Brakes on first cars for young drivers

Sep 30 2009 Ian Johnson

Brakes on first cars for young drivers

YOUNG people are having a tough time getting on the housing ladder and now it seems the problem is spreading to motoring.

The success of the government's scrappage scheme could see young drivers struggling to get a cheap first vehicle says used car expert, Carsite.co.uk.

Since the introduction of the scheme, tens of thousands of the cheap, first-buy runabouts, traditionally the wheels of 17-18 year old drivers have been condemned to the crusher.

Coupled with the cost of road tax, rising prices at the pumps and ever increasing insurance premiums - getting behind the wheel of a first car has never been more difficult for young motorists.

More than 205,000 orders for new vehicles have been taken since the Government scrappage scheme was announced - with one second-hand vehicle scrapped for every new one.

The value of cars like older Ford Fiestas or Nissan Micras have been greatly reduced in the short term and the problem is compounded by the fact that last year's collapse in new car sales meant the number of affordable vehicles available in the longer term is going to be further reduced.

The Bank of Mum and Dad has traditionally been the place to turn to when young people seek housing. Now it seems that hard pressed parents will be increasingly called upon to help with their offspring's first car too.