How to buy a car

Action Plan:

Action Plan Overview

Whether you're in the market for a new or a used car it makes sense to get the best deal possible on your new set of wheels - we show you how.

		a	Find out: How much is your car worth?
		b	Work out: How much can you put down as a deposit?
		c	Do: Get all of your paperwork together
		d	Work out: How much do you spend on compulsory expenses?
		e	Work out: How much do you spend on essentials?
		f	Work out: How much do you spend on luxuries?
		g	Work out: How much do you spend each month?
		h	Find out: How much do you get paid?
		i	Find out: How much do you earn from other jobs?
		j	Find out: How much do you earn from overtime?
		k	Find out: How much do you earn in interest or dividends from savings and investments?
		l	Find out: How much do you earn in bonuses?
		m	Find out: What's your average monthly income?
		n	Work out: What's your disposable income?
		o	Work out: How much can you afford to spend on a new car?

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		a	Consider: Should you take out a personal loan?
		b	Consider: Should you pay for your car with hire purchase?
		c	Consider: Should you use a low rate credit card?
		d	Consider: Should you get a car finance deal?
		e	Consider: Should you use your savings?
		f	Consider: Should you get a loan from a car dealership?
		g	Work out: What's the cheapest way to pay for your new car?

		a	Decide: What do you want from a car?
		b	Decide: Should you choose a car based on the deals available?
		c	Decide: Which car should you buy?
		d	Do: Research DVLA car tax bands
		e	Find out: How much will car insurance cost?
		f	Find out: Research car running costs
		g	Do: Have there been any recalls on the car?
		h	Do: Research car depreciation
		i	Do: Make a shortlist of cars you'd like to buy

		a	Do: Check approved car dealerships
		b	Do: Check car supermarkets
		c	Do: Check car auctions
		d	Do: Check cars for sale online
		e	Do: Check private car sales

		a	Do: Contact sellers
		b	Do: Carry out a car history check
		c	Find out: What should you check when you view a car?
		d	Consider: Should you get an expert opinion before you buy a used car?
		e	Do: What should you check when you test drive a car?
		f	Find out: What paperwork should you check when you buy a car?
		g	Do: Go away and think about it

		a	Do: What are your rights when you buy a car?
		b	Find out: How do you haggle down the price of a car?
		c	Do: Agree a price
		d	Do: Arrange car finance
		e	Find out: How do you register a car in your name?
		f	Do: Shop around for car insurance
		g	Consider: Should you get car breakdown cover?