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Introduction

It doesn't matter if you're buying a super-frugal city car or plain old supercar, nothing matches the experience of driving a brand-new motor off the forecourt for the first time.

But even the most magpie-eyed buyer needs to step back and make some key decisions before splashing out on a new motor. That's where this guide comes in.

As with all our guides, this one covers all the important stuff in easy chunks. Use the navigation at the bottom of each page to flick between them.

What to buy

Sounds simple and you probably have a good idea of what car suits your needs, but consider this list to make sure the car of your dreams measures up.

• How deep are your pockets? You may be able to afford the sticker price, but what about insurance, running costs, depreciation and servicing. Ask about these and even speak to owners of the type of car you're considering to get the fuller picture. There's no point scraping to buy a Porsche if you can't afford run it

• What do you need from the car? Is it going to be a high mileage mule or pampered toy? Be honest with yourself and consider the sort of driving you do, how often you carry passengers and luggage. For example, an off-roader can double as an MPV, while small hatchbacks offer almost as much space as a full-size family car
• If you've got kids, can they all fit in the back in child seats or strapped in by a three-point seat belt? If in doubt, take them along, and if the salesman isn't happy there's always another dealer around the corner. Match the car to your lifestyle, not the other way around
• Shop around for finance before buying. Loans, finance and insurance are all negotiable, and don't be railroaded by a salesman who sees the glint in your eye
• Study the options list. Air conditioning is a must, as is a CD player. These items make life more pleasurable for you and the car easier to sell on.
• Colour is vital. If you can't live without a pink Mini, you'll be hard pushed to shift it when you come to sell. But silver with the right extras will have 'em queuing up. Blue is the most popular colour choice in the UK, followed by red and then silver. The more individual you make a new car, the fewer potential buyers.

Where to buy

There are a surprising number of options when buying new. All have their advantages and drawbacks, so weigh 'em up with our guide.

• Franchised dealers, or main dealers, are the most common place to buy a new car. Appointed by the manufacturer, they provide a one-stop shop for buying, servicing and repairs. Ease of use is the big draw, but bear in mind they work to tightly controlled targets and will resist dropping the price as much as possible.

• Importing a car from abroad was seen as the way to beat Rip-off Britain a few years ago, but UK car prices have fallen into line with the rest of Europe. There are still savings to be had, but this is balanced out by the hassle of doing the paperwork in a foreign language and the risk that the car will not be to the UK spec.
• A good way to avoid the pitfalls of importing is to use a broker. A broker charges a fee for arranging your new car purchase, but they are usually cheaper than franchised dealers. Check the small print, though, because you may have to collect the car yourself.
• Buying a car online is now as simple as any other mouse-clicking purchase. Shop around, study the small print, and ask for referrals from satisfied customers. Your statutory rights are just the same as when buying from any dealer.
• Car supermarkets may not offer the Bauhaus-inspired architecture of a franchised dealer's showroom, but they take the sting out of haggling. The price you see is the price you pay. These guys live by stacking 'em high, selling 'em a bit cheaper than a main dealer. The downside is there's little room for negotiation.