ABS:
Also referred to “Anti Locking Brake System”. Very, very important. If you’ve ever hit the brakes in an emergency, the front wheels might well have locked. Locked wheels will stop you, but you can’t steer at the same time. With ABS, a computer senses the wheels locking, removes the brake pressure then reapplies it in a fraction of a second. So all you need to do is slam on the brakes and steer to avoid the obstacle. This is also a great help in slippery conditions.

All-Wheel Drive:
Also known as four-wheel drive, or 4WD. The engine’s power goes through all four wheels rather than two, which means each one has less work to do. For the majority of the time however, two is more than enough. If you regularly travel in difficult conditions it’s worth considering, but otherwise it means more expense and bigger fuel bills. Unless it’s a status thing of course…

BHP:
Short for brakehorse power. It’s a measurement derived from how much work a horse can do in an hour, but all you need to know is the more the better!

Cabriolet:
One of many fancy terms for a car with a convertible top.

Clutch:
For manual transmissions only. A clever device that sits between the engine and the gearbox, so when you press the clutch down, the link is separated, allowing you to change gear. An automatic does away with the clutch and does it all for you.

Convertible:
A car with a folding roof instead of a fixed one, allowing you fun in the sun and instant glamour. Nowadays there are traditional convertibles with a fabric roof, or ‘coupe-cabriolet’ types, sometimes known as CCs, which use a folding metal roof.

Coupe:
A vehicle with two doors and a fixed metal roof. Often the sportier, sexier and pricier version of a regular car.

Depreciation:
The amount of value a car loses as it ages. Unfortunately very few cars gain in value like houses do, so depreciation plays a part in what car you should buy and when.

EBD:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Many cars now have this as standard, and it’s another useful safety feature. It distributes the braking power between all four wheels to ensure the shortest stopping distance.

ESP:
Nothing to do with being psychic, sadly. It stands for Electronic Stability Programme, and it’s a clever piece of software that will keep you on the straight and narrow if you have a skid. It can be a life-saver if you have to swerve in an emergency.

FSH:
Full service history - The vehicle's complete service record. A must if you’re buying a used car.

MPG:
Miles Per Gallon. How far your car should be able to travel on a gallon of fuel. Less useful now since fuel is sold in litres, but a crucial factor when choosing your next car. Look at the ‘combined’ figure, but remember that even if you drive very carefully it is hard to match or beat that figure.

MPV:
Multi Purpose Vehicle. Every car is multi-purpose these days, but MPVs are probably the most versatile, with large boots, folding seats and other clever ideas. They tend to make the best family cars.

Multitronic/Tiptronic:
A type of modern automatic gearbox, which sometimes allows you to shift gears yourself if you want, particularly in sporty cars.

Odometer:
An odd name indeed, the odometer is the total mileage your car has travelled in its lifetime, usually displayed at the bottom of the speedometer.

OTR:
This applies to new cars only. Short for total On The Road price, it includes VAT, number plates, manufacturers warranty, 12 months road tax and the VRF – vehicle registration fee.

PAS (power-assisted steering):
A great invention indeed. Power steering does just what it says – a little hydraulic or electric help means the steering requires no extra effort at low speeds, which makes parking a whole lot easier.

Rear Wheel Drive:
What came before four-wheel drive. Many sports cars are rear-wheel drive, as it helps grip and steering feel. It can also make a car easier to spin, so be sure it’s what you want or need before buying.

Roadster:
Roadsters are small two seat convertible sports cars, sometimes with removable hard tops. Cars like the Mazda MX-5 or Audi TT would be considered a roadster.

SUV:
Sport Utility Vehicle. Almost everyone now makes a sport utility vehicle, which tend to be large and mostly four-wheel drive.

T&T:
Taxed and Tested i.e. a car that has road tax and has passed its MoT. A good thing to see on a used car advertisement.

Torque:
A measure of an engine’s pulling power, indicating the engine’s strength and flexibility rather than its power and overall speed.

Traction control:
A device that detects wheelspin and cuts power or applies pulse braking to the offending wheel in order to regain grip or traction. Very useful in powerful cars and in slippery conditions.

Transmission:
Also known as a gearbox. The clever bit that converts the engine’s power into forward motion. Just like a bicycle, an engine works within a limited speed range. With a choice of gears however, you can multiply the engine’s output. So first gear is short, making it easier to get going, while top gear is long, allowing higher speeds.

Vehicle Identification Number:
Also known as the “VIN” or “VIN Number”. It’s a unique number given by the car's manufacturer that is stamped on the vehicle in various places. It’s crucial to ensure the number on the car matches that on the paperwork when buying used.

Vehicle Status Report:
Available on eBayMotors.co.uk, this is a background check on the car, powered by motor experts HPI. This will identify whether the car you are interested in has been reported as stolen, as an insurance write-off, has outstanding finance or mileage inconsistencies. eBay Motors users can purchase the VSR directly through the Vehicle Registration Mark link on each car listing, at the exclusive discount price of £6.99 per report (normal RRP £39.95)

V5 or V5c document:
The vehicle registration document. If your name and address is on this paperwork, you are the legal owner of the car. Important when buying but also when selling – make sure you fill it out and send it off straight away when you sell to avoid getting speeding fines for a car you don’t own.