Buying a car for the first time - totally clueless please help me!

[abovetheclouds]

I've had a company car for the last 12 years, and have just been made redundant so one of the first things I need to do is buy a new car. I have also looked at contract hiring but don't know if this is a good option either? Can anyone offer any advice?

No advice as in same boat really but thought I'd bump it for you.

Our company lease car goes back in a couple of weeks - looking to buy 2nd hand but so few garages advertise in local press etc these days and many have gone out of business. Is it really a case of trawling from one to another, how do warranties fare if they subsequently go under ?