New driver, 31 y/o male, learner permit, few questions

-Vega-

Hey all!



A few quick questions but first some quick background:

I'm a 31 year old male and I just passed my theory test (40/40 woohoo!)
I'm on my provisional/learners now and I want to buy a car. I am looking for the following:

A car thats reliable and wont break down too often.
A car that is quite popular so parts will be easier to get.
A 1.4litre or below.
Preferably not a micra.
As low on insurance as possible.

Now a few other questions.

Does my insurance drop after the first year or how does it work?
Will I get a reduced rate as I am over 30?
Every car from 2008 onwards has much lower tax.. correct?
My budget is 3k for first car, should I up that to 5k and try get something past 2008?

Any other tips?

Thanks so much, really clueless here and no one really to advise me.



EDIT: SORRY I meant I have 3k to spend on a car..I have more money for insurance..the 3k is specifically to purchase a car! Ty

kerten

I would at least budget around 2k for insurance in your case.

Car wise 2004+ fiesta 1.25 would be a good choice if you don't find micra/yaris attractive

Alanstrainor

You can start ringing insurers and asking for quotes on cars you are interested in and see what it will cost you. I would echo what the poster above said and bank on insurance costs being expensive.

As for insurance drops after a year, I would look to pass your test as soon as possible to see any real significant drop. So this should be a priority. Also factor in the cost of lessons + test as these will mount up too.

Nuw

Small cars are not necessarily cheaper to insure and buy. It really depends on what you're looking at.

For instance, a rover 75 is very reasonable to insure surprisingly. One of the cheapest car to insure in fact (not necessarily for first time driver though). Now, I'm not saying that you should get one, but keep your options open here and look at cars you'd like, then shortlist them and ring insurances (everyone of them, including brokers) and ask for a quote on every car you'd be interested in.

That's the only way you'll find exactly what to expect on this front.

Once that's done, you can do a little research on the few cars that survived this process on this very forum and on the internet to see if there's no horror stories.

And pass your test asap, that's the best way to cut down your insurance premium

The_B_Man

I was in your position and was quoted 1700 fully comp on my 1.4 focus. It went down sharpish year on year after I got my full licence and stagnated at 600 on account of another learner being on the insurance. You might be able to get a 2008, though my road tax is 395 per year.
But ye, apart from the lack of power, it's a great first car.