Buying a car can be the second biggest purchase of your life - after a house, that is. So, how do you ensure that you - and not the slick salesman - gets the best deal?

One of the best methods of ensuring that you have the upper hand is by having your finance arranged in advance. Not only does this mean that you don’t get persuaded into buying something more expensive than you can afford, it allows you to act as a cash buyer.

Many motorists only think about finance as they close the deal. This means that the car finance offered is the forecourt deal, usually at the highest rate available. By securing a personal loan before you hit the forecourt means that you can haggle down the price or bargain to get some extras.

Additionally, by arranging a loan in advance of looking for a car, you know that you are only spending what you can afford to repay. If you get offered a good rate, you might even consider consolidating other debts - high interest credit cards, for example - into the same loan. The higher the loan, usually the better the rate offered, which could work in you favour.

As a bonus for borrowers looking for a swift answer, Alliance & Leicester are now offering a loan with a same day decision and pay out. This is great news for those who have already seen the car of their dreams and want to act fast.

Says Mark Boyle of Alliance & Leicester: “It is wise to do research before heading to the showroom, and be prepared to haggle when you are there. It could save you hundreds of pounds or more. Even if you see a car that you want in the morning, you could have the funds available that same day, enabling you to seal the deal at the best price.”