Buying a car as a single mum

[Joyful26]

Has anyone done this? I’m sure most single mums will have done at some point.

It’s crazy how hard it feels.

it really feels the one decision I would delegate to a man.

I have £12k to spend. I really don’t know if I should just look for a car at that price and buy it. Or if I should consider car finance and pay monthly for something?

is the benefit of paying monthly that you then get a newer model and can trade it back to them if there are any problems?

I get the benefit of paying outright is that I’ll presumably pay less overall. But then I’ve got an aging car which will limp along year after year like the one I’ve currently got.

i suppose the thought of a newer car which I can hand back and upgrade if there are problems sounds good. Have I got that right though? Presumably I’d still need to get it serviced every year and pay for repairs myself?

I’m driving a vw at the minute. I’d stay away honestly. Assume it’s the whole vw group from speaking to colleagues with seats. They have the most sensitive braking system. If you’re driving down a hill at an angle with parked cars on one side and oncoming cars on the other, it will definitely beep a warning and possibly slam your brakes on to avoid a collision that was never going to happen. Even when I turn off emergency front braking etc. it’s so dangerous and I can’t wait to hand it back.

Sorry that should have quoted this. I had an 18 plate golf that never did any of that so I think it’s newer cars.

they will be different cars, mileage and age with different service histories. There’s also a premium for buying from a dealer. Only test drive the cars you want to buy from the garage you may buy them. Everything else wastes your time.

I’m a single mum and have never had a husband. I’ve managed to buy and sell several cars over the years. I’m sure there are plenty of men who’ve never bought or sold a car. C’mon big girl pants on. Just do some research and get on with it.

Which model VW are you looking at?

Well I'm a single mum, and my (male) ex was (and is)a total fucking liability when it comes to cars! Absolutely zero common sense. I've always looked over my own vehicles.

Websites like Honest John will give you lots of advice on what to look for. Research research research.

Main dealers are always going to charge more.

Is this big VW from an independent garage, and how much warranty are they offering on it?

Or is it a private seller? I prefer them personally, but I've bought a lot of second hand cars! They're usually cheaper, but caveat emptor.

Personally, I prefer a dealership. They should give you warranty with your car.
A test drive is the actual car that you are thinking of buying.
You have plenty of time. There is no rush.

Go to a couple of local dealerships, or other garages. A dealership usually sells a certain brand of car. (Hint: you don't need to go to the Mercedes or Porsche dealership)
Talk to the salesmen. Some garages have saleswomen and they are usually very nice. They will be delighted to talk to you and educate you. Write things down if necessary. They will explain the differences between leasing, finance and buying cash. You can discuss with them the sort of car you need, the amount of mileage you do and how long you need the car to last. They will give you ideas. They will allow you to have test drives.

Important. You are under no obligation to buy.
It is ok. to walk away. It is ok to say No. They will probably take your number and ring you the following week. It is OK to say I have decided to buy elsewhere. It is ok to say you are still thinking about it.

I have sent several salesmen away with a flea in their ear. That's ok too.

I have a good salesman at my local dealership. I have bought a couple of cars from him and will probably buy another. He knows not to give me any guff. He knows I am a cash buyer and don't want extended warranty. The garage will probably offer you extra add ons. I decline most of them. I looked elsewhere, before returning to him last time I purchased.