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If you intend to buy from a dealer, try to sound out their reputation. Some dealers are members of a trade association and are required to observe a code of conduct.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the relevant association for dealers in used-cars is the Retail Motor Industry Federation ( www.rmif.co.uk), 9 North Street, Rugby CV21 2AB, tel: 08457 58 53 50.

In Scotland, the equivalent organisation is the Scottish Motor Trade Association, 3 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AF, tel: 0131 225 3643, fax: 0131 220 0446.

Members will normally identify themselves by the use of the appropriate Association logo. You may feel that buying from a 'code trader' is an added safeguard, though this does not mean that other dealers are not reputable.

Remember: always shop around for a while and compare prices of vehicle's of the same age and condition.

If you are seriously interested in a particular car, there are a number of specific precautions you can take:

• check that all the important facts about the car (price, condition, mileage) are in writing

• ask if the mileage is guaranteed and, if so, on what evidence. If necessary, you may wish to consider contacting the last owner shown in the vehicle registration book

• ask to see evidence of the car's service history

• examine the car critically for signs of respraying or touching up of rust or damage. Don't be impressed by polish or shine

• ask for a test drive (if possible, drive the car yourself)

• treat sales talk with reserve. Ask questions and insist on simple and straight answers

• unless you are an expert, consider asking an independent qualified mechanic or engineer to check and road test the car. This can be particularly important, because if you express satisfaction with the car on the basis of your own limited expertise, you may forfeit your right to redress if things go wrong later. But bear in mind that any inspection fee will be payable whether or not you decide to buy the car

• both the Automobile Association (AA) ( www.theaa.com ) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) ( www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk ) provide an inspection service

• a few dealers operate a scheme where their cars are independently inspected at their own expense before they are put on sale: it is a good selling point

If you are buying privately, you should take extra care because you have fewer legal rights than when buying from a dealer.

Some small dealers also trade from their homes: insist on seeing the vehicle registration document and be on your guard if the seller's name and address is not on it.

Genuine private sellers will normally sell from their own homes and you can usually be satisfied that they do indeed live there and that they are selling their own car.

When negotiating a private purchase, it is a good idea to take someone with you who can, if necessary, confirm what was said should problems later arise.

The law requires only that the car must be 'as described', and your rights will depend on what the seller chooses to tell you about the condition and value of the car.

Be sure to check the offer price against a used-car guide: a private seller doesn't have the expenses of a dealer and you should therefore aim to pay less.

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When buying a car, you will be supplied with a warranty. It is important to check your warranty before finalising the purchase of the car.

Check what is offered:

• will the policy give adequate cover of at least the major parts? Some warranties have many exclusions

• is the period covered sufficient? Avoid warranties that are for less than three months or 3,000 miles and those which make it a condition that repairs must be carried out by the dealer selling the car

• pay particular attention to wear and tear clauses which significantly reduce your cover, and to any condition which requires the car to be serviced in a prescribed way and at fixed intervals, which if not followed may invalidate the policy.

When buying a car, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• if you claim either the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) awarded for more than three years or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) you will be eligible to hire or buy a car or buy an electric wheelchair through Motability ( www.motability.co.uk )

• some distribution chains and local dealers also have their own schemes. Shop around, as some of these deals may be more convenient than the Motability Scheme

• some manufacturers offer special deals to motorists with disabilities, whether or not you use the Motability Scheme.
  

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The Office of Fair Trading ( www.oft.gov.uk), Field House, 15-25 Bream's Buildings, London EC4A 1PR, tel: 0345 224 499, publishes a free leaflet "Buying a Used Car?" It offers simple guidance on some of the more common pitfalls, the precautions you can take, how the law protects you, and what steps you can take if things go wrong.

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