Check out these tips for buying a new car. If you’re thinking of buying a brand new ride, these tips should be very helpful.
So you’ve decided it’s time for a new car. Now what? Looking for a new car can be daunting because there are a lot of factors that you need to consider.
Whether you’re buying your first or fifth car, it is a process that shouldn’t be rushed. According to Which?, 31% of drivers regret purchasing their last car because they didn’t take the time to do enough research about it.
To avoid being part of that statistic, take a look at these key 5 questions you should ask yourself before taking the plunge and investing in your new car.
1. What Can You Afford?
There is no point in beginning your search and falling in love with cars to only realise they are so far out of your price range. The first thing you need to do before even thinking about what car you want is to know how much you can afford to spend
The car itself isn’t the only thing that will cost you. You should take into consideration insurance, tax, fuel and so on. And if you’re leaning towards buying a used car, you also need to think about repairs or new parts.
Another thing to consider is the option of buying a car on finance. This is a really good option if you are thinking of purchasing a new car as they are more expensive than used cars and finance allows you to spread the cost.
If buying a car on finance is something you are seriously considering you should seek some independent advice to ensure that you can realistically afford it.
2. What Will the Car be used for?
Determining the purpose of the car will help you narrow what types of cars that you will need or want to look at. Doing this will reduce the amount of time that you will have to spend searching for the right car for you.
Do you need a really reliable and comfortable car for commuting long distances, a large economical car for your family or do you want a luxury car?
Your annual mileage is another factor that you should take note of. If you are a long distance commuter, fuel efficiency should be close to the top of your list of features you need to be looking into.
3. New or Used Car?
New and used cars each come with their own set of pros and cons. Ultimately it comes down to personal circumstances whether a new or used car is best suited to you.
A new car doesn’t really have many disadvantages but they are a lot more expensive than a used car which can be a big issue for some people. While they are more costly, they typically need a lot less repairs compared to used cars.
In the end it all depends on what you want personally. You may end up liking a car that is only available to buy used and vice versa.
See Also: Comparing Costs: Should You Buy or Lease a Car?
Another option is to search for a dealer that sells nearly new cars. These cars are usually discounted and have almost no miles on the clock as they may only have delivery or test drive miles on them (which is why they are not called new).
4. Are You Protected as a Consumer?
Out of all our tips for buying a new car, this is sometimes the most neglected.
Before you make any final decisions or purchases, you should always check what your rights are as a consumer and if any agencies or organisations offer any protection in certain situations. The last thing you want is to buy a car from a dealer to then realise you have been sold a car with lots of issues that you hadn’t been made aware of.
Always do some research into the dealer beforehand. Check if they are approved by the certifying organization or department in your country or state.
Find out whether your purchase is protected. Is the dealer obligated to help you if something goes wrong? You should also research reviews and feedback on your dealer of choice.
See Also: Not So Perfect Driving Record? What You Need To Know About Car Insurance Coverage Costs
5. Have You Shopped Around?
Once you have decided which car you want and think will best suit your needs, it’s time to find a deal. Never jump at the first deal you see because while it might be good, there just might be a better offer with another dealer.
Don’t just compare the prices of all the cars. See if there are any other extras that have been included such as an upgraded stereo or maintenance packages. And don’t fall for cheapo freebies!
We hope that these questions and tips for buying a new car help you get a really good deal. Good luck on your purchase!