BUYING A CAR - GET IN LANE

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Before you fall in love with the car of your dreams, there are few questions you have to ask yourself.

How much money do I have to spend?
Does this money include the expense of insurance and road tax, which leaves less money to buy the car?
What type of car do I want? One that runs on environmentally friendly fuel?
Consider the cost of running a large engined car. It will cost more to insure, to service and for petrol.
What car would best suit my needs? No point in buying a small two seater if I really need an estate car.
Where should I buy a new or second hand car?

Before you start, do your research. Know what extras each model has; electric windows, air conditioning, power steering etc. Find out what price a particular model sells for by comparing prices in magazines, on the web and at garage forecourts.

Buying from a dealer
Pros: This offers you more protection, as the sale is covered by the sale of goods act. Most reputable dealers are members of trade associations; look out for their signs. The bigger franchised dealers may have the best cars and warranties. You can browse at leisure and also have the opportunity to arrange part exchange, finance and even insurance.

Cons: The downside to this service is usually higher prices.

Car supermarkets
Pros: More lower priced, newer cars available but mainly low spec vehicles.

Cons: No after-sales support or good warranties. Price may already be discounted, so no room for major haggling.

Imports
Pros: Foreign imports allow you access to vehicles that aren't available here.

Cons: This can result in lower resale values, and some difficulty in servicing due to differing specification. European imports are usually left-hand drive and will mean lower resale values when you change vehicles.

A vehicle which is permanently imported into the UK must be registered and licensed as soon as possible after it arrives in this country. It must not be used or kept on public roads until licensing and registration formalities have been completed other than to be driven directly to and from a pre-arranged MoT test appointment in which case the vehicle must be insured for a minimum of third party cover. The application should be made on form V55/4 for new vehicles and V55/5 for used vehicles obtainable from the DVLA. The foreign registration document, current UK issued certificate of insurance and MoT test certificate is needed together with all documents relating to customs clearance. The vehicle must comply with National Type Approval which is explained in the DVLA booklet P15 or for further information telephone 0117 9515151.

Internet
Pros: Becoming more popular as you can find the exact car you want.

Cons: Magically extending waiting times, surprise charges, and hidden delivery costs.

Buying privately
The seller must be truthful about the car, which should be capable of passing a MOT and owned by the person selling it.

Pros: It can be cheaper than buying from other means.

Cons: When buying privately you will have far less comeback. If it turns out to be stolen you have no legal right to keep it. You can check if it's still on Hire Purchase by contacting the motoring services. The AA and RAC offer a service to check a car’s history, and you can also go onto the HPI website. This cost can vary so check it out first.

Buying at an auction
Only for the experienced. This is the haunt of many traders and private buyers, who do their homework.

Pros: It can be cheaper than buying from other means.

Cons: No chance to test drive, and if you buy you have to pay the balance and the auction fee on the night.

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