016 min read
First car
The best first cars: confidence without the big bills
A good first car should be easy to place, forgiving to drive and realistic to insure. These are the qualities that matter after the novelty wears off.
Read the guideRoadMatch buying guides
Choose with a reason, not a hunch.
Decision-first guides for the moments that shape a car purchase: what suits your use, what to inspect and what the headline price leaves out.
Popular starting points
Find the right shortlist for the job.
027 min read
Family
The best family cars: space where it actually counts
Boot figures tell only part of the story. A great family car also needs wide-opening doors, useful rear space, calm road manners and controls you can operate without fuss.
Read the guide038 min read
Running costs
The best economical cars: spend less without guessing
Official MPG is only one part of affordability. Insurance, tyres, servicing, charging access and depreciation can easily change the winner.
Read the guide047 min read
Long distance
The best motorway cars: arrive calmer, not just sooner
The best long-distance cars combine stable seats, low noise, useful driver assistance and a powertrain that suits sustained speed.
Read the guideBefore you commit
Practical buying advice.
Useful checks and financial questions that apply whichever badge ends up on your drive.
A calm, practical used-car viewing checklist
A repeatable inspection helps you notice condition and paperwork before excitement takes over.
- See the car cold, in daylight and at the registered address.
- Match the service record and mileage history before driving.
Cash or finance? Compare the whole car cost
A monthly payment can make two cars look similar even when their total cost and end-of-term position are very different.
- Compare total amount payable, not just the monthly figure.
- Keep a repair reserve even when buying with cash.