How to Buy a New Car in the United Kingdom

Buying a new car is a major purchase and should not be done in a hurry. It is important to research the various options available for your budget. It's also essential to factor in insurance and running costs, which can vary according to the size of the engine and the type of fuel. In the United Kingdom, all new cars must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Any new car can be bought outright with cash, but financing is a popular option.

Instructions

1

Research potential car buys. Visit websites such as www.which.co.uk, which offers impartial reviews. Local libraries usually have stocks of auto magazines that publish details of new cars. There are two main motoring organizations in the UK, the AA (www.theaa.com) and the RAC (www.rac.co.uk), both of which also offer independent reviews.

2

Work out your budget. Remember to consider insurance and running costs. Most dealers will offer a servicing deal for the first few years. Breakdown cover in the UK is offered by the AA and the RAC, and it is worthwhile investigating the range of options available from both organizations. It is important to consider the cost of road tax, which is split into 13 bands according to the CO2 emissions of the car. Carfueldata.org.uk provides a calculator that works out your new car's road tax.

3

Visit local dealers who sell the type of car in which you're interested. Take your time to look around at the options available.

4

Take the car for a test drive. This will not be the car you are buying but will be the same make, and it will give you an opportunity to check if it suits your style of driving. If you have young children, check that there is sufficient room for car seats. In the UK, children under the age of 12 (or under 135 cm) must use a child restraint.

5

Go home and think it over. Don't rush into this purchase. Consider the financing deal offered by the dealer and compare it to bank or other financing options. The dealer's financing is not always the cheapest, although you can use this as a bargaining tool. All finance deals in the UK will be regulated by the Consumer Credit Act, which gives consumers a number of rights, including the right to settle the outstanding sums due at any time.

6

Go back to the dealer and haggle. Haggling is expected in the UK, and buyers seldom pay the advertised price. Ask the dealer to give you a better deal on the financing. Make sure that he is including road tax in the deal. Ask for extras such as air conditioning and CD players, which will increase the resale value of your car.

7

Arrange insurance and road tax for the car. The dealer will generally tax the car, but he will need a certificate of insurance to do so.

8

Make sure that the car is registered with the DVLA. This is the responsibility of the seller, and the dealer will usually arrange for the documentation. If the car has been preregistered, ensure that the paperwork is completed so that it can be transferred to you.

9

Before driving the car away from the garage forecourt, check it carefully for scratches and dents.