Look beyond the initial purchase price, and you could afford a larger, or better-equipped, car.

Experts say that if you work long-term ownership costs -- depreciation and running costs per mile -- into the financing equation, then you could aim for a slightly more expensive motor.

Sadly, it's a fact of life that few buyers consider the full implications of car ownership when arranging finance on a car deal, yet the money saved by the lower running costs and higher resale value of, say, a prestige car could be worked into monthly loan repayments.

This applies to both new and nearly-new cars, and Britain's top car values outfit, Glass's, says many are put off by the comparatively high purchase price of prestige badge cars, but whole-life cost analysis consistently demonstrates they are less expensive than people think over the typical three-year period of ownership.

"Consumers tend to be seduced by the sticker price, but they ignore depreciation and longer-term running costs at their peril," comments Jeff Paterson, senior car editor at Glass's.

Meanwhile, two-wheeler enthusiasts will welcome news of Glass's addition of valuation data on motorcycles to its website.

It will be a massive help to anyone looking to trade in a second-hand motorcycle, and the new service can be found at www.glass.co.uk -- alongside up-to-date information on car running costs, and predicted depreciation levels.

Finally, it's a well-known fact that depreciation levels on older vehicles often take a back seat to servicing and repair costs.

Cars over three years old can prove costly, so one firm's offer of a scheme to pay all the motoring bills is worth passing on.

"With time, more work and replacement parts are required to keep a car maintained properly and roadworthy," explains care carte specialist motoreasy's managing director, David Gerrans. "Analysis shows a third of cars aged five to six years old will suffer a mechanical failure, compared to one in four for those aged three to four years."

A motoreasy policy covers all the essential bills associated with car maintenance for cars over three years old.

For example, the annual cost of keeping a Volkswagen Golf on the road and mobile would be over £760 on average. motoreasy would reduce this to just £45 a month, offering the motorist a saving of 30 per cent.

If the plan appeals to you, then an online quote for your vehicle can be obtained from www.motoreasy.com, or you can phone free on 0800 0183133.