List your usual journeys, passengers, luggage and parking requirements. Use the same list to compare each car.
Before comparing specifications or visiting a showroom, write down what your next car needs to do. A shortlist is easier to assess when you have clear requirements.
1. Describe your usual week
Write down what the car needs to do on a normal day. A short commute, a school run, a long motorway journey and a narrow parking space each ask something different of it. Include the things you carry, the people who travel with you and the journeys that only happen occasionally.
Separate needs from preferences. Comfortable access for a regular passenger may be essential. A particular paint colour may be a preference. Knowing which is which makes an attractive advert easier to assess calmly.
2. Check comfort and practicality
Try the practical details in person. Adjust the seat, check your view out and see whether the boot opening works for your luggage. If you use a child seat or carry specialist equipment, check compatibility rather than relying on a photograph or a volume figure.
| Your priority | A useful question |
|---|---|
| Everyday space | Will the things I actually carry fit comfortably? |
| Parking | Can I get in and out in my usual space? |
| Longer journeys | Is the seating comfortable for everyone? |
| Electric driving | Where would charging fit into my normal week? |
3. Compare the same details
Use the same questions for every car. Keep a simple note of the exact model and version, your impressions and anything that still needs checking. Comparing an entry-level advert with a highly equipped demonstration car can create a misleading picture of what you would actually buy.
Ask for current, specific information rather than relying on a general model name. Keep ownership considerations together: servicing, insurance quotations for your circumstances, energy use and any equipment you would need.
4. Arrange a viewing
A viewing is a chance to gather evidence. Try the controls while parked, ask about the car’s history and take your time with the practical checks. For a used vehicle, follow an official checking process and arrange professional help if you cannot assess its condition confidently.
Leave a little space between the viewing and the decision. Notes made straight afterwards can help you remember the useful details once the first impression has faded.
5. Review your notes before deciding
Compare your notes with the requirements you wrote at the start. Check whether any important questions remain unanswered before choosing a car.
How many cars should I shortlist?
There is no fixed number. Keep the list small enough that you can compare each car properly using the same priorities.
What if I am still deciding about electric?
Start with your parking and charging options, then compare specific cars against your normal journeys. Our electric guides provide questions to help you structure that decision.