Advice on finding the right used car

Finding the perfect car for you is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, especially with more choice than ever now available on the market. Before you even think about going to have a look at any car you need to gather all the advice you need about buying a used car.

So where do you start? The first factors to consider and look into are:

• What do you need in a car?
• Read car reviews from motoring experts.
• Find out about consumer experiences.
• How much will it cost?

What car for you?
Firstly decide what it is you want from a car, is it just a run-around, something for the family, a sporty car, something comfortable, practical, trendy? If you need a car for the everyday commute or school run then comfort should be a big factor. On the other hand if your purchase is all about fun then something with added extras might be for you.


Do you travel long distances or do you do regular short journeys? If it’s the latter than a car with a smaller engine will be more economical for you, diesel engines are best for motorway drivers and long journeys.

Think about what size car you will need and how many passengers does it need to seat. 4x4s and bigger cars come at a bigger price to run, so unless you need the extra space, save yourself the extra cost. Hatchbacks and family saloons can comfortably seat four or five. Think about parking too, smaller cars such as the Smart car are perfect for parking in the city. If you have small children or carry a lot of luggage then look at the boot capacity to see if your pushchair/shopping/luggage fits in the boot.

Car reviews
If you need to find out more about a specific car you are looking to buy then take a look at car reviews. We believe the best car reviews, are those impartial reviews coming from people who have owned the car itself. We are constantly looking for ways to give users genuine quality information, and our car review section gives you just that, hearing about customer experiences first hand. Visit our car review section now to read real reviews from real people.

How much will it cost you?
When looking for your next car, setting your budget is an important factor. Look at not only the cost of the car but on-going monthly costs like fuel and insurance. Also consider how much your car will depreciate over time. Read more about setting your budget here.