Choosing where to start with a car can be daunting. We feel the best way is to look at what you will most use the car for, and buy on practicality, not colour and looks (although nothing stops you getting the bright red one with the shiny wheels if that's what makes your heart flutter!). Here are some non-industry standard views on where to start looking.

We have added some genuine dealer-listed prices to give cost examples of the sort of vehicles available on the market in general, to help you with selection and budgeting. Of course these are a snapshot, and prices vary on year, condition and mileage. Your consultant will provide you with current market comparison prices on the vehicle you are looking at, so you can rest assured you are getting a good deal.

	The Shopping Trolley
	Cute as a button and you can park it anywhere, this is your car for nipping to the shops or bombing to the beach. Runs on the smell of an oily rag, so fuel costs are kept well under control. Great for less confident drivers, as you can easily see where the edges of the car are, and getting in and out of small gaps is easy. Not so great for back seat passengers, and on longer trips the lack of engine power on hills and generally higher levels of engine noise (because it's working its little heart out) can get annoying.
	The Hot Hatch
	Big sister to the Shopping Trolley, you can expect a bit more space, a bit more power (think slightly easier overtaking, not V8's at Pukekohe!), and a bit more of a solid feel, which can also translate to better safety. Still easy to park and maintaining good economy, you will also be more comfortable on longer runs, and your back-seat passengers will thank you.
	The Cool Cruiser
	Bigger, broader, and comfortable like a familiar auntie, here is a more family-oriented vehicle with plenty of room for all, a high level of gadgets and trimmings, and a higher price to pay at the pump. Those in the back have the luxuries of home, and the driver can go in comfort for hours. Great mile-eaters for the motorway, less fun in the Foodtown carpark on a busy Saturday.
	The Pocket Rocket
	Here you are throwing caution, practicality (and for a convertible, also your hairstyle) to the wind, and buying on all the promise of what the motoring industry wants you to believe motoring is all about! The thrill of the open road may seem far away in a rainy jam on the Southern motorway, but at least you look cool. Speedy, sexy, thirsty, cramped, and stealable, but hard to resist. Best enjoyed before you need to look at fitting kiddie seats!
	The Wagon
	From the Wagon Trains of the Wild West to the Station Wagons of today, Wagons have always been about carrying the lot, and leaving no-one behind. There are a huge variety available from the sporty to the sensible, but all have big-in-the-booty features to pack all your junk in the trunk. Mostly the wagon is a Sofa Ship with a big bottom, and offers the same creature comforts.
	The Off-Roader
	More often spotted negotiating the difficult terrain of the Parnell cafe circuit than the muddy trenches of the NZ outback, these vehicles have evolved into an urban status symbol with features way over the top for the average use they get. Thirsty in all but the smallest (and often funnest) forms, they are cavernous inside, and give an illusion of safety not always backed up by crash test results. If you tow boats, drive up mountains or live in the country, they are awesome. If you don't, hell, buy one anyway, but expect higher maintenance and fear-inducing petrol bills! Example Pricing: Lower range: Toyota RAV4 1996 94,000kms   Middle range: Isuzu Wizard 2000 83,000kms   Upper range: Nissan X-Trail 2004 86,000kms
	The Mum-Mobile
	Need to drop off a football team at practice every Saturday? Do birthday parties mean all classmates go to Chipmunks in your car? You need one of these! Favoured by chauffeur-driven celebrities and home executives alike, you can expect 7 seats and a "private plane" feel inside! Often long enough to cover 2 addresses, they are practical and likeable, but with looks only a mother could love! Example Pricing: Lower range: Nissan Serena 1999 100,000kms   Middle range: Toyota Estima 2000 91,000kms   Upper range: Honda Odyssey 2004 69,000kms