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It's going to cost you a heap a week just to have. It could be the second biggest bill next to your home mortgage. Before you even approach a seller it's a good idea to do some initial planning and to ask yourself some basic questions.
First off, do you really need a car? Can you manage with public transport and rent or borrow a vehicle when you need it for something special?
If you need a car, what do you need it for? How many passenger seats do you require? Do you want a large engine because you will sometimes tow a caravan? Will you use it to cart things like furniture, fridges and washing machines?
Following a line of questioning like this can help you determine what you need. It might be a van instead of a sedan.
Then there are aspects like vehicle safety features and fuel consumption. Small cars consume less fuel and are easy to park but they are usually not as safe in accidents as big vehicles.
Once you have determined what you want you can start shopping around. But you will be looking for something specific and not floating around in a wave of vague emotions.
Then comes the question of cost. Shop around for prices for new and second hand vehicles. Don't be afraid to haggle and try to bring the price down. Don't rush into a buy. First check what you can really afford. Don't forget to consider the constant costs of fuel, oil, servicing, registration and insurance - and the possible cost of replacing items like tyres and brakes when they are worn out.
Good quality second hand models are worth looking at but purchase should always be conditional to a full mechanical and body check by an independent expert of your choice. It does not cost much and it can save you a nightmare.
The most important thing to check in second hand vehicles is the bodywork, especially the main frame. Most other things can be fixed but not this. If there is rust around, give it a miss.
The bottom line to car buying is knowing what you need and getting it, not letting someone else pursuade you otherwise.
When you've got it then you are all set to join in the day-to-day delights of motoring - like traffic jams, flat tyres, traffic cops, road rage, parking fines...
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