Try to find someone in your circle of friends

Take along pen, paper and a calculator. Read reviews from independent sources (don’t just read the manufacturer’s reviews naturally, they make the cars sound the best buy car). If you are trading in your car, concentrate on the changeover price as that is what an upgrade will ultimately cost you (be aware that the wholesale value of your car will always be way less than you think and call the RACV or NRMA technical Advice line (free if you are a member). Speak to friends, family, trusted mechanics. Decide whether you will trade-in your current used car or sell it privately. Log on to free car classifieds to know what your car is currently valued at in the market. Try to find someone in your circle of friends and family who owns or has owned the vehicle you are looking at. You will also save on stamp duty (remember though that many people value genuine options more highly). Use the internet and log on to OzFreeOnline. Accept that the wholesale price for your vehicle will be a lot lower than a potential private sale price. http://www.chinanetlon.com

Research as much as possible before shopping. Although convenient, you may pay more than if you bought the parts after the purchase from an independent retailer. Consider whether you will buy all the options through the dealer.