What is the best way to go about buying a car?

[Linnet]

I passed my driving test last week
and now would like to buy a car but I don't have a clue how to go about it.

I know what type of car I want, a Fiat Punto and Arnold clark have some on their website in my area that are used and just coming up for 2 years old, which is fine for me.

But how do I go about buying one? Do I organise a loan with a bank then go along and buy one or should I take out finance with Arnold Clark?
How does Finance with Arnold Clark work, could someone explain it simply to me?

I don't have anyone I can take with me and I'm terrified of going along and getting a scary salesman who will confuse me with jargon that I know I'm not going to understand.

Also when Arnold Clark sell a used car do they put it through an MOT/Service first so that it is fit for sale?

see I told you I wasn't any good at this.

All help appreciated

Ooh, there was a bit about car finance in Which this month. The very best finance is interest free from the dealer so ask if they do this (might need to put down large deposit though). Ordinary dealer finance can be at quite a high rate of interest.

Next best is low interest personal loan from company like Northern Rock.

Avoid HP because you don't own the car until final payment.

A 2-yr-old car doesn't need an MoT but it should be completely serviced and checked out and come with some kind of warranty.

HTH

(Puntos are supposed to be really good btw!)

(Congrats on passing your test )

Thanks Jan

The 0% interest sounds good until you find out that they want about £2000 up front which I don't have.

I think I may have to get a loan but I've never had a loan before and the thought of it scares the life out of me.

I guess I'll keep searching the internet for low interest rates on loans.

Thanks again