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Rather than just scanning the local newspaper ads and Autotrader, I would make a list of all the things you want from your new car, not just how you'll use it, then check through the reviews here for cars that, on the face of it, meet those criteria (including running costs other than just fuel) - those you have been looking at are very diverse in terms of size/body style/performance/trim/running costs.
E.g.
Do you need a car that can adequately seat 4 or 5 people, or an animal (estates) in the boot, or heavy/large loads regularly?
Will you be the only one driving the car?
What is your budget for insurance, VED, servicing, allowance for replacement parts, including tyres (all of which would vary a LOT comparing a 6yo BMW with a year-old Astra for example)?
Do you want luxury (and what gadgets can you afford it to have - note that they may fail on older but more upmarket cars and then be worthless or expensive [to fix] playthings), or ride comfort (not easy to have both these days), or a more 'utilitarian' vehicle that will last a long time (how long do you intend to keep it?)?
I would read through some of the other threads asking similar questions so you can put your list together - it kind of gets annoying having to keep repeating the same respons (above) every time some newbie wants some advice about buying a car - you should check the 'How to buy & Sell' section of the website as well.
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