Non-driver, clueless, choose me a car!

[Tier500]

I can’t drive (embarrassingly) but learning is a priority! DH can but we live in London and haven’t needed a car yet.

Lockdown plus a second baby has made us realise we need one so starting to think about options. It will mainly be used for weekend trips and holidays to visit family up north and in Ireland (via ferry), so infrequent but long journeys, plus the odd short trip to IKEA etc. We have a 2 year old and a newborn so need enough space in the back for 2 big car seats, and boot space for a pram. I’m worried about the environmental impact so ideally an electric or hybrid provided doesn’t cost a fortune! We’d like to buy used probably. Any advice appreciated!

Infrequent but long journeys make we wonder if you would be better hiring cars when you need them?

Thanks yes we have wondered that. But i can’t drive atm and when I finally pass my test I think I’ll need my own car to practice in and gain confidence. We’d also like to be able to use it at weekends for day trips etc.

We all drive Nissan Micras...one is 22 years old...bought it when it was 4 years old....its been the most reliable car ever owned....always passes mot etc....sister also owns a new model...and husband also a micra...insurance is low groups and spares are reasonable, not that we have ever needed anything other than a few tyres or wiper blades over the years !

What are you learning in? Would you feel comfortable driving something bigger?

What’s the budget? (Cash and/or monthly payments). Not a fortune is so different for each person

I was learning in a Ford Focus but would need something bigger to fit the two massive car seats in the back. Same issue would rule out a Nissan micra I suspect.

Tbh I have no idea what a reasonable budget is and also what the insurance cost would be - presumably really high for a new driver parking it on the street in London! if it was much better to pay up front then we could wait longer and save more - savings quite depleted by mat leave atm.

Have you looked at the hybrid Toyota Auris? My first car with two kids was a Yaris and the boot was too small but the Auris is a bit bigger without being overwhelming!

If you are learning in a Focus then another Ford would maximise your familiarity. Ford parts are cheap and easy to source and modern Fords are reasonably reliable. 2 car seats should fit in the back of a Focus but if you want a bit more space and a higher driving position look at a C-Max.

For your first year or 2 of driving it's best to have something relatively cheap as first cars always pick up a few bumps and scrapes.

Insurance in London is unlikely to be cheap. Do you have your own parking or will you be struggling to squeeze it in somewhere on the road?

£3000 gets you a 2 owner C-Max with a good service history. www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101057673406

This one is lower spec and higher mileage, but a newer model www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011156151990

@CruelAndUnusualParenting thank you for looking into that for me! I’m not so worried about sticking to Ford as I’ll be able to practice in the new car but the size of that one looks good. We have free residents’ on street parking where I am and there is a space outside our house so I will be able to park it ok, though I’m sure the insurance will be expensive.

Definitely not looking for something fancy but I’ll need to make sure it’s ULEZ compliant for London driving. No idea what this means currently - need to research that!