Buying first solo car - need advice!

[abreakplease]

After a v loooong marriage, I am now single and need to buy a car of my own. I looked after all the finances, house stuff when married but the only thing he was responsible for was car and anything related.

Currently driving the 'family' Volvo xc60 but this will be sold later this month and money split. it's a lovely car to drive (automatic) but far too big and expensive to run. I think I will get around £7k from the sale.

I need to find a car that is:

1. Economical - I live in suburbs of a big city so most of my driving currently is short trips, often in 20mph zones. Hybrid though, live in a terrace and have nowhere to plug in. And automatic.
2. Fit me, two tall teenagers (6ft) and a dog
3. One or two v long drives a year. Very little on motorways otherwise
4. Reliable - I can't afford big repair bills!

I tested a Kia Niro which was fine. But don't know what else to try - I like being higher up so a small petrol hybrid SUV? Think a xc40 would be too big but haven't tried it.

I think my dad might help me out with buying if I need - but I don't know if I should be looking to buy a used outright, or PCP, or what.

Any advice would be great, on best cars and also best way to buy these days?

I’m not sure if I’m the best person to answer as I’m looking at similar types of cars, but I’d avoid PCP if possible, it’s a trap. I’d go HP or cash outright.

im looking for recommendations too so not sure what to suggest but the Skoda Kamiq looks popular.

All hybrid or electric cars are automatic. You'll need a self-charging hybrid if you don't have anywhere to plug it in.
Have a look at the Honda HRV if you like the style of the Kia Niro. The newer models from around 2021 are hybrid but these will be more expensive (probably close to £20k). The Hyundai Tucson might also suit, they're a bit cheaper than the Hondas.
I would look at car loan deals as well as finance deals the garages offer as they're often better interest rates, or I've done a cash purchase topped up by an interest free credit card in the past, you just have to be confident you can pay it off before the interest free period ends.

Thanks for replies. I don't have the monthly income to make big payments every month which is why I was thinking PCP. I really have no interest in cars at all, so the idea of borrowing £10k or thereabouts to buy one outright is making me a bit ill! I know they are a necessity especially with taxi service for teens, but I have to get over my resentment of how much I will 'waste' on one!

I think you need to stop thinking of it as a waste of money if it's an essential part of your lifestyle! Or you use that money to get taxis everywhere instead, but the cost of that will soon add up. Also factor in the cost of spending more on a newer car with fewer miles compared to a cheaper, older one that is likely to come with higher maintenance costs and need replacing more quickly.

Good points well made @MiddleAgedDread !

I think you should weigh up how important reliability an minimal surprise expenses is going to be to you.

If you could handle annual average repair bills get something petrol from a brand known for reliability with a FSH and at most average mileage. It will be a few years older on budget qnd you can buy outright and see how you get on and there will be minimal depreciation. Thinking Honda HRV, Toyota CHR.

Finance through HP or personal loan if you want reliability for 3-6 Yr ownership period n a 2-3 year old low mileage hybrid from Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Suxuki or Skoda.

I would never go down the route ( excuse the pun!) of car finance again.

Can you elaborate? Due do how much extra you paid? Do you mean all kinds of finance - PCP, HP, etc or just one?

Following with interest as my old banger is costing me too much in repairs now and in an ideal world I'd go electric but they're not cheap.

There are fantastic finance deals around at present so shop around. Don't just go to a garage look at leasing companies online, leases have absolutely tumbled. For your size and spec I would consider Mercedes GLA, Audi Q2, Peugeot 3008.

pcp is absolutely fine if you don't care about switching it after a few years. You can also pay the remaining balance and keep it if you wish.