Learning how to drive is a big deal and there’s no doubt you’ll be in a rush to pass first time. In the UK, the pass rate of drivers is just 48%, which proves just how difficult it can be to get your full license.
That being said, when you have the right car to practice in, you should make your chances of passing that little bit higher with extra time behind the wheel compared to those that rely on solely driving lessons with an instructor.
If you think that buying a new car will make passing your test a little easier, then you’ll need to decide whether you want to buy a new or used car. There are pros and cons to both, so read our guide below to make the best decision for you.
Cheaper
The average price of a used car is roughly £17,500, which is significantly cheaper than the £38,500 it costs to buy a new car in the UK. Whilst you’ll likely buy a used car for significantly cheaper than this, it’s good to know how far apart the values are for buying new and second-hand.
Insuring a used car for a learner driver is also cheaper too, which means it should be more manageable for you to pay for alongside your lessons and any other learning costs.
Less likely to worry about dents or scratches
If you go for a used car at a low price, then you shouldn’t have to worry as much about bumps and scratches on your car. This is important for learners as there’s a lot of anxiety when driving already, so not having to worry about damage is important.
Lack of safety features
Unlike newer cars, used cars can lack some safety features, which could put you in more danger if you get in a crash.
More likely to breakdown
Used cars are far less reliable than newer ones, which means you’re more likely to break down. As a learner, this isn’t an anxiety you want to worry about.
Smoother driving experience
Newer cars have state-of-the-art tech and shouldn’t have any issues when you drive them home from the dealership. This should offer you a much smoother driving experience, which will make learning a little easier.
Better fuel efficiency
If you’re practising a lot, then you may find yourself refilling constantly. Newer cars are much more fuel efficient, however, so they should require fewer refills compared to older cars.
Higher insurance costs
When it comes to insuring the car you’re learning in, having a new car can be extremely expensive. This is because they’re more expensive to fix and so, insurance companies will have to pay out more if you crash.
