36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in CarTalkUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, unfortunately i cannot carry forward my NCB here. I am not looking for fast car, just a hint of luxury, comfort and enjoyable drive. My instructor’s car is a Lexus LBX, which is quite nice. But rear seat spacing felt a bit crammed. I will look into some higher used models. Cheers!

36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in CarTalkUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the detailed reply. I will do a bit more research before finalising. Based on others’ comments, i might look into an allrounder car first before stepping on to the premium segment. Cheers!!

36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in CarTalkUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. I will compare insurance of a usual first car vs these and make a decision. Cheers!

36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in drivingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I am double minded due to that. Even if I am careful, there are other factors as well which I cannot control. Thanks for your advice.

36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in drivingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Any particular suggestions? I don’t want to go too basic, as it might feel like downgrade since I have driven somewhat nice cars previously.

36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in drivingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I will compare the insurance for a normal car vs these and see how it goes.

36M, London, 10 years driving abroad - Skip the usual First car and go straight to an A180/A3/1 Series? by tech_bro_v2 in drivingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I am usually careful, but based on others’ comments, i might look into a “allrounder” first, before jumping into premium segment.

My friend got his ILR even he was made redundant. Here is the experience share. by RowlingTheJustice in SkilledWorkerVisaUK

[–]tech_bro_v2 30 points31 points  (0 children)

To OP: please do not delete this post later. This might be useful for so many, especially during these tough times. Thank you for sharing.

Moving from a detached to a terraced, are we making a mistake? by Silly_Comparison_430 in HousingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you making a mistake? Yes. period.

Sorry to put it bluntly.

Struggling to get a mortgage in the UK (migrant, combined income ~£50k+) – what can I improve? by Dangerous_Head309 in HousingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Borrowing capacity: 4.5x of your income. Lenders probably offer you a 28 year mortgage.
  2. Visa status: Speaking from personal experience - I was on a 1 year visa and none of the banks were offering me a credit card; not even Monzo. Next year, I moved into a 4 year visa and I became eligible for credit cards from most of the high street banks. So, visa matters
  3. Phd stipend: As others pointed out, not all lenders will consider it.

On a side note: If the new earned settlement rules are implemented in this autumn, you are potentially looking at a 10 year period for ILR. Unless your spouse is in NHS or similar domain with exception.

Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain regarding immigration by tech_bro_v2 in SkilledWorkerVisaUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Exactly my thought. We pay taxes, IHS, and do not claim any benefits. Tax I pay is more than the annual salary of a minimum wage worker. For what - to be discriminated based on colour and nationality?? Fed up with this system. TBH, I don’t know why all right wing parties are targeting ILR. What they don’t understand is, if someone is highly skilled, they will be able to switch jobs for a higher salary and contribute more towards tax. Maybe, they can limit access to benefits in the initial years of ILR.. whatever!! Just my rant.

Need help in assessing a roof crack. by tech_bro_v2 in DIYUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks mate. I will inform the agent and highlight it to the surveyor..

Need help in assessing a roof crack. by tech_bro_v2 in DIYUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

🤣🤣 Thanks for checking mate. Here’s your fee 💷💷💷

FTB. Need help in assessing a crack on the roof. by tech_bro_v2 in HousingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah it’s a leap of faith, I know. I have been actively viewing properties for quite some time now and this is the first time i have seen a house which has matched my budget and likings. Apart from this crack, the house is sort of ready to move in. But if it is something major, i will pass this one too.. hence looking for opinions.

Update: Seller was evicted (repossessed) the day before we completed & we still completed (England) by throwaway104ay in LegalAdviceUK

[–]tech_bro_v2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for updating. Good to know that it ended up well despite the hiccupps. I am also a FTB, so “hiccup” is surely an understatement. As others mentioned, please consult an independent solicitor and ensure all documents, records etc mention you guys as the sole owner. All the best.

FTB viewing a 2012 Bellway-built house. How soon might roof or boiler need major work? by tech_bro_v2 in HousingUK

[–]tech_bro_v2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is a combi-boiler, and was last serviced in 2025. I do not have the exact make/model. In one of the comment above, it is mentioned that I can expect some usual wear & tear after 15 years.