What's the best thing to do as a first time car buyer?

[Avcfhcic]

[RebelinSteel]

Buy something cheap to insure, cheap to repair, something that is a few years old and from a recommended (by people you trust) dealer, making sure it has a decent warranty in case it develops problems.
this is the car you will learn to drive in, you will have scrapes, mark paint work and wheels, and other stuff. I would also try for one that either has good sat nav or support Android Auto or Apple Car Play.

[Avcfhcic]

Is it better to buy second hand or to lease a car?

[RebelinSteel]

Second hand, a lease car you damage it you need it repaired when you hand it back, you get charged for any marks, scratches, damage over a certain level.
Also with a lease you have to start from scratch every say 3 or 4 years,
If you get a reasonable used car, then you have some trade in value at 3 year point.

[Avcfhcic]

Ok appreciate it.
It's only when you go looking, you realise how expensive cars actually are!

[Avcfhcic]

Any pointers to look out for when searching for a used car?

[RebelinSteel]

Oh it gets worse once you throw in repairing then, maintenance, road tax, fuel costs, yearly MOT etc

[Avcfhcic]

Especially my insurance as a 23 year old male driver 😅

[RebelinSteel]

Main pointer is to get a recommendation from someone you trust and take someone you know understands cars and car buying and you trust them to be sensible,
You need to be able to afford insurance, fuel, tyres, servicing, you need to be able to park it, be sensible and do not go big or fast or thirsty,

[Avcfhcic]

Yeah I have mentioned to a mate before who's into cars to be my expert.
I just want a nice car, obviously would love a fast sporty one but maybe like a golf or a ford

[paledreams]

Take it for a vehicle service , oil change, inspection :) 🙂

[katiesmuff]

Be very careful!

[jahaims]

Pay in cash