Girls just want the right one

The Maserati GT is the favourite car our reviewer has tested, but let's face it, most of us need something a bit more practical. Photo / Supplied

There are three questions I'm usually asked when I tell people I'm a motoring writer.

First is, "Can I have your job?" (No).

Second, "What is the favourite car you've tested?" (Maserati GT).

Third, "What car should I buy?" (What you can afford).

That last question is usually asked by women - and I'm not being flippant with my answer.

Buying a car is going to be the second largest purchase you'll make in your lifetime, after owning a home, and for many women walking into a male-dominated car yard can be a frightening experience.

Here are some tips I've garnered from car saleswomen, females in the motoring industry and from my own experiences of buying cars for myself or for female friends.

Do your homework

Work out how much you can afford, and if needs be, organise finance before you leave home.

Factor insurance into your budget.

Yes, your average car will depreciate the moment you drive it home, but others hold their value, such as the Suzuki Swift and VW Golf.

Decide what sort of vehicle you need. If you have kids, a three-door hatch isn't practical; if you commute, you'll need something economical, such as a 1.4 to 1.6-litre vehicle; and if you take frequent trips you'll need a car with a large engine, over 2 litres.

Before you step in a car yard go online to such sites as heraldcars or Trade Me to see what your budget can buy.

Buying privately/at car markets

Take a friend. If they know about cars all the better but it's good just to get a second opinion.

Lift up the bonnet and check out the engine - no, you don't need to be a petrol head, just see if it looks tidy, check there's no rust or obvious damage.

Look down both sides of the vehicle to see if the panels are flat (ie, no dents) and match (the car may have been in a crash and had doors replaced).

Take it for a test drive - both in city driving and on motorways.

If you are still keen, think about it overnight. You're handing over lots of cash so you need to be sure.

If you are still keen, have it checked by a mechanic/mobile service.

Haggle the price - your homework online would have given you a good idea about the price of vehicles you want.

Buying from a car yard

Again, take a friend. You should be approached promptly in the yard. If you're standing there for a while and you see the salespeople aren't busy, move on to the next yard.

Know what you want when the salesperson approaches you. If the dealership is part of a large group, the vehicle you want may be at another yard and that salesperson will know that. If you're looking to buy new or pay a fair whack for a car (over $10,000), take the vehicle home with you overnight. Check to see if it fits in your garage/carport/parking space.

Most car yards will negotiate - ask for a discount, and see what you can have thrown in, be it an extra year's warranty or better tyres. Too embarrassed to ask? Get your friend to do your bidding!