First car for clueless person

[poppymango]

It’s me. Im the clueless person 😆

I’m Learning to drive, finally, in my late 30’s!
I lived in London my whole adult life so I’ve never needed to before, but I want the freedom it gives me and I’m very excited to start.

I was watching a video yesterday on saving money, and it talked about having clear goals in terms of how much you’re saving, and when by. So, I thought I’d apply this advice to the car I want to buy.

I’m aiming to take my test in a year (maybe more, but no less) but the problem is I have NO idea what kind of car would be suitable! I can probably save £6-£8k by this time next year. I was thinking of a Fiat 500 or similar because they look like good little city cars, but I need to feel safe on the motorway too, and also be able to fit down tiny country lanes when visiting family. Needs to be able to take three adults, one baby, and some shopping in the back.

Obviously I won’t be buying new, but how old is sensible? I’ve never bought anything this big before and I don’t know what all the extra costs would be. Is it best to buy from online or a local place?

I clearly have no idea what I’m doing (lol) but whereas previously I was planning to cross that bridge when I came to it - I realise now that I need a much clearer idea of what I’m saving for. Help a newbie out!! Advice and recommendations please!

...also, if anyone could provide bullet points of the process of buying a first car and what that actually looks like, that would be very helpful. It's intimidating doing grown up things when you're actually a grown up and people expect you to know what's what!!

Bump👀

My first car was a Honda Jazz, I was similar age to you when I started driving and also had a baby so needed good boot space for a stroller. My advice is before you buy a car always check the boot, I really liked a nissan micra but my icandy stroller would not fit. So then I ended up with a Honda Jazz. Very good dependable car, reasonably priced and excellent boot space! Look on auto trader, put your criteria in and look at your price range and then see how new a car you can afford. Then short list cars which are reasonably close by and go test drive them. Do a vehicle check on AA or RAC to check the vehicle history and if it has been involved in accidents etc. Ensure that the person selling you a second hand car has a V5C registration document. Finally make a decision and buy your car. Also Ideally take someone who knows a bit more about cars with you. 😂

So from one clueless person to another, this is my advice! 🤣 Good luck with the test!

Thank you so much! It’s all very overwhelming and I suddenly feel like I’m not quite an adult anymore 😂