Buying a used car - what do you need?

For many people, buying a quality second-hand car is a sound financial and lifestyle decision. There are lots of vehicles in very good condition that you can snap up for significantly less than if you were their first owner. Often they are nearly new themselves.

Before you commit to a purchase, however, make sure you give some consideration to what you need in a used car. The Times' Buying Guide recommends that buyers think about where they will be driving, who the passengers will be and what sort of fuel you plan to use. If you have pets or children, make sure you buy a car that can accommodate them and remember also that elderly people can have difficulty entering or exiting a two-door vehicle.

Small hatchbacks are popular as they can be used for a lot of purposes, while you may find a good deal if you buy a used company car to chauffeur around a family.

Fuel economy is better in diesel cars than petrol ones, but your green credentials will suffer. What Car? has noted that if you drive long distances, a diesel car may be worth the extra initial expense. It also urged potential used car buyers to think about how important they rate safety and performance.

You will also want to consider the amount of space in the boot - if you often carry a lot of luggage, you will want enough room for it.

Some magazines and automobile organisations run awards in which they recognise the best models for used cars. CAP, for example, named the BMW X5 the luxury used car of the decade. A spokesperson for the organisation explained that even people who are not business figures could benefit from a second-hand model, as it is well-equipped to transport a family and all the necessary luggage for a holiday.

You may have already decided what brand of car you want, but if you take advice from consumer group Which?, you could surprise yourself. It may be that a better deal is available if you are open to more possibilities, so rather than being determined to get a certain model, try drawing up a shortlist. The more test drives you carry out with cars on this list, the better you will know which one really is the best for you.

Do not forget to think about how much a vehicle will cost to maintain. Getting the cheapest car you can find can be a false economy if it is costly to insure, service and run. A more expensive model may turn out to be the cheapest option after all.

Once you know what you need from a car and have chosen one, take a few precautions to make sure the sale is legitimate. A vehicle history check will show you whether the car has any outstanding finance on it and how many owners it has, as well as whether it has been written off. Do not be afraid to ask questions of a seller either - the more you know, the more informed your choice will be.