So, I’ve bought a few in my lifetime, in fact only once did I take hubby. My first was a clapped out Vauxhall, which died a death on its way to the part ex garage, where I had bought a Fiat 45, six months old ex demo, I drove that car to 103,000 miles, sold it to my BIL, who used it for a few months and then sold it on, 9 years later I saw it on someone’s drive and had to look at the mileage, it was at 239,000 miles.
Loved that car and only got rid of it because of space for my twins car seats.
Bought a semi-auto Vauxhall Corsa, hated it. Had it less than 3 months.
After that I bought a Kia Carans, the best car ever. Reliable, sturdy, dependable, easy to drive and on one occasion transported 9, 18/19 year olds to a party. At 209,000 miles somebody made a good job of banging it up. I then drove my dream car, a Suzuki soft top Jimny, but only I loved it, because it was built more for fun and off roading, than comfort.
I’ve had a few in between, my advice take a car nut with you, if you know one, or ask the local mechanic, what he’d recommend, unless buying from a main dealership. Read Auto Trader reviews, buy a copy of Auto Mart (monthly) and do some swotting up on what you can get for your budget.
Look at cars that are one owner from new, but no more than 2 owners.
Look at cars with a full service history and paperwork showing any works done on the car.
Watch out for high mileage, that could have been used as a taxi, check the miles per gallon and insurance group.
You can check the car out on the DVLA website with a registration number. Ask about any Insurance claims.
Always give it a good inspection, even if you know nothing about cars, even us females can spot dirt and duct tape under the hood.
Choice should be about practicality and future use, think about your kids older, think about loading and unloading your shopping, think about elderly relatives, holiday suitcases etc….
My husband fell in love with the Audi GT and I had seen one, was all ready to buy it, there and then.
Then he opened the boot and decided he’d changed his mind!.
Because, the boot was too small to hold his golf clubs!.
Watch out for salesmen trying to offload a really nice girly colour car, (hate that) colour should not come into it, except for white cars, they need forever cleaning.
Do take a test drive, do ask the AA or other body offering pre sale inspections if you have doubts, do walk away and think overnight about it, do not part with any money without a receipt,
Buying from a garage will give you some sort of warranty, buying privately unless with a credit card is done on trust, but even buying privately you do have some limited recourse.
Your other choice is buying at auction or using an agent (although fees will apply).
If you really are doubtful about your ability, I would always ask a friend, relative, local mechanic or even the guy down the road that’s forever tinkering with cars (we all know at least one).
My choice would be a Kia or a Toyota, followed by Fiat.