So you've got yourself a shortlist of cars that would fit the bill. Now see what's around that matches your budget.

First place to check has to be your local newspaper. These often have good motoring sections with plenty of local dealer ads and some private ones too.

Alternatively, try the Yellow Pages to find the contact details for the nearest franchised dealer for the makes you're after or just drop by the forecourts of independent dealers in your area.

KwikTip: always get a car insurance quote from Direct Line too,
as they don't take part in the price comparison websites.

To do a more detailed search from home, next time you're at the newsagent pick up a copy of Auto Trader magazine. You'll find a great selection of cars for sale privately and it's easy to see what's on offer and compare what you should be paying. But be prepared to travel - the magazines usually cover over a fairly wide area.

There are other car ad mags around, like Exchange & Mart, Loot, FreeAd and the free magazines you'll find on the forecourt of petrol stations.

The internet is also an increasingly popular resource for finding your next car. By far the leading site is Auto Trader's online presence, but there's a wide range of other sites advertising cars for sale. A growing number will even sell you a used car direct over the net and will deliver the car to you. See our list of car search sites to get some links.

We also have our own great KwikGuides Car Dealer Directory of web links to car dealers in your area, organised by county and town. Most dealers have their most current stock lists on their own sites first, so by going direct you needn't worry about out-of-date newspapers, magazines or websites listing cars long since sold. Click here to go to our directory.

buying a used car: where to buy >>