How to decide which car to buy

Changing your car is a relatively easy task, but there are a few things to consider before parting with your cash.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The internet
• Local papers
• A telephone
• Enough money to make the purchase.

1. The first thing to consider is 'Do I really need to change?'
   
   Everytime you change vehicle you tend to lose money. Considerations are:-
   * Does my current vehicle have adequate space inside?
   * Is the lack of reliability of my vehicle causing me a problem?
   * Are the running costs of my vehicle suitably high for me to require a cheaper to run car?

2. The first and most important factor to decide on is your budget. Take into account what the car you are changing from is worth. Bear in mind that if you part exchange a car with a dealer you will only get 75% of the value. Buying from a dealer gives you more legal protection, but the cheapest way is to buy and sell privately.

3. Once you have a budget, think - what sort of car do I need? Write a short list of the models that are the correct type you need within your budget.

4. With your list in hand start reading reviews of the cars you are left with. Online reviews with comments on reliability and running costs are invaluable. Take into account the cost of repairs.

5. Having ruled out the cars with the poorest reviews set about getting a test drive in the remaining vehicles. Don't discount any model unless you've driven one or two.

6. Now that you've driven a car that ticks all the boxes, drive another. if you're happy that it's the right car, be prepared to haggle. No car, dealer or private sale is without the scope for some price reduction. If the seller refuses to give you any discount, then walk away - you've probably given him the impression you have fallen in the love with the car and are willing to pay over the odds. You may get a telephone call, if not - keep looking.

7. Even if you've bought the car, give it a thorough test drive, try to get a mechanic friend to inspect the car and point out any problem areas. If you change your mind within seven days you are legally entitled to demand your money back as long as you return the car in the same condition you bought it. This applies to private sellers too!

Tips & Warnings

• When deciding what milage vehicle to buy - take into account your anual mileage. If you do 35,000 a year, a 100,000 miles car isn't going to last very long. if you do 5,000 a year you could get a bargain and years of trouble free motoring with the same car.
• If you aren't sure walk away. There will always be another, at least as good probably better.
• Use minor flaws in the car to knock money off, does a tyre need replacing? Are the brake pads due for a change? Chips in the paintwork? These all add up!
• If buying privately don't buy a car without a log-book off a service station car park. Try to get a history check.
• Illegal road side sellers can sometimes offer great deals, inspect any prospective purchase very carefully though. Do the numbers on the mileometer lok straight and in line? These sellers are notorious for tarting up bangers and reversing the clocks on their cars. Are there MOT certificates to back up the mileage? Does the interior look incredibly 'worn' for a 20,000 mile car? if in doubt - walk away.
• When inspecting the car - look at the shut lines. Uneven gaps between panels and doors can mean accident damage. Lift the carpet in the boot to look for messy weldig or poor accident repair. Do the same under the bonnet. If anything is even slightly suspect - walk away.