Our motoring correspondent Steph Savill runs Steyning-based FOXY Lady Drivers Club, the UK’s only motoring club for women. It includes a unique network of motoring services based on measurable quality standards, female feedback and an ongoing compliance scheme. Here, Steph Savill offers practical car shopping advice.

There will be loads of new 64 car registration plates on Brighton’s roads next month as a result of the new car shopping that’s going on during August.

Bearing in mind that women influence some 80% of all cars sold, how come so many women tell me about being ignored in showrooms in favour of male companions or told to bring their husband to discuss the finances?

Doing your shopping homework

This month’s Which? Car Guide 2014/15 is the UK’s biggest car reliability and satisfaction survey based on 49,000 owners rating some 58,000 cars. The top five best brands are listed as Lexus, Honda, BMW, Toyota and Audi, with Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall and Chrysler at the bottom of a list of 32 brands.

Research suggests that women put safety and reliability ratings high on their shopping list whereas men are more likely to study engine performance ratings. Needless to say we all want a keen price, motoring economy, low tax and affordable insurance. Essential features for me are an easy to use Sat Nav system and parking sensors. Growing in popularity are cars that park themselves in tight spots, providing you’re brave enough to let them do the job!

How to haggle

Car buying usually involves haggling and few women enjoy this. Some dealers promise haggle free prices but are they really good enough?

When it comes to negotiating prices, women can do this as well as men. My advice is to keep new car, part exchange and car finance transactions separate for starters so the salesman is less likely to baffle you by obscuring these all in one calculation. Use the internet to find out what the best price is for your chosen ‘new’ car, how much a car valuation service like Parkers quotes for your ‘old’ car and what your best finance options are, where needed. Then ask the car dealer to put their offer for each in writing and take time out to decide whether to buy the car or or not.

Too many motorists buy a new car in haste and then regret their choice for years...

Speaking personally, I prefer to buy a car from a local dealer in case things go wrong. I’ve dealt with too many women buying nearly new or used cars from distant or online car dealers and having to return the car to get a series of small problems resolved.

If you have a story you’d like to share, email Steph at womenactually@theargus.co.uk