The only winning move is not to drive.

[cthulahoops]

And so begins Project: Get a Car. I made the mistake of checking how much insurance would cost the other night. What the hell? That confirms what I've suspected all along, that in cities only a fool would bother with a car. Having determined that what I'm doing is idiotic, at least I'm saved from any need to be sensible. Getting a car is pure

Comments

[sobrique]

* Decide upon a budget - figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend. This might be via a loan/monthly repayment (which therefore determines size of initial outlay), or flat cash sum. From this, check insurance amounts - a group 5,6,7,8 vehicle is a fairly common sort of thing, so check each of those and avoid anything in a higher insurance group

[cthulahoops]

Decide upon a budget - figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend.

This is a difficult one until I understand the market better. My budget is currently as much as it costs, but no more.

Figure out what you want/don't want. Things your vehicle must or must not have/be/do. What size car are you after?

A small car, but something reasonable for motorway driving rather than just getting around the city. It'd be nice if I could fit four adults reasonably comfortably.

RAC vehicle inspection is a good idea

Is this advised regardless of where you buy? It seems like a no-brainer for private purchases, but a bit pointless for new cars. If you're buying used from a reputable dealer with warranty, is this still worth it?

Get a copy of parkers guide. http://www.parkers.co.uk/

Yes, I've been using that site lots. It has the answers to pretty much every car question I have.

[sobrique]

You don't need the RAC inspection, but ... I still would if it's private or small dealer anyway.
But yeah, new/near new/car supermarket will usually carry a warranty of some kind that's actually worth the paper it's printed on.

[spencerpine]

If you're buying from a dealership, do some research on how to negotiate on car prices. Really worth it.

Graham

[cthulahoops]

Yay! Another chance to earn skill points in haggling.

[jorune]

Looks like sobrique has covered it. Going to one of those car supermarkets that allow you to test drive many cars is a good idea, if you visit several over a few weekends you can soon build up an understanding of what different cars feel like and your reactions to them.

[cthulahoops]

Yes, I'm beginning to think that that is going to be the best use for the car supermarket. Car Giant is a short cycle from my house, it doesn't get great reviews online, but good for getting a feel for every make.

[aster13]

Sorry, this is off topic - but want to come to my housewarming? (see my lj for details)

[notdan]

My top tip: look for a yellow car.

[cthulahoops]

I'm not a yellow fan. I'm hoping for blue, green or purple.