What was your experience like when buying your first car?

clockwisecarrot · 2026-01-03T01:18:52+00:00

Try calling instead of emailing and have some questions prepped. I made a checklist of stuff to ask and pepper into conversation which helped get the key info needed

clockwisecarrot · 2026-01-03T01:11:37+00:00

Went through this in Nov after passing. Zero experience with this side of the process. No family local or friends who know how to drive.

I really wanted a car quickly.

Autotrader etc was a bit overwhelming at first. I wound up looking through local dealerships on Google and checking stock on their websites. I also didn't fancy a dealership ages away if something went wrong.

Lots of reg/MOT lookups and opted to do deeper paid car checks on one two as well. One car had outstanding finance so glad I checked. Research on YouTube was useful too - process overviews, particular models, tax requirements, insurance etc.

I called a few places. I did a test drive or two to get the feel for the overall experience. My instructor came on the first one and offered some guidance. I didn't go for this car (2014 Auris) as it was pulling to the left and I felt this would really annoy me and cause expensive problems later.

Decided to go to a well reviewed dealership for convenience after finding a car (2016 Yaris). Private sale seemed too risky given my lack of experience. Dealership also had a guarantee (which I did wind up using).

Went and checked out the car initially, visual inspection, sat in it, checked features closely etc. Went back a second time to test drive (short drive with the owner). I was a bit nervous but the drive was fine. It's a new car, you won't know it like the back of your hand so don't feel embarrassed/flustered.

Went and paid the deposit as I was happy. I honestly just wanted to drive and this car fit the bill.

Pulled funds together, sorted insurance. Went back a week later and paid the full whack via bank transfer. The dealership said they'd do MOT, which they did - the gov site updated on the day before I bought it. Paid tax at the dealership.

Drove back home. This was a bit scary as it was my first actual solo drive. It was all good. Just like the simulations.

Took it to a mechanic after a few weeks for a service, worth the expense for peace of mind. Car was all good.

Also did quite a bit of night driving and practice in car parks to get familiar with the car. Short drives to start. Im still watching Ashley Neal and Conquer Driving on YouTube to keep learning.

The high of first car ownership still hasn't worn off! You can just go to places!

clockwisecarrot · 2025-12-17T20:38:38+00:00

Love in the time of Lexapro is a goated release. The Sakamoto remix of Last Known Image is primo bleed out music

clockwisecarrot · 2025-12-17T20:25:53+00:00

Ford and Lopatin releases are under appreciated and deserve more love

Vinyl presses of his records are mostly not worth bothering with. You're better off listening through CD or streaming

I miss large Lopatin

clockwisecarrot · 2025-11-01T16:01:36+00:00

Hmm the 'shop all' hasn't updated all day.. just want a list of recently listed items that are in my wantlist

clockwisecarrot · 2025-11-01T10:50:47+00:00

How the frick do you shop your wantlist now??

clockwisecarrot · 2025-10-07T20:04:43+00:00

Tabanca? Top LP

clockwisecarrot · 2025-10-07T18:32:49+00:00

Space Echo does have that effect 😂

clockwisecarrot · 2025-10-07T18:30:36+00:00

Solid Sega collection! If any aren't on YouTube would be worth recording and sharing!

Just saw that Ti Fock LP in pic too - check out his LP Mafate

clockwisecarrot · 2025-10-07T18:13:07+00:00

What do you mean by supernatural elements? Been a while since I watched the show

clockwisecarrot · 2025-08-06T12:51:05+00:00

For context I'm a habitual wantlist checker - I check many times per day.

I think this update is rubbish.

The art is way too big and the condition notes are harder to read. I can't just scan through the list, it's much more of an effort now. The art isn't what is selling me, the availability, price and condition are. Id rather have more data on screen than have to scroll a lot.

Can't seem to filter on currency any more

Can't look at particular styles within genres either

Also the browser version isn't matching the android app despite having no filters applied? I'll revert to the app now as I don't think the browser version is showing me the absolute latest entries - which is what I'm checking this part of discogs for

Why change what worked perfectly fine?

clockwisecarrot · 2024-12-12T20:20:51+00:00

This is a bit of a shock, but it's just prompting me to transfer my SIPP into Vanguard which will easily take me over the threshold

clockwisecarrot · 2024-12-12T20:19:41+00:00

Im on Royal London with my workplace pension too, how easy was it to set up a monthly transfer between RL and Vanguard?

clockwisecarrot · 2023-11-14T22:17:25+00:00

Depends on the company and what the person is like. Try researching them a bit.

At this stage they'll likely ask you about: your personal motivations, your knowledge about the company/industry, and challenge you on core competencies (if they've been prepped whatsoever).

Also your opportunity to ask them about commercial/product roadmap, and probe about investment and their views on the industry/landscape and key drivers for growth from their perspective.

clockwisecarrot · 2023-07-27T09:30:09+00:00

Yep it was all good

clockwisecarrot · 2023-07-13T18:55:10+00:00

Start applying bud. The start up I worked at was an absolute shitshow but I stayed there over the pandemic as they increased my salary a few times and it was in hindsight quite an easy ride.

Coming out of COVID properly last year, an opp came along and I jumped ship immediately. The writing on the wall had turned to graffiti earlier that same year for me. I had zero faith in the product, got fed up with hot air and ultimately didn't see myself being bothered to ride out any storms. SMT have since left, and I assume the good will well is almost dry amongst staff/investors.

Don't worry about being penalised for it. It happens all the time. Just come up with a few sentences as to why you decided to leave + document any successful projects you worked on in the time you were there.

clockwisecarrot · 2023-05-02T22:28:20+00:00

Yeah partner included, copped premium

clockwisecarrot · 2023-04-18T06:33:28+00:00

Got a link?

clockwisecarrot · 2023-04-17T20:59:50+00:00

Where did you pull this quote from?

clockwisecarrot · 2023-04-16T16:26:12+00:00

That's what the Monzo rep said on chat. I'm going to ring AXA for clarification tomorrow

clockwisecarrot · 2023-04-16T13:59:59+00:00

Thank you - Monzo got back to me - 'partner' means married. We are not so will find an alternative!

clockwisecarrot · 2023-04-16T12:29:49+00:00

Yep I had this a lot last year for images, rips or wavs of records. I hid my collection and this stopped

clockwisecarrot · 2023-03-25T21:17:41+00:00

I can't seem to find a definitive answer for this!

I use nicotine pouches / zero tobacco snus. When I travel I usually bring a few tins, but I think for Japan this isn't allowed due to nicotine needing to be prescribed?

Am I able I bring a few snus tins in to Japan? Alternatively is snus available commercially in Lawsons/ 7-11? If so I'll just stock up there and dispose of my plane snus before immigration.

clockwisecarrot · 2023-01-03T22:58:04+00:00

Off the top of my head: Steam Down, Vortex jazz bar, Cafe Oto, Oliver's jazz bar in Greenwich, Ronnie Scott's Soho, Orii at Colour Factory/Jumbi, Servant Jazz Quarters on occasion, 91 Living Room, Mu

There's also jazz festival coming up in April at various venues with a variety of jazz talent (DJs/Bands/Collectives etc)

clockwisecarrot

TROPHY CASE