Affording a car at 17 years old - How to do it?

So I live in the UK and passed my test just this month. I am desperate to get a car but don't know if it is possible. My Mum does not drive so I can't just put insurance on a parents car before you mention it.

My Dad wants to buy me a car for about £750 and I'm just worried at that price it will break down and the insurance quote will be more than the actual car. I know that no matter what I have to spend a heap on insurance being 17. I make roughly £175 a month but am thinking of asking for more hours at work. I've seen that a lot of cars come with good deals on insurance such as Corsa you only pay £99 or a Fiesta where Ford pays £3500 on insurance but this is only on new cars.

So my question is what is the best thing to do? Do I buy a new car and pay a heap for free insurance or go with my Dad's advice and buy a cheap car and just hope for the best? Thanks

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