The number plate system works as follows:

 

1. The first two letters correspond to where the car is registered in the country, LA to LY for London, and MA to MY for Manchester, for example.

 

2. The next two numbers signify in which six monthly period the car was registered eg 55 for September 2005, 06 for March 2006 and so on.

 

3. The last three letters are random.

 

4. When you buy a new car from a RMIF member with a 55 registration, you should be able to get a fair part exchange deal on your traded-in car and a dealer should also provide efficient and reliable service and repair facilities.

 

 

 

When looking for a car, there are a number of things to look out for:

 

1. Most newly-registered cars are sold with a full three-year warranty. But do read the small print. Also, RMIF dealers are obliged to provide a minimum level of warranty as a condition of their membership.

 

2. When comparing deals, use the on-the-road price which manufacturers now advertise. This is made up of the basic ex-works price, value added tax, number plate, delivery charges, and road fund licence, and first registration fee.

 

3. Since March 2001, the rate of vehicle excise duty has varied depending on the level of exhaust emissions produced by the car, so it is worth bearing this in mind.

 

 

 

Motorists should also consider the following check-list before and after purchase to make sure you have not overlooked the obvious.

 

1. will you carry goods or people or both?

 

2. Diesel, petrol, or alternative fuel?

 

3. Do you make long or short journeys?

 

4. Do you have children?

 

5. Automatic or manual?

 

6. Small engine for economy or larger engine for power?

 

7. Two, three, four or five door?

 

8. Saloon, coupé, sports, estate, roadster, SUV (sports utility vehicle) or MPV (multi-purpose vehicle)?

 

9. Are you worried about depreciation values?

 

 

 

 

1. Is your garage big enough?

 

2. Confirm insurance class and area cost

 

3. Understand fully the deposit terms, conditions of sale, any finance agreement including interest charge, and the trade-in price on your existing car and how long that price can be maintained

 

4. Warranty terms – will there be restrictions?

 

 

 

 

If you’re not a car expert, take a knowledgeable friend along with you. Some manufacturers now let you test drive a car over 48 hours, or sometimes even longer.

 

When you test drive, check:

 

1. Is the seating position comfortable? Is there enough head room?

 

2. Can you adjust the seat or steering wheel?

 

3. Check vision, especially the A-pillar, and mirrors

 

4. Road-handling, brakes, and steering

 

5. Seat belts working and comfortable?

 

 

 

 

Before buying, you should decide how to pay:

1. If you are able to pay up front, you can pay by either cash, cheque, banker’s draft, or on your credit card.

 

2. Finance deals let you pay by instalments, spreading the cost over a number of years, after which you can trade or keep the car.

 

3. If you do not want to buy the vehicle outright, you can lease it via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). Once the term is completed, you either hand the car back to the finance company, or you can pay the final settlement payment and keep the car, or use it as part exchange to buy a new car.

 

 

 

 

1. Ensure you are given full familiarisation of the vehicle controls.

 

2. Get a copy of the pre-delivery inspection form.

 

3. Check driver's instruction book

 

4. Check spare wheel and tools.

 

5. Check for any scratches or small dents

 

6. Check lights, windscreen wipers, door locks, electric windows, security alarm, in-car sound system etc are all in good working order

 

7. Check tax and insurance documents

 

8. Check invoice is completed correctly

 

9. Insurance cover note if required.