I've been looking and the cheapest I can get (based on comparethemarket quotes) is around £650-£700 a year for the comprehensive type. This is without the breakdown cover or motor legal protection which looks like a £70 extra add on. Is it worth adding them as well? I'm inclined to do so.

You're absolutely right and that was something that I was partly thinking as well. I would like to go for an Audi (which I will at some point in the future) but for now until I get some driving experience here, I shall look at the cars you've suggested.

I'm thinking a Honda Civic, for example:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007171338782?o...2

What do you think about this?

I already have converted it to a UK one earlier this year. Now I have to see where I can book some lessons as well. I was thinking to do some theory practice tests as well to refresh my memory or signage, rules, etc. before going for the practice lessons.

M-F B, you give the impression of being a cautious responsible person, so I think you would probably be wasting your money on driving lessons. Nothing beats actual driving experience for avoiding trouble on the road. Tens of thousands of Brits happily drive on the highways and byways of mainland Europe in rental left hand drive cars without any thought of needing 'lessons'. But mugging up on the UK Highway Code would be a good idea and costs nothing.

Neither of these are rare cars and at this price you need to examine them in person to reduce the risk of buying a faulty car.

Buying a car from a distance away can be OK but if anything goes wrong (that the dealer is responsible for) means the car has to be taken back to them at your expense.

BuyIng locally would be far better. Also at your budget a delivery charge is a big % to add on.

Edited by catsdad on 17/09/2020 at 14:03

Thanks for the message again.

Taking into consideration your advice I found the below, 72 miles away from my home and they can deliver.

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009053366895?y...1

What do you think about this car? Is it worth it? Is it good value for money?

But it's a diesel.?..and I wouldn't buy any car I couldn't physically see/drive before purchase.

It makes sense to have a look somewhere locally, you're right. I shall text a couple of friends who are from the (tiny) town where I currently live (Whitehaven) and see what they say. They should be able to recommended me a few local family dealers, as you said.

Would you please give me a couple of pointers that I should be watching when I go and see a car for the first time, before buying?

Thanks for all your help, really appreciate it. One last question (I promise), at a first glance what do you think of the car below? It looks appealing to me and ticks most of the boxes.

www.gumtree.com/p/ford/ford-fiesta-st-/1383242851

Wednesday’s post from SLO says it all. Stick with simple cars. This is a performance car and as Tom suggest insurance will be an issue.

Agreed. The A3 is a good one to buy new, as Audis hold their value. But for that very reason it's hard to see a good reason for buying one used, when for the same price you could have a younger SEAT or Skoda.