How to decide what to buy

Many people look around for that small economical 3 door hatchback only to end up buying a large petrol guzzling 4x4 because the salesman has been very persuasive and convinced you that you need this for your family and prestige. You must decide on a type, or range of cars and stick to your guns.

The following will guide through your key objectives when buying a car. Its really a common sense guide and you will need some sort of reference to keep you focused on what you are looking for.

Will it fit in your garage?

How big is your drive, garage, car port, or parking space at work and home? Take some measurements just in case you are worried that your dream car might be too big.

Will you and the family fit in it?

Does it have an adjustable seat up and down as well as back and forward for headroom and don't forget that it is not just you who will be using the car. Your children, wives and pets must be able to fit inside too.

Can it cope with your needs?

What do you want your car to do? Tow a caravan? Then it needs a large engine and maybe four-wheel drive. Local city journeys? Then you should consider a small hatchback with a small engine and light clutch with power steering. Got a lifestyle and hobbies to do at the weekends? Maybe an estate or MPV would be good, only you will know all these things. There is nothing worse than having the wrong car for the job. A 4x4 just for the urban school run is almost as silly as a cramped 3 door saloon for a family of four with 2 dogs and bicycles.

WHICH CATEGORY SUITS YOU?

Urban cars

Urban cars can be used and abused and can therefore become tatty very quickly. The cars you will find in urban inner city areas that are still in good condition tend to have a premium price tag as a result.

Small hatchbacks 3 or 5 doors

One of the most popular types because they are so versatile. Prices, conditions and specifications vary widely in a market now almost over-crowded with hatchback choices.

Family cars, estates

Very cheap, especially ex-company cars with high mileages, petrol or diesel.

MPV's

Small compact MPV's are better value than traditional hatchbacks. The bigger MPVs can be difficult to park in town. Always look for a diesel MPV because the petrol driven ones are usually gas guzzlers.

Sports cars

High image models are always expensive, although there are some mainstream makes that represent good value like BMW or Audi.

Executive cars

Lots of equipment, gadgets, prestige and ability. Low prestige cars struggle to muster much interest on the used market so prices are extremely cheap this is enhanced by the fact that executive cars usually have big thirsty gas guzzling petrol engines.

Luxury cars

Massive depreciation means you can really move up in the world at a cost you can now afford. But then you have to live with massive running costs associated with the big luxury car.

4x4s

Large petrol 4x4s are cheap these days, and smaller lifestyle 4x4s are still quite pricey when you consider they are no more practical than family estates.

UK Road Tax changes

Make sure you are up to date with the new Car tax rules as this could cost you a fortune when taxing your lovely new shiny motor!

Insurance group

Make sure you research insurance groups before you start looking for a new car. You may be surprised how much insurance costs these days. Grouping is based upon a lot of things especially repair costs for particular makes and models, some makes are cheaper to repair than others as well as having cheaper parts.

PETROL OR DIESEL?

Generally speaking the diesel engine has made some dramatic improvements over recent years, which make a diesel engine the right choice for a family car these days or the most thrifty of us. However, make sure you fully assess all the attributes of diesel before you decide which type of car to buy.

Some advantages of diesel engines:

Fuel economy is excellent, far better than petrol. ((Typically 45/Gallon diesel versus 31/Gallon petrol).
Engines are mechanically simple next to a petrol engine, which may make them more reliable.
Diesel engines can do much higher mileages than their petrol powered cousins. (80k miles for diesel engine is just about run in!)
Newer Turbo powered diesel engines can be found to be as powerful as the petrol engine in terms of Horse Power.

Some disadvantages of Diesel Engines:

In commercial environments they may be worked harder than petrol engines and may require major engine overhaul more often than petrol.
Sellers sometimes over-price diesels.
Diesels are environmentally unfriendly because of toxic particles coming out of the exhaust, which may cause cancer and asthma
Older diesels are slow, especially non-turbo versions.
Diesel fuel is smelly, slippery and difficult to get off hands and clothes.
Diesel fuel may be more expensive than petrol, although you do of course go much further than on a gallon of petrol.

Find some price Guide websites

Listed below a couple of websites where you can find FREE price guide information: