You’ve done the deal and got the car of your dreams (or at least the means of getting you from A to B!). Before you get driving there are a few things you’ll need to do.

1. If you’ve bought the car through an accredited dealership such as Ford approved JenningsFordDirect, the dealership will provide you with the relevant paperwork and details of any warranties available or included.

2. Fill in the V5C registration document and send it off to the DVLA. You’ll keep the ‘new keeper’ section of the document.

3. Obtain any other relevant documents including MOT certificates and receipts for parts or repairs.

4. Check you have a spare key – cutting a new one will be expensive, so if the car doesn’t come with a spare key you may want to negotiate one as part of the deal.

5. Get it taxed! Some used cars may come ready taxed, but you are responsible for taxing your car from the moment you own it. From October 2014 you don’t need a paper tax disc and you can pay monthly by direct debit to spread the payments, but you’ll still need to buy tax.

6. Get insured – it’s easy to compare deals from the comfort of your own home by using comparison sites. Make sure you enter accurate details and you’ll be able to pick the insurer that’s right for you.

7. Use the right fuel – OK, so it sounds basic but, particularly if your new car uses different fuel to your last one, you could easily put the wrong fuel in the tank, and putting that right is expensive. Put a sticker on your fuel cap if you’re likely to forget!

8. Get to know how to look after your car – understand the tyre pressures, service dates, where to put your water and oil. Get someone who knows to lift the bonnet and show you what’s what

9. Practice driving it! You’ve probably only done a test drive in your new car so spend some time quietly and calmly driving your car and getting to know it a bit.

10. Finally, if you something is not quite as you thought it should be, www.bbc.co.uk has some advice on your rights and how to approach the seller. The site recommends keeping copies of adverts in case you need it later; and points out that cars sold with extended warranties may give you additional rights.