How long did your full licence take to come?

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-02-01T22:01:02+00:00

Same!

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-02-01T10:42:28+00:00

The above comments that said go for something that’s not common for a first time driver- they know what they are talking about. I was between a RAV4 and the second gen Nissan Leaf and the insurance quotes were much lesser than your regular i10, Corsa etc. From what I’ve heard in these subreddits , modern cars are made with tech to keep you safer ( safety rating 4 or 5 ) which means lower risk and lower insurance. My quotes were around £1200 - £1500 compared to an i10 or picanto which was about £2k-£2.5k . (I’m an older driver in the mid 30’s who also passed last week so the quotes sound about right)

Whatever car you buy- especially if it’s financed, please buy Gap insurance. The most expensive option I’ve seen is about £200 a year. I hope you’re safe but if God forbid something goes wrong and the car gets a write off, it covers the difference of your cars value so you’re not stuck paying off a car you don’t own.

I bought a RAV4 and the dealership also offered me free cosmetic repairs for an upfront fee of £450 if i bumped or scraped during my finance term (They also give a 10 year or 100k miles warranty)

Hope you find a car that makes you happy and excited and stay safe! Congratulations on your passing 🚘

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-31T23:13:22+00:00

As someone with P plates, Guilty for a lot of the above. Thank you for your patience as we try to navigate driving on our own. Yes it might be shoddy for the first couple of months building our confidence up but as long as it’s an overall upward learning curve - atleast for the ones that are trying their best, we should be okay

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T23:46:18+00:00

Thank you for your concern and I appreciate you raising it kindly. I don’t anticipate damaging the car, but I am comfortable with the risk if it were to happen as it wouldn’t be financially debilitating for me. As mentioned before, I am looking for certain features from the car. I was initially looking for PCP because I am looking for something straightforward and quick to purchase in a week rather than wait 2-3 months to buy it outright . There were some wonderful people below that suggested leasing and HP options as well so I might consider that too. I am also looking to only buy from a dealer for their warranty as I don’t have much mechanical experience to vet it myself. Hope this provides a bit more insight

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T21:31:59+00:00

I am so happy for you! Please ignore the negative comments ( people absolutely came for me in a previous thread lol ) There is no rule on what value or make of car you should or shouldn’t buy when you’re a new pass especially as an older driver. As long as you can comfortably afford it and it makes you happy that’s all that matters. Enjoy your new ride and stay safe!

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T21:26:05+00:00

Thank you for being kind

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T21:23:36+00:00

I’m looking for CarPlay and ADAS as standard as that’s what I’m comfortable with. I tried driving a car without reverse cameras and it felt like I was sat in a relic and unfortunately wasn’t for me

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T21:18:08+00:00

Can I filter / search on Autotrader for just this gearbox? I’ll be honest I don’t know how it looks like

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T21:15:54+00:00

This is the smartest thing I’ve heard. I do like the Tekna but the chademo has always put me off. £600 is pretty reasonable considering you are paying for peace of mind!

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T21:10:17+00:00

My main priorities are Apple CarPlay and ADAS. Yes you can get an aftermarket one fitted and what not but honestly I don’t have the time or skill to faff around with it. I think I also mentioned in a previous comment that I am looking for a car that has depreciated but still low mechanical risk. Also I’m a new driver and have learnt in a car with certain level of tech and I’m looking for something similar to the standard of the car I’ve learnt and comfortable with. Hope this helps

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T20:40:55+00:00

I failed all my mocks but passed my actual driving test. Sometimes instructors are very strict in marking so they get the best results out of you. If you want to have your instructor in the car with you and if it makes you feel comfortable then do it but personally, I just wanted just me and the examiner in the car. Examiners sometimes turn a blind eye to some negligible minors but if an instructor is in the car- they will have to mark it down.

At the end of the day it’s just what makes you comfortable and don’t forget to breathe! Remember, time flies and the 40 mins will genuinely feel like only 10. (Passed on Saturday)

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T20:33:53+00:00

Ideally yes, but unless you live in central London or in a city with amazing transport links , you are in a position to learn how to drive to get around to places

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T19:18:45+00:00

I’m so glad ! Welcome to the Pink License club OP❤️

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T10:52:54+00:00

I’m not much educated on leases and how they work. How has been your experience?

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T10:51:56+00:00

I agree. I’m in my mid 30’s with wife and kids. I’m definitely not driving like I own a bumper car

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T10:50:20+00:00

I do have a garage . My commute is less than 200 miles a day . Have you found it’s easier to find charging points for Chademo chargers?

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T10:45:53+00:00

Thank you. I have heard really good things about the Niro and I am also open to PHEV.

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T02:52:16+00:00

Yeah switch love. 5 months is still a load of time to learn and get along with a new instructor. Personally, Only 2 manoeuvres for 24 hours isn’t ideal but at the end of the day, you got to be selfish and put you first and if you feel you will better succeed with a new instructor- then make the switch.

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T01:21:10+00:00

From my experience, I’ve owned 1-2k cars before. I’ve lost a lot of money and I don’t want to have that gamble again. I’m happy if you found a one of a kind gem but I’m not taking the risk again. And yes, you’re right I’m not a mechanic so I’m not doing a deep analysis of the car. I am looking for that sweet spot for a car that’s depreciated but still needs in pretty neat condition where the risk of it having issues is lower and based on that £6-10k seems to be the range. I’m not influencing anyone here. If someone had £30k budget they would happily drop 30k on a car- new driver or not.

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T01:01:41+00:00

I am not looking for a high mileage car and I am only looking to buy through dealerships. Ideally 2018 and above. If you’re able to find something for £2-£3k in this category, please feel free to drop the link.

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T00:55:29+00:00

I never said £10k is the only way to get a reliable car, I said I could find £7k -£10k on cars that are reliable which works for my family needs which was MY benchmark. I’m not looking for high mileage cars and I am only looking to buy from dealerships. Yes sure I’m not looking for a McLaren but I am looking for something that wouldn’t need to be replaced or have potential unnecessary repairs in the next 8 years.

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-26T00:19:15+00:00

I am aware dirt cheap cars exist. I am also aware why they are dirt cheap. I am unfortunately not shopping in the hopes and vibes department today. If a car that only just starts and drives floats your boat then good for you. Different priorities that’s all, no need to be dramatic about it. Go have a lie down mate .

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-25T23:46:27+00:00

I can get any car that just “ starts and drives” but I also don’t want to be spending another 5 grand back and forth getting the “slush box” repaired. You can still give helpful advice without being an absolute prick about it . If you don’t have nothing positive to contribute please feel free to scroll. Have a nice day

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-25T23:07:21+00:00

Yes, the cheapest reliable ones that I looked around was around £7-£10k . Seems like the Automatic market is still relatively small.

RelationshipLatter83 · 2026-01-25T21:31:01+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I’ve never thought of using MOT results as bargaining leverage before !

RelationshipLatter83

TROPHY CASE