Completely clueless on what to buy

[Gray1221]

I’ve just passed my test , I’m 25 years old and Im unsure what to buy , I need something that can occasionally carry small amounts of shellfish and small amounts of building materials. I know the obvious would be a small van but I’m also 25 I would like to have something a little more practical with seating. Looking for something no more than 15k. Open to suggestions thanks.

[swanseaboydan]

Volvo xc 90 mate.
Amazing load bay as the rear seats fold flat .
Black out the rear windows so people can’t see your tools.
It’s not a van so can go to the tip without a permit.
Luxury too !
Maybe an xc 60 ? Can’t comment as I ve never had one ,

[paul_c123]

For a recent test pass, something like a Volvo XC90 will probably be a lot to insure.

I'd say you're better off with a mid-sized estate car. With the rise of MPVs and SUVs they are somewhat forgotten about, hence a bit less desirable and cheaper. Something like a VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus or something like that. Depends on your budget.

[Wagonwheel555]

What sort of building materials?

If it s dirty stuff, bricks etc then you don t really want something decent as it won t stay that way.

If it s just tools, then most cars would be fine.

Really depends what you need to carry size wise

Modern smaller vans (Ford Transit Connect etc) are fairly decent to drive these days, can even get ones with rear seats that can be removed

[Panamax]

Estate car or large hatchback and make yourself a good "liner" from heavy cardboard and ducktape. Make sure the vehicle has a flat loading platform all the way to the back bumper, a big lip on the boot can be a right pain.

When you want to use it as a car, just pull out the cardboard.
If the cardboard liner gets knackered, just make another one.

Job done.

[jamesbilluk]

How about a Skoda Yeti? Van shaped with all the seats down.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025060331...

[andrewpandrew]

Jimny?

[swanseaboydan]

Yeti seems a good choice

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say as a new driver you'll still need to keep the cost (insurance wise) sensible.

I'd suggest going for a rep mobile & get a boot liner.

1.6T Insignia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307109...

1.5T:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503109...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506033...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504141...

Mazda6 Sport Nav+:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504281...

Mondeo hybrid:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505292...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505282...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412046...

If insurance is okay.

2.0T Insignia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505272...

1.6T 508:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502249...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504241...

Kia Optima hybrid:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411206...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503180...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 8th June 06:46

[DodgyGeezer]

my late sister's BF is a builder who has a Dacia Duster - works very well for him (albeit he's twice your age)

[andburg]

Common sense any of the small van based cars love by oldies, berlingo/partner passenger variants.

Oddball could be an mg5 or a ZS ev, small estate or suv, £15k would get you pick of them at 2 years old