5 things you need to know before choosing your next car

There are many things to think about when in the market to buy a new car, but choosing the right car to suit your needs while carefully balancing performance, price and features can be significantly more difficult when in practice. It is always good to get a good sense of the range of vehicle you are looking to purchase, whether to choose a new car with finance for break down peace of mind or to upgrade through the second hand market.

1) Stick to your budget.

One of the first things you will quickly realise is the budget you will be working to. Choosing the right car based on how much you can afford is a wise choice, as with all the added extra features and upgrades a salesman might offer you, you might find that even with the most cautious of finance you may be paying way over the odds. It is common practise for many people to invest in a modern previously owned car if the upgrade is somewhat out of your price range for a new purchase. This is a great idea in theory, but make sure that you are buying from a reputable dealership that can offer a warranty. 

 2) Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is another huge factor in choosing a car these days, especially given the rising prices in petrol recently. Many modern cars offer exceptional fuel efficiency, even for relatively large cars. Also, great strides in technology have ensured that hybrid vehicles are making headway in providing a true alternative to petrol only cars. You should also make sure that if buying a previously owned car that it passes all of the required fuel efficiency inspections and is in good shape before making the sale.

3) Shop around a little

Shopping around plays a huge role in the final price you can make on the car you have chosen. Making sure to get written quotes that you can take to other dealerships will ensure that you are at least getting a fair price, and might even get you a bargain. Make sure to be confident when bargaining on a final price for the car you are about to buy. This is a relatively large purchase, so make sure that you are getting value for money, and if lucky a full tank of petrol to get you home.

 

4) Does it suit your lifestyle?

Making sure that the car you purchase suits your needs is also another important factor to consider. A nice shiny sports model may look great in the showroom, but how are you going to get the kids and the dog in the back of it? If possible, ask the dealership if you can pay to have an overnight test drive. Normally a small holding fee can release the car you have chosen to test drive and it will allow you to get a great feel of the car you are about to buy. Take the car shopping, drop the kids off at school, perform your daily routine and see how the car fits.

 

5) Shortlist the cars you like

Making sure that you have a nice selection of vehicles that you have shortlisted is important in finalising the choice for your next purchase. Consult your partner and your children on your purchase and ask them how they feel. If you truly cannot decide between two or three different cars, it may come down to which just feels right. Make note of the extra features that each vehicle offers and weight the benefits up between them.

Purchasing your next vehicle can be a little stressful if you are not prepared. If you lack a little in the technical aspects of vehicles, ask a family member or friend who knows what they are talking about to help you out. Ask all of the pertinent questions when it comes down to the overall running costs of the car, but remember most of all that the final say is with you. Do not feel pressured into buying right away, give yourself time to mull over the decision and you will ultimately come to the right choice.

Choosing your car tips before buying a car -

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- Monday, December 23, 2013