Any tips on buying a cheap first car ?

Avoid expensive vehicles that are not cars.

If the guy drives a three-wheeler, and has a brother like a long streak of p***, don't buy it.

get a car with no floor.. it will be cheaper and lighter...

it depend on your budget, if you got enough then go for Toyota Yaris, good and cheap insurance and reliable, other wise just buy a corsa for the first year then you can change it, good luck

look where its sitting make sure it doesn't leak, make sure windows and horn and lights work

bring a mechanic or someone who is clued up..sometimes cheap is ok, sometimes its a money pit..I would also find out how much the insurance is, if your young and just past your test, if you go for something with a high power engine.. you'll pay thru the nose insuring it.my first car was a fiesta, 950 cc (feel the power.lol) cost £500. .but the insurance was another £500.my insurance isn't much cheaper even now although i've been driving 15 years...just make sure you have enough to be road legal as well as buying the car itself or you'll end up getting a lot of points and more expensive insurance.

dont take a loan

go on gut instinct , if anything... even something small catches your eye WALK AWAY. i have bought many cars in my time and its always the little things that you think "is this right?" that you end up kicking yourself overjust remember your in no hurry to buy ,but if its crap they are in a hurry to get rid of it... so dont beleive anything the seller is telling youi dont get fooled anymore

I have my share of cheap used cars , and if you are going to get one , the most important things to look for is ... start the car if it smokes at all , when standing still or driving don't get it ... second feel the transmission for holding power , wile runing push the brakes in tight and then accelerate slowly you should feel the power of the transmission if is sliding or reeving up with out moving don't get it , and third make sure the engine is not over heating because of low cooling fluid , check for antifreeze leaks ... the rest because the car is old you can do some investing ... like muffler , tires , brakes , paint job , etc. but dose three are the ones that will give you the most grief and expense