How it works · three steps

Know the true cost. Then go see the car.

Every figure checked against public data, every source cited, and the car's history laid out before you commit. Here's how it works.

STEP 1

Find your match

Tell us your age, postcode and budgets — we rank 164 first cars by what they cost to keep, not just the sticker price.

STEP 2

See the true cost

Insurance at your age, tax, fuel and MOT as one monthly number — every figure cited to its source.

STEP 3

Check the car

MOT history on gov.uk, what this model actually fails on, and the red flags to look for at a viewing.

STEP 4

Drive away insured

Instant drive-away cover at handover, then a proper annual quote — with a black-box option that actually saves you money.

What we check

Three things decide whether a first car is a good buy: what it costs to keep, what its history says, and how you'll insure it. We check all three — and we show our working.

The running cost

What it costs to keep, per month — not just the sticker price.

  • Insurance estimate for your age and postcode district
  • Tax, fuel and MOT baked into one monthly number
  • Every figure cited to a public source

The car itself

What the history says before you go and see it.

  • Full MOT history, linked on gov.uk
  • What this model actually fails on — real DVSA data
  • The red flags to look for at a viewing

The cover

Sorted for the drive home, and honest about the year ahead.

  • Drive-away insurance in minutes
  • Black-box options that genuinely cut premiums
  • Introductions to authorised providers only

Real quotes, not guesses

Our estimates are for shortlisting — they tell you which cars are worth your time. When you're ready, we introduce you to authorised insurers for a real quote, and you'll already know whether it's fair. We test the estimates against real quotes and publish the scores — misses included — on our accuracy page.

Drive away insured

At handover you can arrange instant drive-away cover in minutes, then take your time over a proper annual policy. Where insurance is involved we introduce you to authorised providers — we don't give insurance advice.

See what a first car really costs