What may be different of course, are the budgets involved and the seriousness of the financial situation. For most people the financial aspect is critical to the final choice made; but that doesn’t mean it has to be concerning, just that it has to be a concern to bear in mind.

Possibly the first concern, it is important to consider whether used or new cars will be considered. Used cars will be cheaper and not depreciate as much, but running costs may be more expensive, whilst replacement parts may be harder to find and again, more costly if not easy to locate.

Choosing the fuel the car runs on is important too; diesel cars will most likely be more expensive at the outset, but will achieve better miles per gallon. However, such savings may only be made if the car is used regularly on long journeys. The argument for new against used comes in here too; as more recent models will naturally be more efficient.

Next to a home, a car is the next major purchase most people make. As such, financing the deal will be key. If the cash is there, great, but a loan or other agreement may be needed.

If you are unsure about financing a car purchase, dealers may be able to help. However, though they may well know the industry and what may be best for you, it is worth bearing in mind that they are only really after your hard-earned. As such, ensure you approach only reputable car dealers, ideally those that have been recommended to you by trusted friends or colleagues.

It is widely believed, (and supported by research in many respects), that somewhere around twenty and thirty percent of a car’s value is eradicated immediately after driving it off the forecourt for the first time. Naturally, used cars do not suffer from this, and that new car scent can easily be replicated with sprays and fresheners these days if that is something you like.

There are other clear advantages to buying a used car though. Often, they are bought for learner or newly qualified drivers. As they are statistically more prone to mishaps on the road, this is only sensible.

Maintenance costs are cheaper too. Though many will automatically assume a pre-owned car to be more problematicthan buying new cars, this is rarely the case in actuality. With replacement parts being considerably cheaper for older models than newer counterparts too, should something go wrong the costs may not be as severe as could be expected.

In further support of this, used cars available for sale throughout England, Wales and into Scotland are “newer”, as people replace their main vehicle more readily. With many companies replacing their fleets on a more regular basis too, the quality of these cars naturally rises.

As technology develops too, cars are having a longer life, staying at peak performance for longer and remaining cost effective for a far longer time. However, buying a car of any age is always going to be a major investment. As such, it is important to seek correct and proper guidance, and ensure that responsible car dealers are sought before considering the exchange of any cash.

Ever since the first modern Formula 1 World Championships began in 1950s,various models have come and gone. Different cars have been outstanding throughout history for various reasons. Below are the 5 best.

ALFA ROMEO TIPO 158/159 ALFALETTA:

The Alpha Romeo Tipo was a small supercharged car that won the first two titles of the world championship in 1950 and 1951. The 158 and 159 models had 47 wins out of 54 races between them. They had a supercharged 1.5l eight cylinder engine that pumped up to 317KW of power at 9300rpm. The 159 model had a high fuel consumption rate and needed to make two stops in any race to refill. It reached peak speeds of 304km/h and its maximum power of 9300rpm was unequaled until late into the 1970s. Some of the renown drivers with the Alfa of that time include Alberto Ascari (the first champion of the modern world championship in 1950), and the consequent winner Juan Manuel Fangio.

LOTUS 79:

The Lotus 79 was famously known as Black Beauty. It had a natural aspirated DFV Ford Cosworth V8 engine with a power output of 357kw at 10,500rpm. Its transmission was a 5-speed manual.It won the world championship in 1978 with its drivers taking first and second positions in that season. Some of its drivers were Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson, who finished the 1978 season second, albeit posthumously. Very few cars rivaled it on the circuit, and not even the Lotus 80 could replicate the winning ways, forcing the manufacturers to revert to the Lotus 79.

BRABHAM BMW BT52:

The BT52 has been referred to as the most powerful car ever built in the history of Formula 1. Designed by Gordon Murray, this was built in the era when horsepower reached shocking levels. It had a 1.5l turbocharged cylinder, produced a power output of 670kw at 11,000rpm.The BT52 won the world championship in 1983, with some of its drivers including Nelson Piquet and Ricardo Patrese.

MCCLAREN HONDA MP 4/4

Both McLaren and Honda designed this amazing car. It won the Formula 1 world championship of 1988 under astute drivers like the famous Ayrton Senna and Alain Frost. It had 1.5 turbocharged V6 enginethat powered an output of 511kw at 12,500rpm.The MP 4/4 won 15 of its 16 Formula 1 races, 10 of which saw Senna and Frost finish in first and second positions respectively. It would have made history as being unbeaten, were it not for the 1988 lapping traffic accident at the Monza circuit.

FERRARI F2002:

This car is arguably the fastest car in history. Although it did not debut in the race of Monaco, this Ferrari dominated the rest of the 2002 season as well as the 2003. Its most renowned Formula 1 drivers are Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.This car had 3l V10 engine, powering 633kw at an estimated 18,600-rpm, and a 7-speed semi-automatic and reverse transmission. Its strengths lay in its structural integrity, efficiency in aerodynamics and a lower centre of gravity. During the 2002 season, Schumacher achieved 10 wins while Barrichello got 4 of the GP victories, with the car accumulating 207 points, an astounding figure in GP racing. Between 2000-3, the F2002 realized 16wins out of 20 races.

Formula One cars have been around since 1946. Generally the cars that participated were considered to be supercharged at 1,500cc or un-supercharged if they came in at 4,500cc.

The first races were 311 miles long. In an effort to add additional areas this was changed to 186 miles. One of the most famous races the Monaco Grand Prix was reintroduced thanks to this rule.

In 1950 the first Formula One Championship was held. This was won by the first champion Giuseppe Farina. Another person of note during this race was Juan Manuel Fangio.

Those who understand the history of Formula One cars and the history of the sport will recognize the Fangio. He is the first person to win the Formula One Championship worldwide over the course of the first decade.

In 1955 the end of the Formula One Championship almost happened as a result of 85 people being killed during the Le Mans 24 Hours Race. During it, a multi car accident became the most horrific in Formula One history.

In the 1960’s Formula One cars began to increase in popularity over in Britain. During this time Britain produced a star driver by the name of Graham Hill. With the idea that a British could potentially win at a Formula One Championship, an increase in British drivers surged.

During this decade a gentleman named Bruce McLaren introduced the world to the powerful racing team of McLaren and started a remarkable legacy of skill and fine crafted Formula One cars.

When the 1970’s rolled around Formula One cars saw a new change. It was during this era that wings and ground effects were added to the cars to make them faster and more efficient on the track.

Again tragedy hit the Formula One Championship as it lost the brilliant driver McLaren in a testing accident in 1970. But with this tragic event, team McLaren chose to move forward and continue the legacy in his honor. With the pain of the 1970’s in the past, Formula One had hit a new stride. This new generation needed better speeds.

With that in mind, the Turbo era came to be. This was a time when Formula One Cars were designed to go faster and for longer periods.

During this time team McLaren began to dominate the Formula One Championship and their reign remained in full effect until the post Turbo era. Their reign of wins spanned from 1984 - 1991.

The final end to the high speeds of this racing came to an end in 1994 when Ayrton Senna died. Going an alarming 180+ miles per hour he hit a wall and died hours later.

In the years that have followed, speed regulations and safety factors have increased. The sport is still strong and vibrant though as it was in the past.Team McLaren still remains a vital and strong force in the racing world, and continue to take the Formula One Championship.

The only thing that has changed in recent years is an increased level of popularity. Along with that is a deeper understanding and safety for a unique sport.

Mileage limits
When you lease a car, there is usually a set maximum mileage for the lease period. This is just put in place so that dealers can lease cars to people who drive a normal amount rather than someone who might use a car for business/work and therefore need a lot more use out of it. This also ensures that dealers can lease the car for a long time rather than the mileage getting out of control straight away. Most contracts are between 5,000-10,000 miles a year and there will usually be a fee for extra miles that you use.

Leasing Features
When you lease a car you usually have to provide a deposit and then may a payment each month. You will sign a contract for a set amount of time like one month or 12 months. This is quite beneficial as if you continue to lease then you could get a new car very frequently and you will get to try a wide range of cars. The other benefit is if there is a problem with the car then whoever you have a contract with will be responsible for fixing it.

How are lease costs calculated?
To determine what the monthly payment will be for each lease the dealer finds out the depreciation of the vehicle by subtracting the value of the car after your lease term from the current sales price, this is then divided by the lease term. Also added to this will be interest, dealer’s fees and taxes.

Other things to consider:
Payment options: Some dealers give you the option of paying the money up front rather than monthly which will reduce the amount that you have to pay in total as interest won’t be added.
End of lease: how the lease is ended is important to consider. Some offer the option of being able to buy the car. You can also return the car or release.
Mileage: Sometimes there will be an option to have mileage flexibility so if you don’t use all your miles you can get a refund.
Terms: terms can range from 1 month to up to 60 months. A flexible term might be a better option for you.

Car clubs allow user’s access to cars for a limited amount of time either on a lease basis or pay-as-you-go. Popularity of car clubs has greatly increased recently due to people becoming more environmentally aware as well as trying to keep living costs down. The number of car club members has increased from 22,000 in 2007 to more than 127, 113 members currently. London car clubs appear to be the most popular.

The government is supportive of car club schemes as it helps cut congestion, helps the environment and is beneficial for people’s quality of life. When people are members of a car club they seem to drive a lot less than when they are car owners reducing CO2 emissions. Cars in car clubs are also more efficient as they are newer greener cars.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said:
“The Coalition Government, in its programme for government, has been clear in its commitment to sustainable travel initiatives such as car clubs to help achieve a greener and more sustainable transport sector.”

He also said,
“The figures speak for themselves – each car club vehicle can result in taking 24 private vehicles off the road and the low carbon vehicles used typically emit approx 33% less CO2 than the average car. This is why we are supporting the continued growth of car clubs across the country.”

Research has shown that car clubs reduce car use and encourage people to use public transport or lift share. Transport for London will also continue to provide funds to Carplus the national transport charity.

Leasing cars opens up a wide range of options, the car can be exchanged with a new one every couple of years when it is on a lease. Audi produces some of the safest cars around, and the A8 is no exception. It includes an ABS with EBD, as well as the ESP function. Adjustable headrests ensure optimum support, and there are eight air bags installed with two-stage deployment in the front and a ring bag for the driver.

When leasing an Audi A8, there are five engine options to choose from, 2.8 litre and 3.2 litre FSI V6, 4.2 litre FSI V8 (all without Quattro) and the 5 and 6 litre versions with the Quattro system. Depending on the size of the engine, it will travel between 20.8 mpg and 28.5 mpg and has a pick up from 0-60mph of between 5.1 and 8.0 seconds. For the fuel conscious there are also two-diesel version available, both with Quatrro, but not the LWB, the 3.0 litre V6 and the 4.2 litre V8.

The Audi A8 is packed full of driver assistance and comes with night vision, adaptive cruise, parking assist and pedestrian detection. The interior is equally as grand as the outside is sleek; even the back seat passengers can control temperature, windows and sound. This car is the perfect Audi for business users and will enable them to reach meetings in style.

If you’re looking at buying one of the new cars for 2010, then choosing the correct season could see you potentially saving thousands of pounds.

The colder seasons of autumn and winter are not an especially fun time of year to buy a new car. No one likes being out in the cold, wet and windy weather. When it’s horrible outside we are less likely to go out and look around. If we do make it out then we often find ourselves making quick and ill-informed choices, not something you want to do when spending tens of thousands of pounds on a new car. The great thing about the winter in particular is the sales. January sales are a great way of getting people through the doors. Savings can be really significant as dealers know that customers are less inclined to buy.

The warmer seasons of spring and summer are generally a much nicer time to go car shopping. A lazy weekend of test driving cars is appealing to many motoring enthusiasts. With vehicles such as convertibles typically costing more in the warmer months, buyers can often find that other cars are reduced in price in an effort to get people through the door. Summer sales are never far away either so summer is also a great time to buy.

In conclusion, it doesn’t really matter when you buy a car. The key thing is to shop around and look for the best bargains throughout the year.

The traditional family car makes for a perfect vehicle, pun entirely intended, to have sensitive conversations where lack of eye contact can help greatly. With a captive audience and few distractions relative to other areas of modern life, other important conversations can take place too.

Though the car is clearly becoming a multi use tool, it still plays a central role in day to day family life. Shop runs, school runs, collecting and dropping off are all steady jobs for parent and car of course. With concerns over safety also consistently high, trips to the corner shops, parks, friends’ houses and so forth are also popular, where once walking or riding a bike would be preferred.

Though most trips made in dedicated family cars are short hops, their frequency contributes to a total of over 12,000 miles travelled per year. This figure is also boosted by families using their car for long journeys too; particularly during summer holidays when trips around the UK and into Europe may be on the agenda.

With an ever present awareness of environmental impact from cars, parents are increasingly asking questions of their car dealer regards economy and pollution. Where once, reliability and space would have been the main concerns, the environment is now key for those in the market for new cars and used cars.

Favourite cars for families need to tick many more boxes than ever before, and though budget is important, it needs to perform across the board. Whilst the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra remain firm favourites, it is important that responsible advice and guidance is sought, before committing to a purchase.