If paying for the services provided by a dealer doesn't really appeal, there's always the private route. The man on the street has no overheads, no legal obligation to prepare and valet the car, and rarely offers a warranty. As such, costs will be correspondingly lower.

But you need to be aware of the following:

• You have less legal come back than through a dealer. Cars advertised for private sale must be "as described" but that's about as far as the legal obligations go.
• The checks that a dealer is compelled to make by law aren't a benefit in a private sale. This can be expensive if you choose to go the full professional inspection route.
• You won't get a warranty.
• Part-exchanges are rarely considered, meaning you'll have to sell your old car yourself, or dispose of it at trade price to a dealer
  

As long as you make the right checks, buying a car privately can be more satisfying and financially rewarding than the dealer route - it just takes a little more work.