WorldExecutivesDigest | Top Tips For Buying A Car This Summer | Buying a car takes a lot of preparation and research before you can make your decision on which is the right vehicle for you. There are things that you need to consider, from whether you are going to purchase a new car or a used car, to the requirements that you need your car to have, as well as how you’re going to finance your car. If paying upfront for a car isn’t the best option for you, there are a variety of finance options available, even if you’ve found yourself struggling to be approved for finance in the past, like car finance for bad credit. Here are a few tips if you’re thinking about buying a car this summer.
New or Used?
Before you decide on which car is right for you, you should consider whether you need a new car or if you could benefit from a used car – there are pros and cons for both. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of a new car are as follows:
- You’ll be the first owner; you’ll know there are no hidden issues or signs of misuse
- You can choose the features and specs that suit your requirements best
- You’ll get a full warranty that covers your car if something goes wrong in the future
- You’ll pay more for a brand-new car than you would for a used car
- Your insurance payments may be higher as the replacement value increases
- If you choose a new car, you may have to wait a little while for it
And some advantages and disadvantages of a used car:
- You’ll make significant savings compared to buying a new car
- You don’t have to wait, the car is already manufactured and waiting to be driven home
- Your used car may not come with a warranty
- You’re more likely to suffer from mechanical issues
- You’re responsible for the servicing and MOT
What are your requirements?
As well as weighing up whether you’d benefit from a new or a used car, you should also think about the requirements that you need your car to meet. If you have a family, you need to decide on a car that can accommodate all of you, if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, maybe fuel efficiency is something that you’re keen on? Working out your requirements can be handy when it comes to narrowing down the model that would suit you best – as previously mentioned, buying a car is a big deal and can be expensive, so choosing a model that meets your individual needs is essential.
Diesel, petrol or electric?
The type of fuel that your car runs on is important depending on the amount of traveling you’ll be doing. If you’re using your car to travel long distances, a diesel car would suit you best as it is said that you can travel a third further per tank than you would with a petrol equivalent. On the other hand, if you’re using your car as a run-around, for the school run or to pop into the shops, a hybrid car could be more suitable for you. hybrid cars are a good choice for drivers that drive in urban areas, as well as fully electric-powered cars. Petrol cars can be great for people that drive a mixture of long and short journeys, and if you drive less than 15,000 miles a year, a petrol option would work out cheaper.
How much will it cost?
One of the most important things to consider when buying a car is how much it is going to cost. There are two main factors that you will have to budget for, upfront costs and ongoing costs. Your upfront costs will be any deposit that you must put down before you buy the car, and the ongoing costs are payments like finance, fuel, car insurance, tax, and servicing. Having a down payment for a car is one thing but considering how much it will cost you to run is just as important. Working out your insurance payments is one way of deciding if a car is right for you or not, as well as considering if you can afford the finance or loan repayments.
Test Drive
When you’ve considered the above and you’ve added up your costs, you can start looking for cars to buy. Whether you’ve decided on a used or a new car, test driving is always important. If you’re buying a used car, check for visible wear and tear before you begin. There are a few things you should look out for when test driving, including how it feels when you’re in the driver’s seat, checking the breaks, as well as space available for passengers and storage space in the boot. Consider the power and the suspension. Once you’ve decided that these factors are all to your liking, you’re good to go!
Lastly…
So, you’ve chosen the car, you’ve taken it out on a test drive and you’re looking forward to driving your car home. There are a few final things that you should check. The likelihood is if you’ve just bought a car, you’ll have been handed a folder full of documents, you should check that you have the right ones for your car. Check that you have a logbook, service booklet, keys, sales, and finance contract before driving off. Before you can drive your new purchase home, you must have insurance, so it is best that you plan for this before you pick your car up.
