SOMETIMES the best new car is a used car. Motorists can often get great value for money if they go into the second hand car market.

Those that take the used option could find themselves with a top-of-the-range car at a fraction of the new price.

Once you have decided to buy a second-hand car, you need to ask yourself what kind of second hand car you want.

Alan Pulham, franchised dealer director for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), explains: “In the trade, there are a number of categories that make up the second hand market. Overall, cars are priced as either nearly new, or used.

“Nearly new cars are those up to one year old. Used cars fall into two subcategories, one to three years old, and over three years old. Nearly new cars often have very low mileage, and are usually thousands of pounds cheaper than they were when new, just a few months before. This means the consumer should often see good value for money.

“Main dealers generally offer a good supply of carefully prepared late model low mileage used cars and demonstrators with genuine mileage and service histories. The efficient after sales service and warranties offered also help to ensure peace of mind, as do mechanical breakdown service, insurance services, hire-purchase and servicing back-up.”

Independent garages also offer a wide service. Pulham explains: “An independent garage is likely to have cars on its forecourt that span a wider age range, from the low mileage to older and less expensive models.”

Used car buyers not only make savings on the purchase price of a car, but may also benefit from cheaper insurance as well. Depending on the age of the vehicle, improved value can be had by servicing and repairing a used car through an independent garage.