If you decide to buy from a car dealer it's important to choose one with a good reputation.. it's also wise to choose one with their own workshops.. find out if you can whether the saleman has been with them for a long time (that usually means he or she's got a good reputation and means what he or she promises).. check to see what gaurantee is offered with the car - and I mean gaurantee not repair Insurance.. you should try to get a minimum 6 months parts and labour gaurantee if you're spending - say between £4000 and £6000.. and if you are spending £6000 or more then a 12 months gaurantee is what you should be looking for.

The repair Insurance packages need very careful scrutiny.. some are not worth the paper they're written on.. but many are.. most only cover certain things and almost all specify service intervals that must be adhered to, otherwise the policy is null and void.

When an repair insurance package is offered to you.. read the small print very carefully, to get anything worthwhile you may have to pay around £350, they can be very useful especially when it comes to large value Items, but I repeat - check it carefully.