Consider these factors:

• How much space do you need - a Micra may be cheap, but will the dog fit?
• How many miles do you cover? If it's loads, think about a diesel. If not, petrol powered cars are usually cheaper to buy
• Do you often carry passengers? That sports car might not be as daft as you think
• Remember to factor in running costs and insurance - do your homework first
• A three-door hatch might look good, but will you break your back lifting the child seat in and out? Maybe the five-door is a better bet
• A low-riding sportscar might be just the ticket in your dreams, but what about streets littered with speed bumps? You never know, maybe a 4x4 does make sense
• Just because a British summer is made of three days of sunshine and a thunderstorm, a convertible can still be fun even in winter
• Kids love kicking the backs of the front seats and smearing chocolate-coated fingers over car interiors. A dark colour will hide the mess better than cream leather
• Heaven forbid you tow a caravan, but if you are partial to articulated holidays an automatic gearbox makes life easier. And think about which engine will give you enough grunt for you not to becomes a rolling roadblock.

Here are some good used buys to consider:

• Nissan Micra
• Skoda Fabia
• Honda Jazz
• Volkswagen Golf
• Mini Cooper
• Vauxhall Zafira
• Skoda Octavia
• Vauxhall Vectra
• Honda CR-V
• Seat Alhambra
• Mazda MX-5
• BMW 3-Series
• Volvo XC90
• Mazda 6
• BMW 5-series
• Mercedes S-class