How much to spend on a car

[ohthejoy21]

Hoping from some advise from drivers.
I am going to buy my first car very soon, if I pass my impending test!
I am an older (50's) and probably won't drive a lot as I live and work in the same area but nonetheless I am very excited to finally do this.
I have a healthy budget but I cannot decide whether to buy an old cheap car (6-7k) or a newer one (10-12k).
Would you advise being a new driver to buy the cheaper one until I get more experience and then in a couple of years buy the car I really like or just buy the car I want straight away and keep it for a long time?

@Chewbecca
Great to hear, I have heard the same from many Fiat owners and also reading reviews it seems like 500's are a lot more reliable than people give them credit for. You got a great deal, that's the spec I'm looking at. I am looking nationwide although it would have to be delivered as I wouldn't want to drive across the country to collect as a new driver!

Most New Drivers learn to drive in the first year, you only learn how to pass your test with an instructor.
Buy something cheaper about 2k that you can learn in and if you enjoy that kind of car you can upgrade in a years time and not have lost money.

7k is a lot for a 10 year old car.
That said cars are holding their value at the moment. I know someone who sold a small car to a garage recently for £400 less than they bought it 3/4 years ago. So by the time the garage put their mark-up on it and put it on the forecourt it will cost more than it did 3/4 years ago.

Op unless you are in a hurry you might be as well to order new, and wait the 6-12 months for it.