If you are buying a new car you need to think about what you need from it. It's all too easy to think the new Audi convertible looks great, but will you fit your kids in? Where will the car seat go?

Will you fit your weekly shop in the boot? This means you will have the car for the duration of the lease, pay a rental figure on it with the option at the end of the deal to pay a lump sum to keep the car, if you don�t want the car you simply return it to the dealer.

When looking for car finance and you are trying to decide on an IFA go for one who has a good reputation � often they will display testimonials on the website so try to look for one who have either saved clients money or have a good reputation.

Did you know you can refinance the car you already own? Whether it is currently funded by another loan or all yours, you can release the equity in your car with a car refinance deal. As with credit cards and bank loans, this could save you money.

Before you get in touch with an independent financial advisor you should have the information about your deal to hand. This would either be your current agreement or you should finance agreement or ask your lender for the information such as the balance of payments, the duration and any end payments to be made.

Hire purchase (or lease purchase as it is sometimes known) can now be done easily for personal use through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). This is a great way to finance a new car. As will all car finance or refinance deals, make sure you get it all in writing before you commit.