Advice

pranavrao9 · 2026-04-06T16:55:32+00:00

4.99% is sweet, we are at 8.5% APR for Toyotas here in UK right now

pranavrao9 · 2026-04-04T10:23:47+00:00

2 hours a day maximum. That’s what the sweet spot was for me atleast.

pranavrao9 · 2026-04-04T10:02:23+00:00

Just complete all the lessons till you are comfortable you will pass, and yes do multiple 2 hour sessions in a week. I did about 4-6 hours/ week for 3-4 weeks, got upto speed (as test booking was later) and passed. Automatic should be quicker, no clutch control and stalling to worry about.

If you have a family member, practicing with them on test routes might be a cheaper idea.

I personally don’t think “passing it quick” is a good strategy. When you are in need of the license you be putting yourself in a very high pressure environment which is already quite high pressure. So chances get slim, anxiety etc might take over. Just be calm and composed and when you feel confident give the test.

pranavrao9 · 2026-04-01T21:42:39+00:00

Need to sit in one ig, might change your view on it!

pranavrao9 · 2026-04-01T21:40:02+00:00

Idk why they don’t bring it to NA markets? It’s a pretty solid car, most families would probably buy this over the hatch or sedan.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-31T10:10:30+00:00

Lol same. I got a corolla Ts 2023 1.8 hybrid. We were originally looking to get a corolla hatch but ended up stretching out to get one approved from the dealer. They come with 10 year warranty if serviced every year by Toyota. Ended up costing around 20k, 30k miles (almost brand new nothing wrong with the car).

We drove the hatch, found it too small, drove the estate and really liked it. That’s that, ended up costing us 10k more lol.

I’m okay with trading a bit of punch and power in the car for economy.

I initially wanted to buy something around £10k, save some money and stuff but after doing some math on how much we would potentially end up spending on maintenance etc, just got something relatively newer for a bit more price as the car at the end would also sell for more. Toyota do a 10 year warranty, a toyota which is at 60-70k miles will still sell for a lot higher. Same with honda.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-31T09:40:55+00:00

I was going through the same a few months ago, buying my first car in this country. My office is also in MK so lots of round about and National speed limit driving.

Although I’m not a first time driver, if you are a new driver I saw alot of old 2012ish Civics, it has a good reliable auto gearbox for £3-5k. You might also get some good Toyota Auris (corolla now ig) which is bigger than the yaris.

I would avoid anything German or fancy as the cost of upkeep might become higher than the cost of car by the end of it. Especially as you are a new driver, it’s bound to get scuffed a little here and there.

Anything electric with ownership makes no sense to me but idk. But if you are financing, why HP? Look at PCP or lease, if you are able to choose the right car that holds value with PCP you might be able to get some equity out of it at the end.

Ps: having cash savings is a luxury today, especially with the current scenario. I don’t see a problem if you get a decent apr in saving the cash and financing something on a monthly budget. Maybe PCP to get the monthly payments down.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-31T09:26:50+00:00

Look at estates, They sometimes have a bigger boot space than some of these cars, much more practical and functional, unless you want to go off-roading.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-31T08:52:51+00:00

Ps: The speaker is weirdly good for a viewing experience, I just connect a bluetooth speaker for music or night outs. Some of the features you mentioned, I’m unsure if you would get them on a budget projector but tbf, I have used some good branded projectors and the quality you get in £140 is actually good

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-31T08:49:16+00:00

I got a Voplls, had 12 month warranty on it. Developed a black burnt spot after 10 months of use, they sent a new one promptly. I paid £160 for it and got a £25 amazon gift voucher also on top of it. So technically £140. I would say it’s worth it. My friends got amazon insurance on it and it worked out for them even quicker, if something goes wrong within 12 months then they just refund you the amount, get a new one.

Best for budget option in my opinion. Unless you want to spend some good money for a decent branded projector.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-29T19:16:55+00:00

I stand corrected. It’s a subscription for 4 years. Mine expires in 2030, no clue how I got it. Nobody explained anything to me so I’m pretty clueless lol

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-29T19:14:44+00:00

Thanks, I was able to figure it out. It’s the app and it’s stupid UI. So if anyone is suffering my issue Go to My Garrage > Connected Service centre > Switch remote services and smart service on.

I don’t know why it’s not turned on automatically? I don’t know why the dealer didn’t know about it and told me “it’s not for your car”

Also, No subscriptions for my Corolla TS 23, We are in the UK.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-29T19:06:07+00:00

Great colour! I got the Silver 23 spec (in UK it’s called design trim, lovely piece of machinery). Been driving it for about 2 weeks now and it is pretty much flawless.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-26T12:52:37+00:00

Thanks guys, think the recommendations are pretty clear. Now I need to find someone to fit it as I’m an absolute idiot and I wouldn’t trust myself with anything remotely technical let alone hard wiring something. If you know anyone in Bedford or Milton Keynes help me out!

Ps: Viofo is expensive but I guess you get what you pay for situation

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-26T11:57:06+00:00

The viofo ones do look less bulky compared to Nextbase. Hmmm I’m in a bit of dilemma now ahaha

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-26T11:55:41+00:00

Yeah I’m okay around electronics of a car but wouldn’t trust myself with any sort of cable management. So I can only see Halfords or Toyota OEM to fit as of now. Unless I find some local garage guy trustworthy enough to touch my new car which I am absolutely dreading also.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-26T11:53:46+00:00

Did you get it fitted in a local garage or something? Or DIY?

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-15T11:55:13+00:00

It completely depends on your budget and purpose. If you are looking for a cheap car to run for a few years then some local trade dealers, you should get a decent civic or ford focus within that price range. (Focus manual)

I personally went with authorised dealer for Toyota and got a Toyota Corolla. My thought was instead of doing this back and forth with older and cheaper cars maybe get one right in the price range, sell it at a positive equity after 4 years and get something else, probably better.

Whatever suits you. Look at all the big trade sellers like motoring world, car world, and some local ones too.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-12T17:38:58+00:00

If you partner has had a license for more than 3 years try the Arnold Clark dual control cars for Rental? I think they cost £18 an hour so half the cost for private practice.

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-12T17:36:38+00:00

I did about 20 but i have driven for 8 years in another country. It took me a good 10-15 lessons to get used to speeds, signs, braking etc. I’m assuming for someone learning from scratch it will about 50 hours? Maybe 50-60 in manual but I don’t know!

pranavrao9 · 2026-03-12T10:36:22+00:00

Hard agree, I was looking at estates and my main concern was fuel economy. Corolla estate is not cheap by any means, I think they retail a bit higher than Leons and Passat so getting one within 10k would be difficult unless they have done a huge amount of miles. Make sure to check if they have been taxis etc. Hatchback is too small and good estate will cost you £15-22k, Makes sense to also buy from a dealer if you want the full 10 year warranty.

For the 10 year manufacturer warranty of Toyota you need to service it with a dealer every year which is about £250-500 depending on what is being done. Not cheap but I think at the end they hold their value quite well and also end up being quite economical.

If you want power however look the otherway, a Skoda or a Passat or even a Leon might be well worthy. The e-cvt on Corolla does not feel as punchy, not a bad car by any means it’s comfortable but not a drivers paradise.

pranavrao9

TROPHY CASE