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Features to look for

Here’s a thumbnail guide to help you find the best possible car in your price range for safety, fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Features to consider include:

  1. The highest safety rating you can afford. You should look for a vehicle on this site with at least better than average ratings (4 stars) for driver protection and for the protection of other road users.
  2. ESC (electronic stability control) if you’re buying a new or nearly-new car; ABS brakes if you’re buying used.
  3. Airbags – preferably head-protecting side airbags if you’re buying a new or nearly-new car.
  4. An engine size smaller than 2 litres – or appropriate for what you’ll use the car for (not bigger than you need for everyday life).
  5. Biofuel compatibility. Biofuels are becoming available at the fuel pump – check with the manufacturer whether your car is compatible.
  6. Alternative power. ‘Hybrid’ cars can be switched between electric battery power and conventional fuel. Although hybrid cars are still relatively expensive, the range of them on the market is increasing.
  7. A good service history if you’re buying used. Check modifications – if you’re looking at an older car, make sure it hasn’t had its catalytic converter (which cuts pollution) removed.
  8. A car that runs on diesel – if it’s one manufactured since 2002. Diesel vehicles are generally more efficient – modern diesels can be up to 30% more economical than petrol equivalents. But older diesel vehicles can also be more polluting, so try to avoid older models or at least ensure that they are well maintained.
  9. A manual transmission vehicle is generally more fuel efficient than an automatic vehicle.
  10. A better than average rating for likely harm to other road users. Your safety in a crash is important, but so is that of pedestrians and people in other cars.