Buying a car is a bit like lighting a barbecue - if you're a bloke, you're supposed to know how to do it.
But, let's be honest, it's better sometimes to get the professionals in than to cock it up by trying to be, well, cocky.
So here, then, is our guide to getting the best help when giving a car the once-over.
Your options are straightforward - ranging from a bonafide motoring organisation to a mate in the pub who, hopefully, is more than handy with a pack of firelighters.
Your different options are listed below - use the navigation below to flick between them.
Larger breakdown and motoring organisations, such as the AA and RAC, offer vehicle inspections.
These usually cover major mechanical, body, electrical and interior components, and will be summed up in a written report assessing a car's condition and any work required.
It's a sound basis to start from, but costs vary and the more specialised the car, the less use such reports tend to be.
For
Comprehensive
You'll probably get some comeback if the car's a lemon
Against
Can be costly
Not as useful for specialist models
If the seller's genuine, they'll be happy for their car to be poked and prodded by a garage.
Which garage you choose is down to your experience of their ability, but a rule of thumb is to stick with what the garage knows best - don't use a Peugeot specialist to check over an Audi, for example.
Cost is usually set by the garage's hourly labour rate, plus a bit extra for their know-how. Don't expect any come-back if you buy the car and it falters.
For
Good specialist knowledge
Can be cost-effective
Against
Don't expect any come-back
Persuading the vendor to drive to a garage
Plenty of one-man bands offer vehicle inspections. These vary from cursory once overs to highly detailed reports with a rundown of likely repair.
Look for someone with experience of the car you're buying and ask for references beforehand.
For
Can be cheaper than major organisations
Specialist knowledge
Against
Do your homework first - are they reputable?
It's amazing how many modern cars are catered for by enthusiasts' clubs and they're a wealth of knowledge for you to plunder.
You may have to join up to get this help, but it's a small price to pay for sound advice.
Heck, you might just find you like lining up next to identical cars in a wet field on Sunday afternoons. Concours rosette, anyone?
For
Cheap (often free) advice
Sometimes frighteningly knowledgable
Against
Is there anyone local?
Will you be bored to death by a nerd?
Taking along a mate who knows about cars, or at least claims to down the pub, is the age-old favourite.
Said mate may, or may not, know much about cars, but it's a second set of eyes to spot a dodgy car or seller.
Trust instincts and if your best mate says walk away, heed their advice and look at the next car on your list.
Major downside is buying a car on a mate's say-so will not only strand you with a lemon, but your friendship could turn just as sour.
For
Free advice
You can have a beer afterwards
Against
Does he really know his stuff?
Whichever option you choose, remember that taking anyone along is better than going on your own - even if they can only give you a second opinion on the colour.
And above all, trust your instinct. If you smell a rat - or feel even slightly concerned about a car or its vendor - just walk. There are plenty of cars out there to choose from.
Need more help buying a secondhand motor? Then read our guide to buying a used car.
