The right car begins with the right questions.

A car can look perfect on paper and still be wrong for your life. Before a shortlist, before a test drive, before a favourite badge, there is a more useful place to begin: an honest picture of how you will use it.

Start with an ordinary week. The roads you drive, the space you need, where you park and how far you travel all matter. Then consider the journeys you look forward to. A good choice should make room for both.

Set an ownership budget as well as a purchase budget. Servicing, insurance, tyres, fuel or charging and the unexpected are part of the same decision. Ask for evidence of maintenance and arrange an appropriate independent inspection before committing.

Finally, be clear about what you are willing to compromise on. There is rarely one objectively perfect car. There can, however, be a particularly good car for you. That is where considered, independent advice makes a difference.