It’s very tempting for youngsters to try to find the cheapest car they can as a first vehicle after passing their test. And on used car forums such as Facebook marketplace there are huge numbers of what look like bargain vehicles.

The main problem with these, of course, will always be that they are almost certainly hugely unreliable and end up causing all sorts of problems. Not least of which financial ones. But even if the vehicle seems like a bargain and has low running costs, when you jump in it one morning to go to work and it won’t start or, even worse, you find yourself stranded at the roadside, you’ll soon appreciate having spent a little more on something more reliable.

We often get pretty good quality part-exchanges which we resell at a significantly reduced price to our main stock, but only if they pass our stringent quality checks. And some of these can be perfect for the first time buyer.

This sort of thing, for example: a 2011 Toyota Aygo at around £2500 is exactly the sort of option that new driver could be looking for at a time in their life when money is tight, but they really want some freedom and independence. A small car like this also ticks the boxes we covered in our previous articles in this series about insurance and running costs.

So that Gumtree bargain of around £1000 – £1500 soon starts to look like a terrible idea, when for just a little more initial investment you can get something which can be relied on to get you to work and all the sort of social fun that you bought a car for in the first place!

If we haven’t got what you’re looking for right away, it’s also well worth getting in touch with us and letting us know the sort of thing you’re looking for. Because we really have our finger on the pulse of what’s out there and what would be a perfect fit for you. We’re handily placed for used car sales right in the centre of Anglesey, in Llangefni, and always available to chat about your motoring requirements.