Buying a used car on the internet - Auction websites

Auction sites, such as Ebay, make it easy to buy a used car online.

You can start bidding as soon as you've registered, but if you're the highest bidder at the end of an auction, you will be expected to buy the car. So before you place a bid, do some research on the car.

An HPI-type check will tell you about its history. You can also contact the seller directly to ask questions and discuss viewing the car, including test driving it.

Ebay is popular with private sellers, especially those with older or unusual cars. Some franchised dealers and independent garages also use it.

However, it can be a way for backstreet dealers to dispose of less-than-perfect vehicles and pretend to be private sellers.

Always view a car at the seller's house, and check the V5C registration document and other paperwork carefully. If the car or the seller doesn't look right, walk away.

Other companies, such as Carsite.co.uk, have online auctions of former fleet and lease cars.

These offer slightly more security than buying from a private seller, but check the credentials of any company before you part with your money.

The best sites offer HPI checks and RAC inspections of cars, as well as a money-back guarantee if the car is described incorrectly.

It's easy to get carried away with any online auction, so set a budget before you start bidding. If the price rises above your limit, switch off the computer.