When choosing a new (brand new or second-hand) car, it is important to consider what features are most important for you, and to ensure that the car you choose is in a safe, roadworthy condition. A vehicle's safety performance and condition may be difficult to assess just from an external inspection, so where possible choose a vehicle with four or five stars in EURO NCAP tests (see below), and seek expert advice (see rear cover). If choosing second-hand vehicles it is vital to have a safety check conducted, and to find out as much as possible about the vehicle's history. Motoring organisations can provide an independent safety check service. Always ask to see the vehicle's documents and do a Hire Purchase Information (HPI) check (see rear cover) to ensure that the vehicle does not have a fraudulent history. Consider the type of car that is most suitable for you overall. How will you mainly use it: for short, stop/start trips, long journeys on trunk roads and motorways, for carrying children, adult passengers or lots of luggage or equipment? The answers to these questions may point you towards particular types of car or specific safety features. Some people find automatic cars easier to drive than manual ones. Drivers with disabilities, or who may have disabled passengers, should consider their needs carefully when choosing a vehicle. Advice is available from Motability, a registered charity which helps disabled people and their families to become more mobile (see rear cover). Use this checklist to help you select the vehicle most suitable for your needs. (Author/publisher)
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