How much does it cost you a month to drive?

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I really want to learn.

But I have 4 kids so would need a MPV.
And I'm on long term illness benefits.

I just don't know if I could afford it in reality.

I have about 1800 saved up for a car but the costs seem endless.

Ah, missed your post about a DH, dogs and motability not being an option.

No there's 6 of us and 2 dogs.

I might just bite the bullet and apply for Pip

I have mental issues not physical though o don't think I wouldn qualify for motability?

There are lots of MPVs now that look like saloons and have third row of fold down seats in the boot. If your younger children are smallish you might be able to compromise.

I'm 32 but only passed when I was 30. I bought a 2009 reg car for £2,500.

I pay £70 a month in petrol, £20 a month in tax and £90 a month in insurance, so £180 a month altogether.

With it being an older car it has had a few things go wrong with it over the 2 years I've had it. I'd say I've spent £500 altogether in garage bills (usually between £100 - £150 each garage 'visit').

My pip has not effected u/c or esa. Pip can be claimed by anyone who has a disability working or not. In fact the fact I got esa helped prove the extent of my disabilities. It was also a lot easier to claim and prove than esa. I'd consider applying.
I don't have a motability car however because I have the enhanced rate of mobility I don't pay road tax.

Even if I don't get motability it would help pay for lessons and other expenses?

Umm. No thanks. I'm good.

OP, you will need to do some homework first, and then people on here will be able to help you better. There is a lot of personal choice and your attitude to risk (e.g. older car less cost, less depreciation but higher risk of needing more work.

I suggest first question is "Can i roughly afford the car I think I want?"
... look for large 6 or 7 seater cars for sale. You will soon see how prices vary for a given make/year/mileage.
...next check your fixed annual costs for some of the cars that look within your budget. Finance/loan, tax for each make/ model / year can be found online and you can get insurance quotes from compare the market or similar web site (information will be in the online car adverts). The cost of insurance will be different for you, as it depends on how long you have a license, any previous insurance or claims, where you live and where the car is kept - as well as the type, value and age of car.
...Now the variable costs that depend on the number of miles you do each year are for fuel and maintenance (tyres, servicing and mot). I would allow 20p to 25p per mile as a first approximation.
... then unexpected costs breakages (accident, unexpected repairs over normal wear and tear). In my experience, every year is different but £500 to £800 would be reasonable reserve to have and would not be needed every year... or you could risk that car may have to wait before you can afford to fix.
.... finally as this car will not last forever, you will need to consider saving up for a replacement car. That depends on you... some people dont like older cars and others prefer them.

Once you have rough figures, you will soon know if you can afford a car and be able to run it. Or you may need to change the type of car ... will all 6 of you plus 2 dogs really make enough use of a large car... and could a smaller /older/ different car suit? Then price up the purchase and running costs for that type of car.
Along the way, you will be able to ask more detailed questions here ... suggest a car for me , my budget is £x: how do i get cheaper insurance?: how reliable are Y cars? At what age/mileage do cars start becoming more unreliable Etc etc.

Good luck with your search!

Mine is very cheap.

I bought a zero tax car second hand 7 years ago. It was £8,000 to buy.

It's never failed an MOT

Insurance is £140 a year fully comprehensive.

Full service and MOT is £280 a year.

I spend £45 a month on fuel as it's super economical.

Every few years my tyres need replacing at £40 each.

Costs of running my particular car per year are approx £86 per month.