WITH much of the SSAI money going on used cars . . .not the new models as expected . . . it is important the right choice is made.

There are plenty of models to choose from as new car sales have been going up and up over the past two years resulting in lots of trade-in models making their way to the forecourts.

Most garages will offer guarantees but check the small print to ensure it covers labour as well as parts in case of a fault and it is always a good idea to have your own check on the history of the car and an inspection before purchase.

Next on the list is pick a model that suits your requirements . . . diesel for the high-mileage users and the smaller petrol engines for urban and younger drivers where fuel economy and insurance premiums will be important.

Auto Express magazine has just named the best used cars as chosen by a panel of experts and many of the old reliables come out on top. The Ford Focus is the overall winner in their survey coming out on top as Used Car of the Year. In the Small Car category the Fiat Panda gets the top vote with the Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo comended.

The long-running Honda Jazz makes it to the top of the Supermini class for the fourth year in succession with the Ford Fiesta and Mini commended. Ford Focus takes the honours in the Best Compact Family Car with Honda Civic and Opel Astra commended.

The Best Hot Hatch award goes to the Golf GTi with the Ford Focus ST and Renault Clio Sport 182 commended.

A model which is about to be replaced, the Ford Mondeo comes out on top in the Best Family Car catgegory with the Opel Vectra and Mazda 6 commended.

Other awards Best Compact Executive car: BMW 3-Series, Volvo S60 and Audi A4 commended. Best Estate car: Honda Accord Tourer, Opel Vectra Estate and Volvo V50 commended. Best Large Executive car: Jaguar XJ, Audi A8 and Mercedes Benz CLS commended. Best Roadster:

Mazda MX-5, Porshce Boxster and Audi TT roadster commended. Best Executive car: BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar S-Type commended. Best Cabriolet: Audi A4, Saab 9-3 and Mini commended. Best Coupe: Nissan 350Z, Audi TT and Jaguar XK commended. Best Sporting car:

Porsche 911, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza SRX Sti commended. Best Compact MPV:

Opel Xafira, VW Touran and Renault Grand Scenic commended. Best Large MPV: Kia Sedona, Citroen C8 and Renault Espace commended. Best Recreational 4X4: Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV 4 and Audi Allroad commended. Best OffRoad 4X4: Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery 3 and VW Tourag commended.