Latest news with #FordKa
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Man, 49, charged with arson over devastating fire at quaint town after he ‘torched 18 cars causing £170,000 damage'
A MAN has been charged over a horror blaze that caused £170,000 of damage after 18 cars were torched in a late-night rampage through a quaint market town. David Giddins, 49, of Wimborne town centre in Dorset, faces 18 counts of arson following the devastating fires in the early hours of May 15, 2023. 11 David Giddins is accused of causing more than £170,000 damage Credit: BNPS 11 Giddins was granted unconditional bail and will return to court next month Credit: BNPS 11 The fire quickly spread to their home, destroying all their possessions and leaving the family homeless Credit: BNPS 11 A mother and her two young daughters were forced to flee their flat in pyjamas 11 Emergency crews rushed to multiple scenes throughout the night as 999 calls flooded in Credit: BNPS The terrifying rampage unfolded across Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley between 1am and 2am, with horrified residents jolted from their beds as flames erupted outside their homes. A mother and her two young daughters were forced to flee their flat in pyjamas after a Ford Ka parked directly below was set ablaze. The fire quickly spread to their home, destroying all their possessions and leaving the family homeless. Emergency crews rushed to multiple scenes throughout the night as 999 calls flooded in, with residents reporting loud bangs and the night sky lit up in a fiery orange glow. By morning, the normally tranquil market town resembled a 'war zone', with charred car wrecks and smoke damage stretching across several streets. The court heard shocking details of the damage. One car alone was valued at £20,000, another close to £15,000. A BMW sustained £5,000 damage, and a Land Rover £3,000. Flames caused £11,000 damage to the Willett Arms pub, and £76,000 to the flat. Appearing at Poole Magistrates' Court, Giddins wore blue jeans, a dark shirt and Nike trainers. He spoke only to confirm his details and did not enter any pleas. District Judge Orla Austin ruled the case was too serious for the magistrates' court and referred it to Bournemouth Crown Court. Giddins was granted unconditional bail and will return to court next month. Residents have been left shaken by the series of attacks, which police believe were carried out in quick succession across several locations. An NHS nurse, Lisa Dodd, 44, was praised for saving lives after she spotted the fire from her bedroom window. She ran outside and banged on the flat's window to wake Ruth Thompson and her daughters just in time. She said: 'If the engine had exploded and set the door on fire there would have been no way out. I just wanted to get everyone into safety. If I had been a minute later, it doesn't bear thinking about.' Locals rallied around the family, launching a fundraising campaign to help them rebuild their lives. Friend Dominique Drayson said: 'They escaped just in time, but moments later they would have died.' Neighbour Paul Deer added: 'Lisa is a hero. The mum and her two daughters were fast asleep when it happened. "They wouldn't have had a chance.' Residents in nearby roads also described being woken by the sound of explosions and seeing fire engines racing through town. One woman said the heat from the flames melted paint off her front door. 11 The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received around 65 emergency calls 11 Officers and firefighters continue to work closely together as investigations into the full scale of the destruction continue Maggie Stirrup, 70, on Grove Road, said: 'We saw the car next door on fire. "My husband is in a wheelchair and I didn't know how we'd get out if it spread.' Darren Trickett, 60, whose Land Rover was destroyed, said: 'I heard a bang and looked out the window to see my car in flames. "I tried to open it to get the fire extinguisher, but the locks wouldn't work. I just had to stand there and watch.' "This sort of thing never happens here. Why would someone do this?' Detective Sergeant Simon Austin of Dorset Police appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with home CCTV or dashcam footage to check their recordings. He said: 'These incidents have affected a large number of victims in the wider Wimborne area. "We are making every effort to identify those responsible and will maintain visible police activity in the area.' The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received around 65 emergency calls during the three-hour period of chaos. Crews were dispatched to numerous locations including Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, New Borough Road, Poole Road and Merley Ways, tackling fire after fire as the town came under siege. Officers and firefighters continue to work closely together as investigations into the full scale of the destruction continue. Locals say it may be a long time before the community recovers from the shock of that night. One resident said: 'Wimborne is such a peaceful place. You never expect anything like this. It felt like the whole town was under attack.' Police are urging anyone with information to call 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers. 11 PoppyBaker/BNPS Pictured: The Ford Ka burning in the porch of the courtyard Credit: BNPS 11 A woman looks at the burnt out Ford Ka in the porch of the courtyard Credit: BNPS 11 MaxWillcock/BNPS Pictured: One of the burnt out cars in New Borough Road Credit: BNPS
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Man, 49, charged with arson over devastating fire at quaint town after he ‘torched 18 cars causing £170,000 damage'
A MAN has been charged over a horror blaze that caused £170,000 of damage after 18 cars were torched in a late-night rampage through a quaint market town. David Giddins, 49, of Wimborne town centre in Dorset, faces 18 counts of arson following the devastating fires in the early hours of May 15, 2023. 11 David Giddins is accused of causing more than £170,000 damage Credit: BNPS 11 Giddins was granted unconditional bail and will return to court next month Credit: BNPS 11 The fire quickly spread to their home, destroying all their possessions and leaving the family homeless Credit: BNPS 11 A mother and her two young daughters were forced to flee their flat in pyjamas 11 Emergency crews rushed to multiple scenes throughout the night as 999 calls flooded in Credit: BNPS The terrifying rampage unfolded across Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley between 1am and 2am, with horrified residents jolted from their beds as flames erupted outside their homes. A mother and her two young daughters were forced to flee their flat in pyjamas after a Ford Ka parked directly below was set ablaze. The fire quickly spread to their home, destroying all their possessions and leaving the family homeless. Emergency crews rushed to multiple scenes throughout the night as 999 calls flooded in, with residents reporting loud bangs and the night sky lit up in a fiery orange glow. Read more on News By morning, the normally tranquil market town resembled a 'war zone', with charred car wrecks and smoke damage stretching across several streets. The court heard shocking details of the damage. One car alone was valued at £20,000, another close to £15,000. A BMW sustained £5,000 damage, and a Land Rover £3,000. Most read in The Sun Flames caused £11,000 damage to the Willett Arms pub, and £76,000 to the flat. Appearing at Poole Magistrates' Court, Giddins wore blue jeans, a dark shirt and Nike trainers. He spoke only to confirm his details and did not enter any pleas. District Judge Orla Austin ruled the case was too serious for the magistrates' court and referred it to Giddins was granted unconditional bail and will return to court next month. Residents have been left shaken by the series of attacks, which police believe were carried out in quick succession across several locations. An NHS nurse, Lisa Dodd, 44, was praised for saving lives after she spotted the fire from her bedroom window. She ran outside and banged on the flat's window to wake Ruth Thompson and her daughters just in time. She said: 'If the engine had exploded and set the door on fire there would have been no way out. I just wanted to get everyone into safety. If I had been a minute later, it doesn't bear thinking about.' Locals rallied around the family, launching a fundraising campaign to help them rebuild their lives. Friend Dominique Drayson said: 'They escaped just in time, but moments later they would have died.' Neighbour Paul Deer added: 'Lisa is a hero. The mum and her two daughters were fast asleep when it happened. "They wouldn't have had a chance.' Residents in nearby roads also described being woken by the sound of explosions and seeing fire engines racing through town. One woman said the heat from the flames melted paint off her front door. 11 The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received around 65 emergency calls 11 Officers and firefighters continue to work closely together as investigations into the full scale of the destruction continue Maggie Stirrup, 70, on Grove Road, said: 'We saw the car next door on fire. "My husband is in a wheelchair and I didn't know how we'd get out if it spread.' Darren Trickett, 60, whose Land Rover was destroyed, said: 'I heard a bang and looked out the window to see my car in flames. "I tried to open it to get the fire extinguisher, but the locks wouldn't work. I just had to stand there and watch.' "This sort of thing never happens here. Why would someone do this?' Detective Sergeant Simon Austin of Dorset Police appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with home CCTV or dashcam footage to check their recordings. He said: 'These incidents have affected a large number of victims in the wider Wimborne area. "We are making every effort to identify those responsible and will maintain visible police activity in the area.' The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received around 65 emergency calls during the three-hour period of chaos. Crews were dispatched to numerous locations including Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, New Borough Road, Poole Road and Merley Ways, tackling fire after fire as the town came under siege. Officers and firefighters continue to work closely together as investigations into the full scale of the destruction continue. Locals say it may be a long time before the community recovers from the shock of that night. One resident said: 'Wimborne is such a peaceful place. You never expect anything like this. It felt like the whole town was under attack.' Police are urging anyone with information to call 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers. 11 PoppyBaker/BNPS Pictured: The Ford Ka burning in the porch of the courtyard Credit: BNPS 11 A woman looks at the burnt out Ford Ka in the porch of the courtyard Credit: BNPS 11 MaxWillcock/BNPS Pictured: One of the burnt out cars in New Borough Road Credit: BNPS 11 BNPS Pictured: David Giddins at Poole Magistrates Court Credit: BNPS
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
FIRST WHEELS Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert JUST passed your driving test? It's time to get a car. We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're doing it on your own. Advertisement 6 Don't worry! At Sun Motors, we're going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers. When comparing the best used first cars, we've weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds. You want to hit the road, so let's start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers. Advertisement Top 5 best used cars for new drivers Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We've selected small cars with solid engines and engineering. They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they're a great place to start on your car owning career. Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 6 MODEL: Ford KA Advertisement Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it's the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium. It's cheap to insure, but is it any good? Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It's economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you're highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k. Advertisement Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia 6 The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last. The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that's also in a low insurance group, meaning it's cheap to insure. Driving is more fun than you'd imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride. Advertisement We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible. Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model. German precision: VW Polo 6 OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they're not identical twins. Advertisement The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish. The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks. You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500. Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500 6 Advertisement When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that's as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it's a surprisingly good drive. The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road. There's not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it's an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget. Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers. Advertisement Money-no-object: Mini 6 Who doesn't want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. The 'modern' MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors. When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it's a fantastic car to drive and own.) Advertisement There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000. MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don't be put off by a model that's done over 100k. Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that's a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform. What is the best car for a new driver? Personally, I'd go for a Dacia Sandero - because that's what I drive. But I'm old. Advertisement If I were a first time car buyer, I'd try and find the perfect middle ground. That's going to be a great looking car that's fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia. If you can, take one out for a drive. It's surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history. Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price. Advertisement When buying from Sun Motors, you're dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed. Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles. Why would you buy from anywhere else? New driver car buying FAQs Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I'm a first-time driver? Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you're over 18. Advertisement If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history. Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance. Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel! How much is insurance for a new driver? New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake. Advertisement The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don't ever buy a car without knowing how much it'll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise. What size engine can a new driver drive uk? If you've passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car. Advertisement What to look for when buying a used car for the first time Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here. Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. Size – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car. Are used cars as safe as new cars? Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
JUST passed your driving test? It's time to get a car. We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're doing it on your own. 6 FIND HERE Don't worry! At Sun Motors, we're going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers. When comparing the best used first cars, we've weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds. You want to hit the road, so let's start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers. Top 5 best used cars for new drivers Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We've selected small cars with solid engines and engineering. They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they're a great place to start on your car owning career. 6 MODEL: Ford KA FIND HERE Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it's the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium. It's cheap to insure, but is it any good? Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It's economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you're highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k. Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia FIND HERE The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last. The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that's also in a low insurance group, meaning it's cheap to insure. Driving is more fun than you'd imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride. We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible. Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model. German precision: VW Polo 6 FIND HERE OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they're not identical twins. The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish. The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks. You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500. Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500 6 FIND HERE When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that's as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it's a surprisingly good drive. The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road. There's not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it's an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget. Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers. Money-no-object: Mini 6 Who doesn't want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. The 'modern' MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors. When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it's a fantastic car to drive and own.) There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000. MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don't be put off by a model that's done over 100k. Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that's a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform. What is the best car for a new driver? Personally, I'd go for a Dacia Sandero - because that's what I drive. But I'm old. If I were a first time car buyer, I'd try and find the perfect middle ground. That's going to be a great looking car that's fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia. If you can, take one out for a drive. It's surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history. Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price. When buying from Sun Motors, you're dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed. Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles. Why would you buy from anywhere else? New driver car buying FAQs Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I'm a first-time driver? Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you're over 18. If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history. Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance. Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel! How much is insurance for a new driver? New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake. The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don't ever buy a car without knowing how much it'll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise. What size engine can a new driver drive uk? If you've passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car. What to look for when buying a used car for the first time Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here. Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. Size – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car. Are used cars as safe as new cars? Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
JUST passed your driving test? It's time to get a car. We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're doing it on your own. Advertisement 6 Don't worry! At When comparing the best used first cars, we've weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds. You want to hit the road, so let's start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers. Advertisement READ MORE USED CARS Top 5 best used cars for new drivers Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We've selected small cars with solid engines and engineering. They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they're a great place to start on your car owning career. Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 6 MODEL: Ford KA Advertisement Most read in Buy Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a It's cheap to insure, but is it any good? Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It's economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you're highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k. Advertisement Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia 6 The The Driving is more fun than you'd imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride. Advertisement We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible. Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model. German precision: VW Polo 6 OK, so the older (2014-21) Advertisement The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish. The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500. Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500 6 Advertisement When it was launched, the The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road. There's not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it's an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget. Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Advertisement Money-no-object: Mini 6 Who doesn't want a The 'modern' MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it's a fantastic car to drive and own.) Advertisement There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don't be put off by a model that's done over 100k. Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that's a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform. What is the best car for a new driver? Personally, I'd go for a Dacia Sandero - because that's what I drive. But I'm old. Advertisement If I were a first time car buyer, I'd try and find the perfect middle ground. That's going to be a great looking car that's fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia. If you can, take one out for a drive. It's surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history. Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy Advertisement When buying from Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles. Why would you buy from anywhere else? New driver car buying FAQs Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I'm a first-time driver? Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you're over 18. Advertisement If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history. Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel! How much is insurance for a new driver? New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Advertisement The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don't ever buy a car without knowing how much it'll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise. What size engine can a new driver drive uk? If you've passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car. Advertisement What to look for when buying a used car for the first time Check out our guide on Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. Size – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car. Read more on the Irish Sun Are used cars as safe as new cars? Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be. Buying a used car? Check out
