What you eventually come up with will be a vehicle that is a combination of features. It could be a seven-seater 4WD that can travel off-road and tow a boat. Or it could be a two-seater minivan that costs next to nothing to run and is useful for carrying pot plants home from the nursery.

Be realistic. Some combinations, such as a seven-seater that runs on the smell of an oily rag, just aren't available. But do be as thorough and detailed as you can. Work out how much you can afford to pay. There's no point looking at a Rolls-Royce if your budget can best accommodate a vehicle costing $20,000 all-up.

Then start the search - at your local newsagent. There are monthly motoring magazines as well as specialised compilations of road tests and listings of all models currently on the market. As well you'll find motoring reports in your daily and most local newspapers. Some categories, such as 4-wheel drives, even have their own monthly magazines and road test pictorials. All these publications are invaluable sources of information from motoring experts who conduct vehicle tests for a living. You'll also get an idea of prices, although these can vary widely depending upon a number of factors.

The aim of this part of the buying procedure is to prepare a short list of models to check out in greater detail. Then it's off to the dealers who carry the models on your short list. The test drive is where you get the "feel" of a car. Give it a good tryout, over as many types of road as you can, paying careful attention to how comfortable you are in the driving position and how the vehicle's handling matches your driving ability.

Before you leave the showroom pick up a copy of the maker's literature about the vehicle you're interested in. The more you know the better-equippped you'll be to make the right final decision. Test drive every model on your short list and ask the salespeople any questions you like. Work out the price for each vehicle with the accessories you want, and if you have a trade-in get a valuation on it from each dealer.

Go home and think about everything you've learned. Eventually you'll come up with a conclusion about which vehicle is right for you. Now, to get the best price. It's always a good idea to approach two or three dealers for their best offer. Your product knowledge will actually make it easier for them to come up with a package that meets your needs. You've already got one dealer's figure, although it never hurts to go back to that dealership when you've tried one or two others.

Let them know you've done your homework and are at the stage where you're down to dollars and cents. This will save time for everybody, and it's quite alright to ask for the figure in writing. Remember that what you want to know is the absolute, final price of the car after allowing for your trade-in and including ancillary costs such as registration, stamp duty, and dealer charges.

And, by all means try your bank, building society or credit union for finance. But don't forget to give the dealer a chance to come up with the best terms. You could be in for a pleasant surprise! At the end of this process you'll finish up with the make and model that's exactly what you want and need, and at a price you can afford. You'll also have learned a lot and can take satisfaction in knowing that you've made the right decision.

Finally, always deal with a licensed MTA dealer. It's the best way to ensure that you'll enjoy the experience of buying a new car.