There are many things to consider when buying a car. You will want to strike a balance between your needs, your tastes and your finances.

Costs | Features | Steering | Number of doors | Storage features

The cost of a car will be a big factor in determining the type of car you buy.

If cost is an issue, you may consider buying a second-hand car. Second-hand cars are generally cheaper to buy, but you may end up spending more on repairs and maintenance.

Whether you decide on a new or a second-hand car, you will need to consider the running costs, fuel consumption, insurance rates, servicing frequency and conversion costs (if any).

If you are going to use the Motability Scheme, this will include servicing, insurance and breakdown services.

• locating and turning the ignition key
• putting the hand brake off and on
• moving the gear selector
• using the indicators, horn, wiper and lights

If you have weak arms, or the use of only one arm, you may need to consider buying a car with power-assisted steering (PAS).

You will need to take into account your preferred way of getting in and out of a car and whether equipment or a wheelchair needs to be stowed.

A two/three door vehicle will generally have wider doors making it easier to enter and leave the vehicle. This is particularly useful if you have long or stiff legs, or if you want to transfer from a wheelchair and stow it within the vehicle.

• Mobility aids such as a sticks or crutches can be easily stowed on a car's back seat or alongside the front seat

• Walking frames are sometimes bulky and can be awkward to stow on the back seat of a two-door car, although some types do fold up. If you have someone to help, you may be able to put the frame in the boot or rear hatch, or on the back seat of a four-door car

• If you have no helper to rely on, but have adequate dexterity, you may wish to store your wheelchair behind the driving seat. Your car will need sufficient space behind the seats

• If you are unable to put away your wheelchair yourself, you may need to consider fitting a mechanical stowage system. These include hoisting the wheelchair into the car or on to the roof electrically.

• You may prefer to transfer from a wheelchair onto the front passenger seat and slide across onto the driving seat, dragging your wheelchair in after you. In this case, it is best to choose a car with minimal obstruction between the passenger and the driver seat, although this can be difficult because centre consoles can be very bulky. Drivers using this method of entry would generally choose a two-door car

• If you are unable to transfer from your wheelchair and want to be independent, you will need a vehicle which can be driven from the wheelchair.

• If you are able to walk a short distance and use a manual wheelchair you may be able to store it in the boot/hatch by yourself. You may sometimes need the help of a winch, or else the wheelchair can be carried on the bracket at the rear of the car. A standard size manual wheelchair would fit into the boot/hatch of most cars and in all estate models.

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