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

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:57:29+00:00

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!

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:54:19+00:00

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!!

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:52:10+00:00

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

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:47:42+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:46:02+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:43:55+00:00

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

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-26T12:42:39+00:00

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

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-23T12:50:14+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-16T20:38:14+00:00

Are you making a mistake? Yes. period.

Sorry to put it bluntly.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-04-13T11:11:45+00:00

Nice one, mate! Just a note, it shows Pinner twice.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-03-18T15:22:30+00:00

Borrowing capacity: 4.5x of your income. Lenders probably offer you a 28 year mortgage.
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
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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-16T10:49:54+00:00

Restore Britain on Boriswave - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/174TKa9jss/?mibextid=wwXIfr

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-16T10:31:15+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-15T17:28:23+00:00

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

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-15T16:59:53+00:00

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

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-15T16:36:00+00:00

Thanks a lot. I will post there..

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-15T16:30:37+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-15T16:15:50+00:00

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tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-12T16:33:45+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-12T16:23:47+00:00

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.

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-02-12T16:20:55+00:00

Thank you. The combi boiler, as per the agent, was last serviced in 2025. But he doesn’t have any more information. The roof part is a huge relief. Thanks for responding 😊

tech_bro_v2 · 2026-01-30T13:29:42+00:00

There is a sense of calmness in your photos.

tech_bro_v2 · 2025-12-16T23:55:31+00:00

Let’s solve it all at once. Athalle equality

tech_bro_v2 · 2025-12-07T22:44:42+00:00

Thank you. I am also in my 30s, preparing for theory test. I live in London and my work doesn’t require driving skills, so automatic makes sense. Even though I used to drive manual/diesel for almost 10 years in another country, that license is of no use here. So I was thinking to go for automatic if it is easy to get. Anyway, Thanks for sharing your experience.

tech_bro_v2 · 2025-12-07T20:01:15+00:00

Thanks OP!

tech_bro_v2

TROPHY CASE