Hey Everyone,
I am moving to the uk on a WHV, at some stage I would like to buy a really cheap bomb of a car just to get me around.
In Australia we have to pay registration fee's and buy 3rd party insurance.
What is involved with getting a car on the road in the uk? What fees and how much? (I am 22 y.o. if that makes a difference on prices)
adztee
1
alanr
The transfer of ownership to you doesn't cost anything but you need insurance, plus you need to pay for a Road Fund Licence.
As to what that will cost it depends what the car is, where you are going to be living and what your driving record is like. If you are staying in London then a car is NOT a good idea.
Note BTW that after a year in the UK you legally have to change your licence for a UK one
See DVLA for more information
2
billthehammer
Just to give you an idea. A half decent "run around" as we call it will cost you about £700 with 6 months tax and 1 years MOT. All you have to worry about then is 3rd party insurance, and given your age expect to pay in the region of £900/£1200 per annum. Some insurance firms let you pay monthly.
3
odecar10
OP
If you have a clean record with insurance company and No Claims Discounts make sure you have proof as that can help in reducing your insurance.
4
d11wtq
Coming from Australia and running in a car in the Uk you'll have a shock over the cost. It's very expensive to run a car here.
For a small car (say Vauxhall (ermm, Holden) Corsa or Renualt Clio)
Car itself (used) = 600-900 dependant on age/condition
Road tax = 60 per 6 monthts
Insurance = 200-800 (varies DRASTICALLY depdending on age, location and driving history)
Petrol = 95p/litre. This is the biggest stinger in the long-run.
To fill your tank with petrol you're looking at £30 which is over $70AUD. People have held protests and blocked petrol outlets for several weeks due to the stupidly high petrol costs. If you're living in any major city then I'd avoid running a car:
London
Manchester
Liverpool
Birmingham
Most of the major cities have very good public transport systems. Running a car in London is a no-go (way too congested). In manchester you simply don't need a car.
5
d11wtq
Forgot to menion MOT. This is over £30 if I remember correctly but only needs doing once a year. Try to buy a car with enough MOT coverage on it to last you until you no longer need the car. If your car fails an MOT you get a free re-test at the same garage but you cannot drive the car until whatever needs repairing has been fixed.
Pro tip
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