For many people, the thought of buying a new or used car can be an intimidating one. Especially if you’ve never it done it before, or your car knowledge doesn’t extend beneath the hood.

Car salespeople can seem intimidating to the inexperienced buyer so it’s important to do your research first. It not only allows you to help pick the right car for you but ensures you are striking the best deal around.

Follow our list of five things to consider before you buy, and you can be confident you’re leaving the showroom with a vehicle that’s going to give you years of trouble-free motoring, and at a price you can afford.

So, you need a car, but what kind of car are you looking for? Does it need to be cheap to run, reliable, low maintenance? Maybe something big enough to pack the kids into on a school day or a vacation with surf boards and bikes? Is the environment top of your list and electric the way you want to go?

There are plenty of websites that offer reviews on ‘Best Family Cars’, ‘Best SUV’s’, ‘Most Reliable’ and more, so be sure to check them out as they will help with your decision making. Once you’ve narrowed down exactly what it is you need from your new car and the type of vehicle you’re looking for, your search will become a whole lot easier and quicker.

There’s no greater influence on your car buying decision than the budget you have available. Remember to set your budget at a level you can afford and don’t forget extra’s such as warranty, fuel costs and new parts for your car. These will all impact on your finances.

Knowing how much money you can afford to spend helps you narrow down your choices and make better informed decisions. If budget is not a massive issue for you, we recommend going for premium brands when purchasing new car parts, like Dick-Cepek for your tires or other high quality manufactures. It also means you know when to walk away if a deal is too expensive, because nobody wants to drive away with a shiny new, four wheeled financial burden.

There are plenty of car comparison web sites out there, so checking out prices before visiting a showroom is a great idea. It’s also worth ringing around to see what deals different places are willing to offer.

Knowing the right price for the vehicle you want is an important card to have up your sleeve when it comes to negotiating.  Car salespeople will also respect a customer that has done their research and knows what is and isn’t a good deal.

If you can prove you can get a better deal somewhere else then let them know, they may just find a few extra sweeteners to keep you interested.

Now you know your budget and price and you’ve found a car you like, it’s time to buy right? Wrong.

If you’re buying second hand, be sure to check out the car’s history before handing over your hard-earned cash. Any dealer can shine a car to make it look perfect on the outside, but it’s what’s under the hood that counts.

Check the title online via the DMV and ask the showroom for a service history of the vehicle if they have one. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away.

For any new or used car purchase, be sure to check out the warranty package and return policies of the showroom. Do you need to supplement the warranty? How long is the return policy?

A good warranty and returns policy suggests a reputable dealer with confidence in their product. It also gives you peace of mind should anything go wrong.

Now you know what to look out for when it comes to buying car it’s time to head out there and do it. Be confident in the knowledge that you’ve acquired and go get yourself a great deal.