Cheers all just worried about costs ect
Then if it's simply costs...
I'd say there are some options, but a downside with each
Car & running costs.
Buy a newer car:
probably get better reliability, probably
..but fixing it may be a more specialised task beyond the average driver
Buy an older car:
potentially less reliable, potentially
But may have more areas that can be fixed by the average driver .
I'd recommend joining a forum, most car brands even models will have an enthusiastic owners forum, full of helpful advice
( Had windows unit fail on a vauxhall..
cost £ 170 for the unit
Forum owners explained how to open unit, and check ball bearing..fixed for pennies & a little of my time...learning how to fix things, very rewarding mentally & cash wise )
So basic servicing & some DIY can go a long way to reducing the running costs & a cheaper older model is likely to cost less to insure*
*Model, cc, ins group, etc can have a Great impact.
Got a car ( been driving over 45 years) after a few years car free ( motorcycle) so NCB lapsed
Had used cousins car, Mazda 626, wanted to buy similar, but ins group placed that way out of my price range, so selected cheaper model to insure to get my ratings back up
So insurance can be moderated somewhat, but age is always going to define a higher cost, sadly
Black box in car limits mileage, records data, can reduce ins cost ..might be of use in the early years of driving.
Some insurers offer different schemes to the norm, monthly - daily, all more expensive but may be of some use.
Small note, don't assume TPFT will always be cheapest, fully comp can sometimes be lower, weirdly
always check comparison sites
found for same car conditions etc,
Price ranged from £200+
To £1000+...eek
But while I would always agree a licence offers greater freedom, it's a fact we are in for very changing times transport wise over the next 5 years or so
So worth taking stock, but I'd say, get the test done, and once you've passed ..going to be months, anyway, I would suggest.
then see how the car market is shaping up v your personal situation money wise
I doubt driverless cars will be a thing for many years, so a licenced driver will still be a requirement.
E vehicles will likely drop in price,
and ice cars may well sell more cheaply, as people are persuaded/coersed into trading up
So much to ponder once you pass.