While new car prices have fallen, our pockets still need to be deep if we are to afford a new car. Depending on budget, there's an enormous amount of choice.

The vehicle you choose will normally be very much a known quanity. It'll probably be the latest model and will have a manufacturer's warranty. It will be engineered to the latest developments in fuel consumption and will contain the latest safety and security features.

A serious down side to buying a new car is the sharp depreciation in value that occurs within the first few months. To help counter this, look for discounts on cars with small mileages on them. These may be unsold models from the previous year or bargains marked up as 'nearly new', 'cancelled order', 'ex-demonstration', 'repossession', or pre-registered.

As well as thinking about the look and style of the car, when choosing the type the model of car consider:

	your seating conform and headroom
	whether the engine size is right for your regular journeys
	whether you prefer a manual or automatic gears
	the size and how many passengers might you need to transport
	what equipment might you need to carry
	which insurance group the car is in
	running, maintenance and service costs
	type of fuel and consumption
	whether you need air conditioning or want a sunroof
	resale value
	if it will fit in your driveway, car port or garage !

Test drive the types of car you like before making your choice. Always shop around and check out deals on the Internet. Don't rush into a decision and never be afraid of asking for a discount.

Back to top

Buying a Used Vehicle
You probably already have ideas about what car or van you'd like to buy and you know how much money you've got to spend. Motoring magazines and specialist guides provide enormous amounts of up to date information and fairly reliable advice.

You can buy from a dealer, at an auction or privately. Searching for your ideal vehicle can be fun, but there are pitfalls for the unwary.

Private sellers will sell cheaper but you have no warranty and very little legal protection. An estimated 10% of lineage advertisements in the classified 'motors for sale' section are traders. Before making an appointment, ask questions about the car's condition. Be sure to view the car in daylight at their home and check the address on the V5 vehicle identification document. Take with you a good critical friend with mechanical knowledge. Bodywork damage and rust should be obvious, but check for filler repairs with a magnet and tap underneath the door sills with a screwdriver. Ask to see the service records and check the oil dip-stick. Make sure that the doors open and close properly, any misaligned might suggest a crash repair. A lot of wear on the pedal rubbers or evidence of interior wear and tear suggests that the car is high mileage. If the dials are out of line on the speedometer it will have been clocked. Look to see if the steering wheel is skewed when the front wheels are straight ahead. Start the engine up, listen for engine noise and watch for blue smoke from the exhaust. Apart from the handbrake light, all the ignition lights should go out and none should flicker when the engine is running. If the car is able to move off in top gear without stalling easily, then the clutch is worn. Check how easy the gear selection is and whether the brake pedal feels firm when you squeeze it. If you're having doubts - walk away.

The Dealers. Two options, the first being the larger franchised dealerships who offer late low mileage cars and a good standard of service at premium prices. The other is the smaller independent operator who may offer a wider choice of vehicles up to 10 years old, but after sales service can be limited. Look for clean, orderly car sales showrooms and long established family garages.

Car Auctions. Prices can be cheap and payments have to be made in cash, with a cheque or bankers' draft. Car auctions are dominated by professional motor traders, never buy on your first visit. Be sure that you know how the system works and if in any doubt, don't bid ! `Unchecked' mileages means that there's an element of doubt whether the mileage is authentic.

Back to top