Caravanning is a popular as ever as people see it as a good way of exploring the country for less cost than staying in an hotel. Towing the touring caravan requires some driving skill and ability and having a good towing car makes this easier.

When choosing a used car to tow the caravan, the first thing you will need to do is to find out whether the car will tow a caravan of a given weight. Even some modern hatchbacks will tow a small caravan but if your caravan is larger or a twin axle version you will need to look at the torque of the vehicle to see whether it is powerful enough to successfully pull your caravan without putting your vehicle under strain and possibly causing mechanical or safety issues.

If you are sure that your potential vehicle has the torque you need next it is time to decide whether you need a manual or automatic transmission. People who regularly tow a caravan say they prefer automatic transmission as it makes towing easier however this is really down to personal choice.

When towing a large twin axle caravan a four-wheel drive vehicle is advisable however as some estate cars offer four-wheel drive options this does not necessarily mean that a SUV is needed.

If you are unsure about the suitability of a particular make or model of car most representatives in car dealerships will be able to advise you on the best vehicle for your needs based on the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle and the caravan weight.

Some people much prefer driving an automatic car, choosing to drive one over the option of driving a manual car. This means that you won’t have to worry about changing gears, making it a good option for people who might be nervous drivers, or perhaps for people with certain disabilities. Others just simply prefer the experience of driving an automatic.

That’s not a problem, of course. The main thing you will need to consider though, is the type of license you will get. If you have a license to drive automatic cars, then you will only ever be able to drive an automatic. If you have a manual driving license, then you can also use this to drive automatic vehicles.

If you know that you are only ever going to drive an automatic, that’s fine. If there is any doubt at all, then it’s better to get a manual license so that you have the choice in future.

When you have a family, the car is a very important element to consider. Having the right vehicle will make your life so much easier, meaning you can get from A to B faster and fit all of the kids inside the car easily. Here are some of the top things to look out for in a child-friendly car:

• 5 doors. It will be impossible to get children around in a 3-door car. If you have a sleek, pretty 3 door sports model, it just isn’t going to be practical.
• Space for a pushchair. Make sure there is enough space to fit in your model – take it along when you buy the car.
• A good size boot. Make sure you have enough boot space to fit in baby supplies, prams etc.
• Parking sensors. These are a good idea to have if your family car is a little bigger than you are used to.

Windscreen wipers may be simple, but they carry out an essential function, ensuring your can see clearly when you are driving. If you don’t have windscreen wipers that are functioning fully, then you will need to get some new ones. So how do you know when the time has come to invest in a new pair? Here are some tips:

• The windscreen isn’t clearing as effectively. If you notice that using your wipers isn’t working as well and the rain or snow isn’t being cleared properly, your wipers may be getting old and less effective.
• You start to notice some friction. The windscreen wipers may begin to jar as they move – you will probably hear a grating noise. You will also probably notice a reduction in their effectiveness.
• Windscreen wipers are an advisory after your service. This means you will need some new ones soon, so keep an eye on them.

Buying a car is no easy task. Finding something within your budget and knowing that it is going to be a good vehicle for you is never going to be simple and foolproof. If you are looking for a car that will do what you need to, you may need to ask an expert.

If you know someone who is a car salesperson, ask them to take a look for you. If not, you may need to ask a professional opinion elsewhere. If you are thinking of buying through a dealer, look in other dealerships as well to get a good idea of costs and how they will compare.

Check things like the mileage to see that they tall up with the official documentation from the DVLA and from previous owners. If a car has particularly low mileage, check whether it looks in keeping with the rest of the car’s wear and tear, such as the pedal rubbers and gear knob.