A car is an important buy: most adults use a car in their everyday life. Cars cost a significant amount of money and thus any car purchase requires considerable research and thought. Car buyers should be aware of their budget, car needs and of course personal taste when deciding on the type of car they are looking to buy.

Size of car
Most cars fall into discrete categories or classes which are dependent on the size and specifications of the car. The most common types of car are listed below. Within each class there is some variation as to the details, dependent on the car manufacturer and model. It is also worth remembering that each type of car has different models with add-ons from the basic model:
  • Hatchbacks: Generally among the smallest cars, hatchbacks often have only 3 doors: driver, passenger and boot or hatchback. Some may add rear passenger doors, making them a 5 door model. Small cars can be beneficial as they are economical and more environmentally friendly than large cars, with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Some smaller cars now come with hybrid or even fully electric drive. Smaller hatchbacks are ideal for city driving as they can fit easily through small gaps and into limited parking spaces. For this reason these cars are often marketed as city cars.
  • Saloons: Saloon cars range in size but are generally a little larger than hatchbacks, with more space for luggage. They are they are suitable for a family of 4 or 5, with most being 5 seater. Saloons follow the traditional format of bonnet-cabin-boot. Many executive cars are luxury versions of saloon cars. The saloon format tends to offer a quieter ride than estate or 4x4 formats.
  • Estates: generally a saloon car with the boot replaced with a load carrying area, bringing the cabin all the way to the rear of the car. Estates offer considerable versatility: many can carry quite significant loads and offer flexible folding rear seats, allowing use as a 4/5 seater with a medium load (still a greater load than a saloon) or a 2/3 seater depending upon split / fold seat options and a much larger load. Roof rails often run the length of the car and can be used to anchor roof racks / boxes / bike racks etc. Some also come with 'seats in the boot', usually rearward facing, allowing a 7 seater configuration. Many regard an estate car as the ideal balance between performance / economy and versatility.
  • Four wheel drive / 4x4: Most 4x4s are inherently large and, whilst provoking some anger from environmental quarters, are ideally suited to those with larger families and load carrying requirements. Few of them ever leave the tarmac which has caused them to be the butt of many a joke, but the 4x4 drive systems of these vehicles make for good handling and stability which can help to offset their sized and weight. Few of them really drive like a car but many models have become iconic and are seen as a 'must-have'.
  • Sports Utility Vehicles / SUVs / People Carriers: there is a growing market for hybrid style vehicles, some of which are also 4 wheel drive. People carriers allow safe transport of some 7 or 8 people in three rows of seats. Not renowned for their driving experience, later models have improved handling and performance and many are now quite luxurious. A whole range of variants exists including Pickups -- a trend that has come from our cousins across the Atlantic and which is gaining in popularity. Some of these are truly monstrous in proportion and engine size. There is little doubt that larger utility vehicles are less environmentally responsible and harder to drive around the city than smaller cars but for larger families they may prove to be a necessity.
  • Sports Cars: Most manufacturers include one or more sports models. Some of these may be souped up versions of any of the formats described above. Others will be dedicated models, often two door and frequently two seats. All are designed for speed and handling rather than comfort although many manage to combine all three. The range is immense, from budget models through to models requiring a second or even third mortgage.
Make of car
Different brands of car have built up different reputations. This is to some degree reflected in the cost. Much of the decision will be driven by the availability of models, brand reputation and simply personal preferences. German cars have historically had a reputation for bullet-proof build quality although the Japanese are giving them a run for their money these days. Italian marques are stylish but may suffer from occasional quality problems; the French produce innovative cars for family users and those with average budgets; the British hardly produce any cars but have some high end marques and iconic offerings; the Americans are starting to push hard in the European market and build quality is improving over historical offerings . All of these are of course generalisations and it pays to research a specific model in-depth in identifying any likely issues.

You should be able to find an insight into many of the manufacturers and their model range here at Classifieds, under the relevant sections and there are many excellent resources online.

Specialist cars
There are a host of cars that are now being produced that fall out of the conventional class of car. Examples include the SMART car, which was developed by Daimler-Chrysler purposely for city driving; it has a small footprint so that it can be easily parked. Smaller cars are advantageous in the city as they are more fuel efficient. Electric or hybrid cars are also seeing tremendous development as manufacturers strive to address environmental and sustainable energy issues.

Legal aspects of buying a car
When buying a second hand car it is important to examine the car's background. It is better to only buy a car with a full service history. The 'log book' or V5 should also bear the seller's name as the recorded keeper. Do bear in mind that this doesn't mean they have unfettered legal title to the car: it may be on finance with the finance company having a lien. You can check this by performing an HPI check which will also tell you if the vehicle has been written off at any time or even stolen.

Always remember that any car must be correctly taxed and insured as well as carrying a valid MOT certificate (if it is older than 3 years) before being driven on public roads.

Where to purchase a car
New cars can be purchased directly from franchised car dealerships, through a broker, or they can be imported. Dealerships often have promotions and may offer you part-exchange on your old car (although you will usually get more for it if you sell privately). In some cases, it is possible to knock the price down with negotiations. Brokers may not have the exact specifications of the model that are desired, but buying from a broker can generally see the best discount. Importing used to be a financially sensible idea, due to the high price of cars in Britain, however, this decreasingly the case, since consumer pressure has pushed the domestic prices down. It may, however, still be possible to find a preferential deal through this route.

Used cars can also be purchased from dealerships and independent motor traders � perhaps the best option if you want to part-exchange. Dealers also offer some piece of mind as it is usually possible to get a warranty although not all warranties are worth the paper they are written on so do check the terms and conditions carefully. Anyone trading as a motor dealer in the UK has statutory obligations, unlike a private seller. More and more people are also buying from Car Supermarkets who make their money by buying (usually via auctions and fleet disposals) in volume and selling in equal volume and relatively low margins. You won't get showroom service but you should get a reasonable deal. Many of them have deals with less-than-fantastic warranty providers which should be checked carefully: you can buy your own warranty on the open market if you prefer.

These factors should then be weighed up against the benefits and cost reductions to be had from buying privately versus from a dealer of any form.

Checking a car
Whether buying a car, particularly a used car, from a dealer or privately, there are a number of questions that should be asked:
  • What is needed from the car?
  • Is the car being bought through friends or family?
  • Is the car from a private advertisement?
  • Is the car from a dealership?
  • What is the cars history?
  • What is the mileage on the car, is it a true value?
  • Does the car have any obvious signs of damage? Or rust?
Before buying any used car the buyer should give the car a thorough examination, check it via HPI and, unless an expert themselves, have it checked by a qualified mechanic who knows the model concerned.


Other Motors Resources
Cheap New Cars for Sale - Car Quake offers new cars from UK franchised dealers. All car dealer prices include tax and first registration fee. Choose from a wide range including BMWs, Volkswagen, Audi, Chrysler and more....  
carquake.co.uk
UK Home / Motors
To Get Help About This Section, Click Here
free classified ads
Used Cars, Motorbikes, Vans & Other Vehicles  
Buy and sell used and new Cars, Motorbikes, Vans, Scooters and Caravans and accessories, here at Classifieds Cars & Motors - the home of FREE classified ads.
Either browse through our Cars & Motors classifications (below) or use the Search & Sort box on the right to filter your results.  Or, alternatively, Post your own Ad for FREE.
    
 
  
      
Most Popular Motors Classifications
Motorbikes & Scooters (24) Commercial Vehicles (17) Caravans & Motorhomes (16) Ford (12) Renault (11) Car Parts (10) Vauxhall (8) Volkswagen (8) Audi (6) Boats & Aircraft (6) Car Accessories (5) BMW (5) Rover (5) Other Cars (4) Peugeot (4) Mazda (4) Mitsubishi (3) Fiat (3) Car Tuning & Styling (3) Motorbike Parts & Accessories (2) Mercedes Benz (2) Mini (2) Toyota (2) Volvo (1) Saab (1) Suzuki (1) MG (1) Nissan (1) Chrysler (1) Citroen (1) Austin (1) Bentley (1) Daewoo (1) Daihatsu (1) Hyundai (1) Isuzu (1) Jeep (1) Kia (1) Kit Cars (1) Land Rover (1)
Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 20 of 179 ads found )
06 January 2009
www.cars-vans.net..
Lowest priced cars and vans online huge selection of cars, vans, salvage cars & parts. http://www. cars-vans. net .
RM6
Coach Hire for all your business needs Bmcoaches.co.uk..
Coach hire services company london uk offers cheap coach hire, coach hire in london and coach hire for airport transfer throughout the uk and europe. if you are looking to hire a coach for travel, holidays, day trips, business and educational trips, wedding etc, bm co. .
£100
UB3
05 January 2009
left hand drive..
Grand jeep cherokee 4x4 2001 immaculate pics www kokar. co. uk 07956119269 .
£6,000
Mitsubishi for sale..
Delica 2. 8td exceed,c\l e\w twin air con vgc blue over grey sports rack and towbar,7 seater,mot aug 09, tax may09 e\mirrors,pas,auto,tax £185 for 12 months .
£3,000
PO7
Left Hand Drive Car..
I am looking for a second hand left hand drive vehicule. thanks.
SO32
Rover Streetwise >>>..
Rover streetwise is for sale, patrol, manuel, 30. 000miles, leather seat, 4x4/ 4wheel drive, lady ower, 2004 reg, cd player, price £2. 250. selling it urgently!!! for biger car.
£2
E2
04 January 2009
peugeot 206cc convertable 2ltr mettalic blue 2001 with ..
Peugeot 206 cc convertable 2ltr 2001 mettalic blue with private plate 73000mls full service history electric windows/electric mirrors/air con/fully electric roof/alloys/cd/remote central locking/white dials/chrome pedal and gearstick/chrome mats/ low profile tyres. tax . .
£2,900
BB10
BMW R 1150 GS..
Bmw , 2003 (03), 20,000 miles. r 1150 gs, excellent condition, full bmw service history, abs, heated grips,hand shields engine bars, belly pan, and full bmw luggage. .
£4,995
Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec..
2004 (54) ford focus 1. 6 zetec manual 5 door hatchback 43,000miles, 4 months tax, 11 months mot, silver air conditioning, pas, e/w, airbag, abs, remote central locking, alloy wheels, cd player full service history, excellent condition, cheap tax, very economical £. .
£4,295
NR13
Garmin Flush mounting kit Part Number: 010-10447-05 ..
Garmin flush mounting kit part number: 010-10447-05 flush mounting kit part number: 010-10447-05 fits 550 550s 555 555s ff400 as new unused.
£15
30 December 2008
Turn Your Car into a Water/Gas Hybrid..
Learn how to run your car on water and gas to double mileage and save up to 40% on fuel costs. www. naturalexpressmall. com.
W1J
cb125 twin SWAP..
Swap my bike for somthing mo sporty not botherd of tax mot any con but must run or a garden shed 10 by 60 or biger but must bring it to me my bike as tax and mot 8 of 09 thanks shaun can send pic to your email .
29 December 2008
vauxhall zafira, 1.6 petrol -shiny metallic blue, econo..
My vauxhall zafira 1. 6 petrol, manual is a great reliable car. ideal for a family or business 7 seater, mpv rear two seats fold to make a big boot space at the back, all in original features w reg year 2000,engine size 1. 6, 16v metallic shiny blue ,very economical . .
£2,000
E6
28 December 2008
Haynes classic mortorcycle repair manuals...
haynes motorcycle repair manuals. 1960s -80s only. most models. (phone 4 details) fantic-yamaha, 49cc-750cc. road & track. 2, 3 &4 cyl. all new, mostly still wrapped. taken in lieu of wages. can post anywhere. (extra) £7ea. these cost between £15 &. .
CH49
For Sale Microcar Mc1 Paris 2 Seater Automatic Lef..
For sale microcar mc1 paris limited edition automatic, left hand drive, 2 seater, 0. 5 engine diesel, very economic over 200miles for 16lts. metallic black. leather interior, radio-cd-mp3 player and gps, central locking, electric windows, low co2 emissions,steering lo. .
£5,700
BL5
Haynes classic car repair manuals...
haynes. autocar etc car repair manuals, guide & instruction books etc 1930s to 90s, fair to mint condition, from £2 plus postage. only a fraction of the price at auto jumbles. lots of other books, lubrication charts, bits & pieces etc. phone with wants. .
CH49
NHS Minibus..
Fiat ducato maxi. l w b hi-top minibus. top of the range devon leisure conversion to nhs standards. up to 10 seats (quick release) on tracking. extra wide door with electric step & courtesy light, stereo with roof speakers. 2. 5 diesel (very economical) power steering. .
£2,250
CH49
26 December 2008
n reg 55 plate yamaha xtr 125 very low milage like new!..
I have for sale a yamaha xtr 125 nearly new all in black and has been very looked after displaying on the clock is 4900km so its only done 1800 miles very clean and very nice bike full service history and mot certificates and tax it has tax till 03/09 and has a m. o t f. .
£1,600
TS24
25 December 2008
BMW 525D SE AUTO..
02/2002 full electric pack, new battery,full black leather, former doctor owner,fully loaded. any trial or inspection welcome.
£4,595
04 2004 VW SHARAN SHARAN 130 TDI SPORT..
Grey, tax and tested, climate control, 6 speed,alloys. 7 seats, full vw service history, imaaculate inside out. 07974 965930 based in north london.
£6,495
More :
FirstLast...
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/
...
Information & Advice on Used Cars, Motorbikes, Vans & Other Vehicles
Buy and sell used and new Cars, Motorbikes, Vans, Scooters and Caravans and accessories, here at Classifieds Cars & Motors - the home of FREE classified ads.
Browse our Cars & Motors Classifications
Car Makes  (195)
Makes (a-f) : Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Austin Bentley BMW Cars Chevrolet Chrysler Citroen Daewoo Daihatsu Daimler Datsun Ferrari Fiat Ford Cars
Makes (g-m) : Honda Hyundai Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Lada Lamborghini Lancia Land Rover Lexus Lotus Maserati Mazda Mercedes Benz MG Mini Mitsubishi Morgan Morris
Makes (n-t) : Nissan Peugeot Pontiac Porsche Proton Reliant Renault Rolls-Royce Rover Saab Seat Skoda Smart Ssangyong Subaru Suzuki Talbot Tata Toyota Triumph TVR
Makes (u-z) : Vauxhall Volkswagen Volvo Westfield
 
Other Vehicles  (85)
Caravans & Motorhomes Commercial Vehicles Motorbikes & Scooters Boats & Aircraft Motorbike Parts & Accessories
Category Ad Tags

"
Ad Tags are keywords Users have added to their Ad to quickly indicate what they’re advertising.
"
There aren’t any Tags associated with this Category.
Post a FREE Ad
Log In / Register
Help!
About
Share
RSS
Or Buy Online Now..
TomTom ONE V4 UK
...
TomTom ONE V4 UK
£99.00 - Pixmania.co.uk
£99.96 - Bennetts Online
£109.99 - Best Digital Market
£119.95 - Halfords
TomTom GO 530 UK & Ireland
...
TomTom GO 530 UK & Ireland
£164.99 - Laskys
£176.16 - Nav City
£199.93 - Halfords
£214.99 - ASK Electronics
TomTom ONE XL Europe
...
TomTom ONE XL Europe
£127.22 - Nav City
£145.00 - John Lewis
£166.00 - Pixmania.co.uk
£169.00 - Additions Direct
TomTom GO 730 Europe
...
TomTom GO 730 Europe
£209.99 - Laskys
£210.42 - Nav City
£219.00 - John Lewis
£227.53 - Bennetts Online
Garmin Nuvi 205WT UK
...
Garmin Nuvi 205WT UK
£122.33 - Nav City
£127.17 - Global Gizmos
£129.99 - Best Digital Market
£129.99 - Halfords
Classifieds.co.uk | Valueclick Europe Ltd - Privacy - Advertiser Terms - User Terms
You must comply with all laws when making any posting on Classifieds.co.uk.
Under no circumstances shall Classifieds.co.uk be held responsible for any items posted by users on this website.