1.25 Astra was £2000 so that doesn't seem to be a factor.

Also would it be better to buy from a dealer or private seller, I know it's safer with a dealer but the car prices are 50% cheaper with private sellers. I'm a little keen on getting this car https://www.ashtarautos.co.uk/used-cars/audi-a3-1-... though I'm not sure if it's a good idea for a first car.

Any advice would be great!

[DuraAce]

Buy whatever car you like. There is no 'one size fits all' answer.

Just bare in mind that a car with 150k miles and 10 years old is nearing the end of its useful/design life.... To that extent get someone you know and trust to give their opinion on it.
A warranty on something this old is almost pointless as it'll have so many exclusions in it.
Don't expect a new car. Do expect things to go wrong and it to need attention from time to time.

[Sir Bagalot]

If you buy a car for £2K from a dealer then remember you're buying a £1K car.

On the insurance side play with the quote. Add a Parent or older sibling. I'm on my daughters insurance. Not that I driver her car, but because when she added me it reduced her insurance by £200

[Felissen]

Yeah, i'm starting to realise dealers are not quite worth it I found a pretty decent Astra with only 55k miles on it for £1500 https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/13131249... I've asked for some more pictures and the guy said he'll send em when he's back from work.

What sort of things should I look for? or enquire about if buying privately?

Thanks guys.