There are 12 million cars on Australian roads. We drive more than 200 billion kilometres every year. We burn 30 billion litres of fuel. Carmakers sell more than a million vehicles every year in Australia - the most competitive automotive marketplace on earth. Yet buying a car is one of the least pleasant consumer experiences. Almost everyone who does it feels violated. Look around you: the roads are choked, and the motorist is the quintessential golden goose. The car liberates you and binds you - just try living without one. If you find any or all of that confusing or confronting, or both, you are not alone. And you've come to the right place. I'm John Cadogan, and this is AutoExpert - don't forget to subscribe for regular updates, and visit the website: AutoExpert.com.au.