There aren’t many of us that can claim to be car experts, though we drive them every day and depend on our vehicles to carry us flawlessly from place to place.  When you are in the market to buy a new car and you want to buy a used one, there are some questions you need to ask and use your answers to make your final decision.

Whether you want a practical, used Fiat 500 or something sportier or larger in size, you can use the same questions to help make your purchase.  The generalities of buying a used car can be summed up in just a few simple rules that all should follow to make a smart purchase.

To begin with, look at the miles that are on the car.  Because town miles are harder on a car than open road miles, you should find out, if possible, what kind of miles were put on the car.  Next, the VIN plate number must be the same number that is on the engine and on the documentation to be sure that the history check is accurate.  If the two numbers don’t match, there could be a false history report on the vehicle.

Finally, do a history check.  This will tell you whether the financing has been paid off or if there is outstanding money due.  It will tell you how many miles should be on the car so the mileage on the dashboard should match the history.  This is also how you would find out if you are buying a stolen used Fiat Panda with the snazzy two tone paint styling.

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Whilst everyone has different priorities when it comes to buying a car, such as price, size, loyalty to one manufacturer or model or the perceived attractiveness of a vehicle, popularity is important to many people.  Here is a list of some of the most popular cars in the country along with what makes them so appealing.

The most popular car in both 2009 and 2010 was the Ford Fiesta Supermini.  Over 100,000 were registered in 2010 alone.  That means that approximately one in 20 cars sold in Britain in 2010 was the Supermini.  Unsurprisingly, the Supermini is expected to be one of 2011’s most popular cars.  The Supermini’s success can be put down to many factors, such as a general trend in favouring smaller, more economical motors and the fact that it seems to appeal to all types of drivers, regardless of sex, occupation or lifestyle.  It seems the Supermini really is the car for the masses.

Another popular all-round car is the Vauxhall Astra.  This is a smart and visually attractive car that can be seen as sporty and fun whilst at the same time being practical and efficient.

A very popular car for families is the Ford Focus.  The car is efficient yet spacious, well designed, smart yet attractive.  A new model of this popular family hatchback is bound to be one of 2011’s most wanted vehicles.

Other very popular cars at the moment include the Vauxhall Corsa and the Volkswagen Golf.

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Designed as a rival to small German cars both the used Mini and the new Mini have become ‘cherished’ British icons.  It was first brought to life on the drawing board in 1957 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC). Leonard Lord, then head of BMC, gave the directive to design a miniature car – hence the term ‘Mini’ that was less than ten feet long yet with six feet of passenger space.  A great design team led by Sir Alec Issigonis presented Britons with the Mini in 1959.  It didn’t overwhelm audiences at first, but over time, especially with help from British royalty and the movies (The three key films being: A Shot In The Dark, The Magical Mystery Tour and of course, The Italian Job) helped this car seal itself into the hearts of the British. 

Used Mini Buyers Should Seek Approval

Whether you choose a used Mini Cooper, a used Mini Countryman or the Used Mini One, according Euro NCAP safety should not be a concern.  Both the Cooper and the Countryman rate 5 out of 5 stars for adult occupant safety and the Mini One rates 4 out of 5 stars.  So, with safety concerns taken into consideration, used car purchasers should look for an Approved Used Mini from a reputable dealer.  The Cherished Mini Approval Programme includes:

•    A minimum 12 month MINI Warranty
•    A minimum 12 months of MINI Emergency Service Assistance throughout the UK and Continental Europe
•    Minimum 12 month MOT and MOT Cover
•    Access to the vehicle’s full service history, including a mileage check
•    Affordable financing and insurance through MINI Financial Services for those who qualify.

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If you’re in the market for a used Fiat, use the following list of quick tips to help you get the most from your purchase.

What You’ll Pay

Expect to pay at least £7000 for a 2008 entry model used Fiat.  Upgrading to a diesel engine for better fuel economy will raise your starting costs to at least £9000.  If you covet the 500C or the Abarth, you’ll have to add about £3000 to the cost and because these cars are still relatively new, you may be hard-pressed to find one for less than £11,000.

Choosing the Right Model

Most enthusiasts will agree that the 500C is the most desirable used Fiat model, though many buyers may balk at the hefty £3000 extra charge for the 500C’s open roof design.  At the bottom of the line, the Pop has loads of charm and pleasant simplicity at an attractive price.  The 1.4-litre petrol is the best all-around model, while the 1.3 diesel offers an impressive 72mpg.  Whichever you choose, expect plenty of options, excellent five-star crash rating, four seats, and a spacious boot.

Where to Buy

A Fiat dealer will have the best selection, as well as the Approved User programme that promises at least a one-year warranty on any used Fiat.  You’ll also get 30 days to exchange the car for another Fiat.  You might try some car supermarkets, though used Fiats can be hard to come by on these lots.  Non-Fiat dealers and private sellers are rare.

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There are a large number of companies that offer car financing deals.  Researching car financing companies and comparing their services will enable you to find a car finance deal that is just right for you.  Car finance companies offer funding options for those looking for new and used cars, so you are sure to find a deal that suits your needs.

There are a number of car finance comparison websites that will allow you to compare the services of well known car finance companies.  You can browse through reviews of previous customers and see what each company has to offer.  You can also obtain a no obligation quote from most companies, which will enable you to see whether or not the car finance deal is right for you.

Browsing through car finance companies will also give you the chance to see what used cars are on offer.  Many car finance companies have a wide range of used cars for sale, such as used Hondas, used Minis and used BMWs – some of which are in top condition. In addition to comparing car finance options, you can also compare vehicles to find something that suits your needs.

Some online car finance companies may provide car loans via your bank, which may be cheaper than obtaining a loan from your bank directly.  Other services offered by car finance companies include help with checking your credit rating to see whether or not you are able to take out a loan.  Many companies will provide information to help you work out whether or not your credit profile is acceptable.

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Mazda has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity of late, due in part to its release of innovative new models from 2002 onwards after what had been a period of varying market success.  The popularity of these models has extended to the used car market and many can be found for attractive prices.

When looking over the Mazda range it is clear their designers have sought to satisfy a wide variety of consumer needs while earning industry recognition and respect.  It is clear that this has been achieved and the company continues to prosper.

Those searching the market will certainly be able to find a Mazda to meet their requirements.  For example, if a small vehicle is what you are looking for, the Mazda 2 is an excellent choice.

However, if a mid-sized vehicle is needed then not only does the Mazda 6 offer style and performance, it also offers variety, as it comes as a five-door estate, a five-door hatchback or a four-door saloon, all of which regular feature at competitive prices in used car supermarkets.

Offering instantly recognisable styling combined with great performance and handling, the Mazda MX-5 is a popular convertible roadster now in its third generation, which can be snatched for a reasonable price by those who like to turn heads.

Another stunning used Mazda regularly showcased in car supermarkets is the RX-8 two-door sports coupe, which offers four seat practicality with a dash of flair.

Needless to say, anyone looking for a used car should bear Mazda in mind.

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BMW has that “wow factor” for individuals that are looking to spend their newly won high salary on a great set of wheels.  Some even prefer to buy the older and what some regard as the better versions of BMW models.  Older BMW’s offer something a bit different from the modern releases.

If you look closely at a second-hand BMW, you will see that even with one hundred and fifty thousand miles on the clock, the car is still generally in good shape.  Since BMWs are so well made they are very popular used cars.  BMW owners, tend to take better care of their cars than do many motorists.  Thanks to efficient engineering and quality manufacture a BMW will outlast many other brands.  The modern models also have all kinds of new efficiency and safety features that help you to save on fuel and keep you safe on the roads.

The 325i is one of the more popular models of BMW on the road today and there are many good examples available on the used car market.  It offers a nice roadster appearance as well as having a company car appeal.  For more than ten years other companies have been trying to emulate its stylish looks.

Buying a used BMW car from a BMW dealer is the safest way of ensuring that you are getting a good buy.  This also of course means that you will be obtaining a warranty with the vehicle.

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The rear wheel drive S-Class saloon is truly another triumph from Mercedes. This is definitely a car for the discreet and image-conscious driver and its attractive sleek and curvaceous design easily makes it stand out from the crowd. Inside the vehicle, you will feel as though you are in your own little world, as double-glazed windows mean that not a decibel of wind-noise gets through, while the complete lack of road rumble will make you feel as though you’re driving on air.

There are a total of five different engines in this range. The 3litre petrol and diesel and 3.5 litre V6 varieties come in various guises and are excellent options to choose from. The standard diesel engines achieve a respectable 34mpg, but for true speed junkies the S65 AMG is easily the chariot of choice, reaching 62mph in less than 4.5 seconds. 

When it comes to road handling, the S-Class comes into a league of its own. In standard mode, it is basically just a regular saloon, but switch on the ‘Optional Active Body Control’ and you will be truly at one with the machine. Anti-roll bars are adjusted, via the engines software and this makes a huge difference to the handling at both high and low speeds.

The engine and bodywork of the Mercedes S-Class is what has made this vehicle truly iconic for Mercedes and it wouldn’t be in keeping with the company’s strict protocol if the interior didn’t live up to such a high reputation. The level of comfort is what takes the S-Class into the ‘luxury’ category. Heated and massaging seats make any long journey an absolute pleasure, while acres of legroom in the back and front is sure to keep everyone happy. Even with all this spaciousness, the designers have still managed to squeeze in a 560litre boot.

It would be fair to say that there is no other car in this sector that can reach the bar set by the S-Class. When people think Mercedes, this is the model that will instantly come to mind, classic body shape, supreme comfort and blissful drivability. All combine to set this car way ahead of its closest competitors.

Having said all that, success doesn’t come cheap. With a price range of £53,879 to £144,880, this vehicle has become fairly exclusive and tax and insurance work to prevent make the S-Class being an attractive option for many. On the flip side, one great advantage of buying from Mercedes is that their products enjoy high residual values and the S-Class is sure to be on many people’s wish lists for many years to come.

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If you want to have a small and stylish car at a low price, then leasing a Smart Fortwo Cabrio 71 bhp MHD Passion 2 Door is just right for you. This petite car is available on the Web site of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. All you have to do is to get an online quote, then pay £509.85 for the initial payment and pay only £169.95 per month. If in stock, it only takes 7-14 days before they deliver this car to you. Vehicle leasing can save you several pounds on your monthly bill rather than paying off a monthly car loan.

This fabulous car is at its best when you hit the roads of the city. It has a 1.0-litre engine that runs on petrol and can produce power of 61bhp to 71bhp at top speed. However, if you feel like cruising at 84bhp, you can go for a turbocharged engine. Fuel economy is not a problem in this car because it has a micro hybrid drive system, which cuts the state-of-the-art engine during urban crawl and when the traffic light tells you to stop. This car is also environmentally friendly as it emits low quantities of carbon dioxide even if you cruise at top speed.

The Cabrio has features that come in its standard models, which include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control, ABS brakes, front fog lights, rev counter, air-conditioning, and two airbags in the front. Looking at the back, you can see a spacious boot to contain your grocery and shopping bags during weekends.

Car leasing, especially a Smart Fortwo Cabrio, can give you a wonderful driving experience in the city.

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Porsche leasing offers quotes with competitive contract-hire prices for any vehicle and model specification in the entire Porsche range. This includes the Cayman, 911 Cabriolet, Boxster, Cayenne and 911 Coupe. Yourfleet, for instance, offers leasing from £579 per month on a three year contract with 10,000 miles per annum, fuel economy of 21.9 mpg, and CO2 emissions of 310 g/km for the Porsche Cayenne Business Car Lease. It also offers deals from £672 for personal car lease with similar specifications.

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet lease offers a deal of £1,114 to £1,281 per month on a three year contract with fuel economy of 25.7 mpg, CO2 emissions of 266 g/km, and 10,000 miles per annum for business and personal car leases.

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet performance reaches 254 kW (345 hp) at 6,500 rpm, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 289 km/h (180 mph). The Porsche 911 Coupe Lease offers a three year contract with 10,000 miles per annum, fuel economy of 25.7 mpg, and CO2 emissions of 266 g/km at £979 per month for business car lease and £1,125 per month for personal car lease.

In terms of performance, the Porsche 911 Coupe delivers 245 kW and 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The Porsche Boxster lease also offers a three year contract with 10,000 miles per annum, fuel economy of 30.4 mpg, and CO2 emissions of 222 g/km starting at £546 per month for business car lease and £642 for personal car lease.

All initial lease offers for the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Porsche 911 Coupe and Porsche Boxster refer to the 2-seater models and are based on an initial payment of six monthly rentals.

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