Do not feel pressured into buying a car. Think carefully about what sort of car you want and take the time to shop around.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is it the right size?
2. Does it have the safety features I need?
   
3. How much will it cost to service?
   
4. Does it come with a full service history?
   
5. Is it fuel efficient?
   
6. What type of warranty will I receive?
   
7. How much will it cost to insure?
   
8. How much will it depreciate in value?
   
9. What anti-theft devices are installed in the vehicle?

Yes all dealers on this site are SIMI members

A warranty is a written promise to fix certain problems if they arise during a set period of time. All new cars come with a manufacturer's warranty, which represents a promise by the manufacturer. The warranty booklet will contain details such as the length of the warranty period which will vary between vehicle retailers and manufacturers.

Used cars warranties are determined by the consumer and dealer at the negotiation stage, the time of sale of the car and can vary greatly between dealers. You should request details of the warranty in writing, to determine what exactly is cover under the warranty terms and also the duration of the warranty period.

A deposit is a payment that is made to a retailer by a consumer which indicates an intention to buy a product or a service. The amount of the deposit and the timing of payment of the balance are a matter between the consumer and the supplier. When you pay a deposit for goods, a contract is created between you as a consumer, and the supplier of the product or service. If you change your mind and no longer wish to purchase the product, legally you will be seen as not fulfilling your part of the contract. You are not entitled to your deposit back if you simply change your mind. It will be up to the supplier as to whether they will refund any deposit paid.

Most cars will need to be taken to a repairer at some stage of their lifetime. Generally repair costs are likely to increase as the car ages. It is also important to keep in mind that spare parts can become more difficult to obtain as a car ages. You can help the repairer find the fault by clearly explaining what is wrong with the car and if necessary go for a test drive with the repairer so you can point out the problem as it occurs. It is important to note that diagnosing a car's problems is not always straight forward. Intermittent faults are often difficult to identify. The repairer may need to keep your car overnight in order to pinpoint a fault. The repairer may also find other faults before starting repairs. It is important to keep in mind that these problems may not have been included in the original quote.

The term wear and tear items refer to item that are serviceable and will regularly need replacement on a car due to natural wear. For example the change of tyres, wiper blades, oil etc.

Ask for a written estimate before you have any work done to your car. An estimate should contain details of the repairs that need to be undertaken and the cost of the work, including parts and labour. It should also include details of any agreements or promises and information about warranties on both parts and labour. Before leaving your vehicle for repairs After obtaining your estimate, you should ask the repairer to let you know if any work needs to be done on the car in the future. This will enable you to develop a maintenance plan. If somebody else is taking your car to the repairer, ensure that you explain what you want done. Remember, as your agent, that person will bind you to a contract with the repairer. However, it will be your responsibility to pay.

Inform the repairer that you must be called before any repair work for which you have not authorised starts. Make sure that you are contactable in case you have to authorise extra repairs.

Upon payment of the invoice please check the invoice and ask the repairer to explain any costs calculations if you don’t understand any charges. Obtain a receipt and keep it safe as a clear record of regular servicing and repairs may add to the resale value of your vehicle.