Whether your current car is ready for the junkyard, you want to upgrade, or you’ve seen the car of your dreams, affording that brand-new motor can be difficult. That’s why many people look to a motor loan to realise their driving ambition.

Choosing the car itself is one thing; running it, however, is something altogether different. Car insurance, petrol usage and the cost of repairs need to be taken into account, too. So here are a few questions that might help you decide:

• How big a car do you need? It’s pointless buying something small and sporty if you have the kids and the family dog to get around.
• What about engine power and fuel consumption? You don’t need a big powerful monster if you’re only driving around town. And if you are doing a lot of long-distance journeys you probably don’t want a ‘gas guzzler’.
• What costs might you incur? Think about if you have to replace tyres. How about general servicing such as oil and filter changes? And how about if work needs doing at the MOT?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you will have a clearer idea of the type of car you can afford to buy and, more importantly, run. You can check out the cost of car insurance by getting a quote from Direct Line before you buy.

When you’re ready to go ahead, you might want to consider a motor loan from Direct Line. Our rates are very competitive – currently just 7.7% APR Typical (from £7,500 to £14,999). You can use our loan calculator to work out how much your repayments will cost and what’s more, you can apply online.

And if you do take out a loan with us, you’ll get 10% off our best price on car insurance.