AIBU expensive first car?

[sanbeiji]

Just passed my driving test at a ripe older age :)
I know that newly passed drivers have a higher rate of accidents + insurance. Was planning to carefully research, look at various cars and buy an old banger (under £3K).

Problem is I work full time so can only see cars on weekends - by which time the cars I'm interested in have gone! I'm also the only driver so end up taking public transport which takes ages. Dealers which are 20-30 mins away by car end up taking an hour by public transport meaning I can't go to many and do a thorough inspection of each car. Taxis are obviously expensive.

I have found a couple of decent cars between 6-7K. AIBU to bite the bullet and buy one?

Just to note my reservations aren't about cost. It's just that everyone has advised me to not buy an expensive first car. I do however need one within the next couple of months as we return to the office.

OP, I think that poster meant for you to hire a car (so no interest), to give you a chance to go and visit some dealerships. And it's a bloody good idea, IMO.

Anyway it looks like people are in agreement that it's worth paying for a more reliable car. I'm going to pick one of the two that I've seen

@gobbynorthernbird I know what they meant, I can't hire a car as my license still shows as provisional on the DVSA website. I've been advised that this has been happening due to Covid and it could take a few weeks to update. Even longer for my shiny new license to arrive but that's another story.

Of course I have my pass certificate number , photos and pass email confirmation for any traffic police who wish to stop me but i cant show that to websites...

*websites or people who need a record of my license number

Also thanks to everyone's advice it's helped massively!

I sympathise op. I had a budget of £6k for a new car but I looked last weekend and all the cars that were in £6k range when I last looked a year ago are all £9k now!

I didn't mean to hire a car I meant contract leasing. You can do personal or business if you would use the car specifically for your job. If you search car leasing companies you'll be able to see what I mean. You basically pay an upfront oaymeht, decide how long to lease the vehicle for, mileage and maintenance etc. Then monthly payments going forward. At the end of the contract you can sometimes extend the lease or send it back and start again with another.

Ooh, sorry. I was referring to the post by @Pinotpleasure and got my wires crossed as that was quoted by OP.

Hi OP just wondered what you bought in the end? I am in the exact same position as you and contemplating whether to buy a new car or not.