How do people on welfare benefits afford a car?

[jason784]

Because they obviously cant get finance because they are not working and they can only get a new car if they get the motability part of pip.

 

Also more importantly your only allowed about five grand in savings on welfare benefits yet old bangers and used cars in a decent condition now seem to be ten grand lol 🙂

Edited August 6 by jason784

[Bper]

Hi Jason, affording a car while on benefits in the UK can be difficult, but there are a few ways people manage it. Many look for used cars that are older but still reliable. Websites like Autotrader or local community groups can be good places to find deals. Support from family and friends can also help.

Some might get a car loan from a relative or even in some cases receive a vehicle as a gift. Credit unions and community finance organisations offer affordable loans for people on low incomes. These options can sometimes be more accessible than traditional bank loans. Various charities and grant schemes provide financial help for people in need. Organisations such as Turn2us can assist with grants and other forms of support.👍

 

[Auris James]

10 years ago old cars were quite cheap.

In the last 15 years prior to 2020 I have run old bangers by choice. I believe in no debt, buy outright. Save for what you want to buy. Self employed in Property Maintenance. 

The make that has really served me well is the older rear wheel drive Volvo, 240, 740 and 940. 

740 my first car in 2002. 1986 740GLE estate. £425. Had for around 5 years. Then after a new Corolla in 2007 in France.

Then a 1989 Volvo 240GLT auto estate. Paid £350 in 2009. Owned for 10 years and added 72,000 miles and sold on at 234,000 miles for £500. Always reliable and no nasty bills. 

In 2016 bought my 1996 940 SE LPT estate for £250. This is my current car and covered just over 210,000 miles. All have been reliable. Service items with odd age related wear like rad etc.

All have been easy to service and DIY friendly and roomy engine bay. A RWD Volvo makes for a comfy daily cruiser/ workhorse.

In 2020 bought a 2015 Auris Hybrid estate. Like the £0 tax atm and fuel economy double the Volvo. Volvo has more character. 

[Mjolinor]

My car costs:

Bought 2016 for £500

Bought back from insurance on 2021 for £170

Insurance £249  <<< that is a complete rip off.

Tax £0

65 mpg minimum, 3000 miles per year = £315

Servicing, MOT and bits is around £100 (that's average over the last 10 years).

Cost per annum: £664