Buying a new car can often be a daunting task and after buying a new house, it is probably the most important decision a new family can make. Faced with seemingly endless possibilities, try to keep the following in mind when considering a new car.

The first thing to consider is your particular needs as a car user. Will the car have enough seats for the entire family? A smaller car might fit into your budget, but might not have enough passenger space. Will you require additional space for a dog or a wheelchair? Conversely, if you only use the car to travel to and from work and to do shopping, will a larger boot really be necessary?

Secondly, consider the engine and fuel efficiency. How much distance are you looking to cover on a regular basis? Are you mainly going to travel to and from work with a stop at a school or nursery or do you also plan on taking regular family trips on weekends? A diesel engine will generally produce less CO2, but will produce more of other polluting emissions, compared to a petrol engine. If you are looking to travel longer distances, a diesel engine could be a good way to save money due to higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, but otherwise, a petrol engine could be the more feasible option.

While test-driving a new car, get a feel for how it handles - what does accelerating and braking feel like? Bear in mind that your regular passengers tend to be ones who don't pull any punches about making their discomfort known, so think about what it is like to drive and be driven in the car. Also with your regular passengers in mind, it might be a good idea to choose a darker colour scheme for your car's interior, as spills and stains will be less visible and easier to remove.

Lastly is the decision where to buy your new car. Franchised dealers can provide you with a one-stop solution for buying, servicing and repairing a new car, but could be less keen to give a discount on the asking price. A car supermarket might not appear as lavish as the franchised dealer, but will generally offer cheaper prices. This does, however, mean there will be less in the way of price negotiation.

Importing a car from abroad could prove to be cheaper, but be sure to get help from a car broker who can guarantee a good price. Buying a car online is an easy way of purchasing a new car, but do remember to do your research and read customer reviews before using a particular online dealer. Whatever your decision, be sure to get all the necessary paperwork with your purchase, including the service book, the logbook, a receipt as proof of purchase and a copy of the warranty.

So if you're unsure about what to look for in a new car, keep these points in mind to make the car hunt easier and buy the right car for yourself and your children with confidence.