Buying a new car is one of the most exciting things ever, especially for those petrolheads out there. You look through all of your options, pick out the perfect exterior and interior, and make sure that it has all of the things that you really want before handing over the cash, and you’ll hopefully be driving away in the vehicle of your dreams. However, this isn’t all you have to be sure of before you splash out, and hit the road in your new ride.
We’ve put together a list of 10 things to be sure of, before you buy any car.
#1: The seller is trustworthy
Whether you’re buying a new or used car, you need to be sure that the seller is trustworthy. Not only is this vital as you need transparency about any problems, but it’s also important as your car is one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. Look at the previous reviews given by customers, and if you have a bad feeling about somebody who is selling you a vehicle, then don’t ignore it. Paying extra may be worthwhile.
#2: You enjoy driving it
Needless to say, you need to make sure that you actually enjoy driving the car before you purchase it. Whilst it may have all of the features that you want, you can get into it and just not feel quite right. Perhaps the ride isn’t as smooth as you’d like, or you don’t like the layout of the interior; whatever it is, make sure that you’ve been for a thorough test drive in your potential new vehicle first.
#3: You can afford it
A lot of car dealers will tell you that you can pay for a car over a period of time, and that you can afford pretty much any vehicle that you’d like as a result. Whilst this can be tempting, think about whether you still want to be making payments for your vehicle a few years later, as it can be a financial drain on you, even with relatively small monthly costs. Do your budgeting, and see whether it checks out.
#4: It will retain its value
One thing to note about the car that you’re buying is whether that particular make and model goes on to sell for high prices as a used vehicle. If you can see that it is reducing in value significantly every second that it spends away from the forecourt, then you may want to think again before you hand over the cash. Sure, you may have no intention to sell now, but in the future you may change your mind.
#5: It’s secure
OK, so you never buy a vehicle believing that it’s easy to break into, or knowing that a leak could affect it. However, you need to be sure about this – especially with used cars – so it’s a good idea to give it a look over a few times, to be certain that it’s as secure as possible. If you’re not sure what the warning signs for leaks and other issues are, then check out the advice on carroar.com. Also be sure to check that the lock system is good!
#6: It has ample storage space
We’ve all been there. We’re thinking about heading to the beach, but we know that the storage space in the car is nowhere near impressive enough to fit all of the supplies that we need inside it. Before you find yourself in this predicament, make sure that you purchase a car that has enough storage space for those trips out, whether you regularly undertake them or not. You’ll be glad that you did!
#7: It suits your needs
Every car buyer goes out there with different ideas in mind. Perhaps you only use your car for a short commute to work, or maybe you’re somebody who is always clocking up those miles. Whatever type of driver you are, make sure that your car suits your lifestyle. There is no need to splash out on all of the fancy add ons if you only use your vehicle once a week; if you use it more often, try to add a bit of luxury.
#8: You like the appearance
Let’s be honest, we like to think that we pick out a car based upon its features and how nice it is to drive, but the reality can be quite different. If you look at your potential new car and think that it’s a bit of an eyesore, then there is no point in purchasing it, as those great interior features can be found on a vehicle that you actually like. Choose out a color and a look, and make sure that you really like it.
#9: It’s economical
Needless to say, one of the most important things to consider when you’re purchasing a car is how economical it is. How many kilometers do you get out of a tank of petrol or diesel, and is the tax as low as it could be? If you find that it’s just too expensive to run, you’ll soon be back out there looking for a new car. Check these things out beforehand, and save yourself some long-term cash on fuel and tax costs.
#10: It’s as environmentally friendly as possible
OK, so you’ve ticked all of the boxes above. However, is your car super bad for the environment? If so, you could find yourself in a variety of difficult situations. Not only will your tax be higher (and it may increase further as greener models come in), but you’ll also find that your car doesn’t sell for the price that it should do later down the line. This is because people are invariably more environmentally conscious now, so demand may change.
So, before you get out there and buy that new car, make sure that you’ve thought about these 10 things. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as picking out a car that looks nice and driving it away into the sunset, but that doesn’t mean that the process has to be difficult. Enjoy your new vehicle hunt, and get it right the first time around!