Information on the paperwork and process involved, whether buying a car from a dealership or a secondhand car through a classified advertisement. The documents required and where they must be sent.

There are several ways of buying a new car in the UK and there are no restrictions for foreigners. There are various options:

• Buying through a car dealer
• Buying through a car supermarket
• Buying online

When buying a new car, it is generally the dealer who registers the vehicle for the new owner.

Car dealers are the first place to go for information and price guides on new cars. These dealers are appointed by the manufacturer, and provide a one-stop shop for buying, servicing and repairing vehicles.

Here motorists will be able to test drive cars that they might be interested in buying. For a list of all local car dealers, see Auto Trader, Car Pages, or Exchange & Mart

One of the benefits of going through a reputable car dealer is that buyers will be protected by the Sale of Goods Act 1979, explained in detail on the What Consumer website. All car dealers should also be members of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, which means that they must all adhere to the same guidelines. Buyers will also be able to benefit from offers and promotions on new cars, as well as talk to advisers about finance and insurance.

Car supermarkets in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are very popular; both new and used cars can often be bought at lower prices than elsewhere.

The advantage of going to a car supermarket for a vehicle is that there is greater choice, usually with more than 200 on-site cars to choose from. The high volume of vehicles means that supermarkets can afford to sell cars with tighter profit margins, making savings for customers. As they are not tied to a specific manufacturer, like most dealers, car supermarkets can give more impartial advice on the choices available.

Purchasing cars online is also popular in the UK. There are a number of websites which allow buyers to compare prices and get the best deals. One site even promises to negotiate with car dealers to ensure that the buyer gets the very best price. Through Auto eBid, a buyer can choose the new car they want to buy, and are told the price of that particular model.Auto eBid then contacts the relevant dealers across the UK, who will then bid against each other for the deal, bringing down the cost of the car.

Other websites available to help buyers purchase cars online are:

• Buy a New Car online
• Buy Your Car
• Buy a Car

The only documents customers need is a valid driving licence for the test drive and the necessary documents for payment. If the purchase is being done through a finance arrangement, or loan, then bank details will be necessary.

Once the car has been bought, insurance must be arranged before the car is driven. The car's registration number is needed for insurance. The car dealer will then provide the necessary tax certificate for the car, which is again imperative, before the vehicle is driven.

Customers should always make sure that they are provided with a V5C Vehicle Registration document, sometimes referred to as the log book, which is proof of ownership. Most new cars will also come with a tax disc for the first year.