Buying a new car is a huge decision and a major purchase. You’ll be spending quite some time in the car, so it’s key that you do plenty of research before buying. All car brands have their own websites, where you will be able to see all the features of each model and you should be able to get information from various resources online.
Specialist car magazines and websites are also another great source of information. They publish detailed articles on the current models, and more importantly on new models that are coming out in the near future. They also compare the benefits with those of comparable models from other manufacturers.
Find a dealer near you and try to visit them at a quiet time. During the week may be better as they normally tend to be busier at the weekends.
Before buying your car, take it for a test drive. You will only get a feel for a car and whether it is right for you, by sitting in it and taking it for a drive.
After each test drive, write down some points on how it felt so that you can later review the positives and negatives of each clearly.
Be clear as to what you are getting for your money. Are there any add-ons included in the price? If not, how much will they cost?
If you are paying for the car on a monthly basis, how much will the car cost by the time it’s completely paid off?
Before you buy, contact your insurance company to find out if there are any increases in your premium or savings based on your chosen make and model.
Safety features are very important, so make sure you know what safety features come with your car. Also, if there is an option to buy extra safety features this may be worth negotiating before you purchase.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price, especially if you are trading in your old car. Car salespeople are used to negotiating so talk to them and see what they can do for you.
Above all, don’t rush into anything. Take your time and be happy with your decision.
Tips For Buying a Second Hand Car
You can buy a second hand car from a motor dealer or privately from its present owner.
Buying from a dealer – The main benefit of this, is that you can see a wide range of cars in the dealership and easily compare their ages, conditions and prices. You’ll usually get some form of guarantee so you know that if something goes wrong, you will have a line of recourse. Theseguarantees can cover you for up to one or two years with an additional payment, depending on the dealership.
Buying privately – If you decide to buy your car privately, you will need to keep your eyes open for a car that’s right for you. Most people promote their vehicles through selected websites which allow you to narrow down your search through make, model and price, so do plenty of research.
The biggest drawback of buying privately is that you don’t get any form of guarantee. So, unless you are a mechanical expert, get a mechanic to view the car. Always ask to see the log book or vehicle registration certificate. This will give the name and address of the previous owner who will probably be able to tell you much more about the car’s history than a dealer can.
Another important thing to check is to make sure that the car isn’t still subject to any outstanding finance agreement. If it is, then the car may still belong to the bank or finance company and the seller may have no legal right to sell it.
Consider Other Running Costs of Your Car
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of Car Insurance, road tax, fuel, as well as servicing and spare parts.
The cost of your Car Insurance will depend on a variety of factors so it’s best to get a wide range of quotes before you commit to buying a car.
You should consider how economical or expensive the car is likely to be. The cost of fuel will vary depending on the size and performance of the car.
Servicing and parts will vary depending on the car. Your garage will give you an estimate on these costs.