When to buy

September is the most popular month for new cars - a hangover from the old annual registration change.

Now car registrations change twice a year; it gives the canny buyer two bites at the discount cherry.

The reason is simple: dealers want to rid themselves of any old or pre-registered stock before the new reg arrives, which means 24 hours can make the difference between discount and disappointment.

But if you buy just before the latest registration mark arrives, your new car will still be regarded as six months older when you come to sell than your neighbour's with the newer reg.

If you can't wait until then, the end of the month is the best time to talk tough on new car. Dealers are keen to boost their monthly sales figures and this is the time they will be most generous.

Holiday times are another good bet for securing a deal. While the rest of the country is busy spending money elsewhere, July and August are quiet for car dealers, so make the most of it because they need your business.

The same applies to January, when most people have a financial hangover from Christmas.

The test drive

Next comes the all-important test drive - and there's more to this than a simple spin around the block.

Follow these steps to make sure the car is as suitable for you as the salesman wants it to be.

STEP 1

Before you even park your posterior, a few checks are in order. Is your garage wide enough to accommodate the car you're looking at?

Also check that the boot is big enough for the pushchair/golf clubs/suitcases/booze?

Tale a few moments to sit in the back, too, especially if you intend to carry passengers on a regular basis.

STEP 2

Take the time to adjust the seat properly and get comfortable. The salesman will be giving you the hard sell, but ignore him and check the main controls are within easy reach.

Does it feel solid, and are there enough pockets and cubbies to keep your sweets in?

STEP 3

When you're happy and comfortable, it's time to get going. Choose a test route that takes in the sorts of roads you will use the car on.

If you spend most of your life in treacle-like town traffic, is that heavy clutch going to leave you walking with a limp?

Think about the way the car rides - you may enjoy sporty handling, but if your local roads are full of potholes can you stand the firm set-up?

STEP 4

If you're a knight of the motorway, go for a decent stretch on a multi-laner and listen out for a rumpus from the engine and any wind noise creeping into the cabin.

STEP 5

When you get back to the showroom, try out reverse gear and check out rear visibility.

Also try out a three-point or u-turn - if you do lots of in-town driving, manoeuvrability is important.

STEP 6

Don't be hurried, and aim to spend an hour driving the car.

If all's well at the end, there's a final test, and that's finding out if you can get out of the car without slipping a disc.

Levering yourself out of a low-slung sports car can put as much as pressure on the knees as lifting a fully-grown man.

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