Help for a first time inexperienced buyer

[masseffect85]

Hey folks, I've decided to take the plunge and spend my savings on getting myself driving at the age of 32. Currently in the middle of fairly intensive lessons with a high likelihood of being licensed next month.

I'm looking to buy my first car in cash with the rest of the savings with a budget of around £2000/2500.

My problem is that I'm inexperienced (practically clueless) when it comes to the cars. I think I'm fairly up to speed with the right things to go for in terms of a first time car for my first few of years on the road. My problem is that taking the plunge and actually going for something feels like a minefield and I want to minimise the risk when spending the last of my savings.

I've finally settled on something where I'm as comfortable as I can be that It's coming from a reliable dealer and at a decent price but I wondered if I could have thoughts on whether I'm on the right track. I've included a link to the car. I've also included details of the MOT's. Fails and advisories have happened 4 times in it's history with it consistently passing with no faults or advisories days later. I've only included details of the 4 fail years to minimise unnecessary info.

I was also considering paying for an AA inspection prior to any purchase.

With everything you guys can see here. What advice do you have? Any would be greatly appreciated. I suppose I'm really hoping for folk with more knowledge to say whether this would look like a good prospect if they were a first time buyer with this budget.

The car can be seen here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

MOT history

2018 Fail
Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)
Offside Front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)
Offside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement in the upper support bearing assembly (2.5.B.1b)
Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

2014 Fail
Reason(s) for failure
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)
Rear An item not tested (Manual)
Advisory notice item(s)
Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

2013 Fail
Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)
Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)
Offside Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)
Advisory notice item(s)
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

2011 Fail
Reason(s) for failure
Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
Advisory notice item(s)
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

[Zetec-S]

It depends on the sort of mileage you'll be doing, and the type of driving? I wouldn't bother with a diesel unless you're going to be doing 15k+ miles a year. Will it be mainly driven in towns/cities or a lot more high speed driving - A roads/dual carriageways/motorways?

[masseffect85]

Initially it would be mostly city driving. Having the car will allow me to do a bit more exploring further afield though and opens me up to extra work opportunities in Edinburgh which is a 100 mile round trip so there's potential for higher mileage.

[davek_964]

If - as the advert claims - the car has been maintained over recent years by them, it's probably not had the most detailed servicing a car could have. A car that is regularly serviced really shouldn't be failing an MOT because there is no travel left on the handbrake.

On the other hand, I have a feeling none of my cars have ever come back from a service with an adjusted handbrake so maybe it doesn't mean too much.

[hyphen]

For that budget, I wouldn't get French or buy from a dealer.

Get something Japanese with a small engine, owned by some old dear who has had it serviced at the same garage for many years and is giving it up due to old age.

[steve-5snwi]

The engine if looked after can cover big miles, they are extremely slow though. MOT history looks reasonable too. Personally i'd go Japanese or a ford fiesta

[steveo3002]

small petrol honda or toyota ...dont buy a rusty one

[Speed 3]

Hyundai i20 worth a look:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Focus pretty dependable:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Yaris:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[mrtwisty]

steveo3002 said:

small petrol honda or toyota

This. Jazz or Yaris.

You're statistically likely to bend it in some fashion in your first year (you pass your test, then you learn to drive), so don't buy the shiniest thing you can find for the top end of your budget. Nice cars can come later :-)

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say look at the Astra they're good cars sensibly priced & decent cars:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I forgot to say be prepared to travel because the best car won't always be on your doorstep.

[mike9009]

Just one point about an AA inspection. I would not bother - I got one for my first 'proper' car and it really did not show me anything more than I could spot myself (except an interesting bit about the paint thickness on various panels which by looking I could not tell!!)

Mike

[nobrakes]

You should seek out tips for negotiating too.

The AA chap will at least spot that the wheels aren’t made of plastic, and anything he does spot should help with negotiations.

Even if you really like a car, don’t show it too much.

Get to the bank before you go and bring cash.

Have what you want to pay for it already rolled up in one pocket ready to offer.

Search for other threads in that topic.

[ZX10R NIN]

Have a read of the thread below it will help with suggestions on what to keep an eye out for.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[ilikejam]

As others have said - I'd be looking for a petrol. If you're just going about the town with the odd longer journey the theoretical efficiency gains of diesel will be lost, and you put yourself in line for DPF issues. Also the M8 doesn't often allow you to get up to the speeds where diesel comes into it's own...

I passed my test aged 29 and my first car was a petrol Fiesta (56 plate 1.25 Zetec) and it was pretty much the ideal first car. Nippy, reliable, great steering/handling, never got stuck in snow and cheap to repair (when someone went down the street booting wing mirrors off cars...)

Biggest motoring mistake I ever made was chopping it after a year for a 6 month old 1.8 Astra Sri (59 plate), which got punted within 6 months for a Mini. Nothing technically wrong with the Astra, just hated it.

If I was to look for a first car again now at 35, I'd probably go straight for a Suzuki Swift - ideally the Sport - although I've never actually driven one!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by ilikejam on Thursday 24th May 11:15