That rattling sound in your car is not going away, not even when you crank the stereo right up and that light on the dashboard? It’s not good news.
The time has come to say goodbye to your faithful old auto and say hello to a brand new car that’s going to have you cruising in style.
But where do you begin and how do you know which car is right of you? Are you a sporty go-getting type, a family wagon driver or somewhere in-between? We guide you through buying a new or used car and offer some advice on how to choose a vehicle that’s just right for you.
There are literally hundreds of makes and models on the market, each offering a slightly different take but the best place to start choosing is going to be based on your budget.
From here you’ll be able to decide if you’re going down the new or used route and then if you’re looking to buy privately or from a dealership.
Once your budget is in place, including of course insurance and monthly petrol costs, you’re all set to start the looking process.
Choosing The Right Model
If you’re lucky enough to have a few options in mind, then now’s the time to do some research. Aside from the obvious comparisons such as fuel consumption, size of engine and space you’ll want to see if there’s much of a difference in insurance costs.
You’ll also want to consider the difference between standard models in terms of the little extras. If one model comes with heated seats as standard, while another has more luggage space, which is going to be more important to you?
How you plan on using your vehicle will also play a huge role in making this decision. If you’re planning a lot of long distance driving then you’ll be looking for extra luggage space and comfortable cruising. On the other hand if you’re looking for something for the whole family to ride in, or your daily commute to the office, you’ll have a whole other set of requirements.
The Benefits Of Buying New
Let’s face it; we would probably all buy new given the choice. With a brand new vehicle you are looking at a better all round performance, a more efficient fuel system, up-to-date technology and you’ll be able to get all those additional extras that create a vehicle tailored to your exact specifications.
The downside is how quickly even a top of the range auto can depreciate in value. As soon as you drive it from the showroom your car will be worth less than the price you paid for it. It’s frustrating but it’s a fact of life and if you’re buying a new car, chances are you’re making an investment into the future and not looking to sell any time soon in any case.
Other benefits of buying new include the chance of hitting some great deals with the car dealer. You’re willing to part with some significant money, so leverage that fact to make sure you’re getting a lot of extras thrown in. If you hit the showroom at the right time, you stand a chance of getting a better deal than at other times. So figure out when the end of quarter sales targets are coming up and pay a visit just before.
Shop around for dealerships; some will have better standard offers than others, including extended warranties, regular servicing and free insurance for a set amount of time. Putting the research in could help you make significant savings.
Approach sales staff with confidence and keep your budget limit firmly in your mind through negotiations. Don’t be afraid to walk away at any point, you’re not committed to anything and if you need to take more time or shop around a bit more, then that’s entirely your prerogative.
The Benefits Of Buying Used
If you’re shopping for a new Chevy and spot one on sale privately, there’s no harm in stopping by a private seller’s. You may find yourself driving home a real bargain, which is the benefit to buying privately.
However, we should also sound a note of caution. You might be looking for a money saving trick but buying privately is not without its dangers.
Obviously, first and foremost you just have no idea where this car has come from, neither do you know its history. You only have the seller’s word that it hasn’t been involved in any smashes or that it works beautifully.
If you have some time, look around the car assessing the bodywork first and looking for any tell tale signs of repair. If there are patches where an obvious re-spray has taken place, find out why. Then see if you can match the windscreen number to the chassis number underneath the hood. If they don’t match, find out why not.
A far better option is to take a professional mechanic with you to have a look over your prospective buy. If you get the all clear from them, then you can begin the process of negotiating a price. And you really should negotiate. The ball is really in your court, you’ll see countless cars for sale, so don’t be afraid to drive a hard bargain.
Once you’ve chosen your favored make and model, found a dealer or seller that ticks all your boxes then the fun really starts. Don’t be afraid to shop around and find a vehicle that doesn’t leave you feeling that you’ve had to compromise too much.
There certainly are bargains out there to be had, but finding them can take a little legwork and a lot of research. Talk to friends and family, go on test drives, put the effort in and you’ll be rewarded with a vehicle that meets your exact needs. Whether you’re looking for extra legroom, space for the dog or cruise control, the right car is out there somewhere just waiting for you to rescue it from the forecourt and drive away a real bargain.
