Cars are expensive, apart from your home, they are likely to be one of the biggest purchases
you ever make, so before you head out and buy a new one, there are a few questions you should probably ask yourself to ensure you make the right decision…
Should I buy a New car, Nearly New car or Used car?
New cars are shiny and attractive, not to mention packed with lots of fun new features, but they are also very expensive, and it is also true that they begin to depreciate in value the second you drive them away from the forecourt. That’s why, before making a purchase, you should ask yourself Should I buy a New car, Nearly New car or Used car? You might need a new car if you require fancy features such as parking sensors or high-end stereos, but than again, you could find them in a nearly new car for a good deal less. If you don’t need anything fancy, a used car might be more economical — only you can decide but decide carefully you should.
What will the running costs be?
Of course, the cost of a vehicle isn’t just about the ticket price. When deciding what you can afford, you need to take into account everything from the cost of insurance to what kind of fuel economy the vehicle you’re interested in will get. There’s no point purchasing a car that you will struggle to run, after all.
Can you trust the dealer?
Chances are that you live nearby a number of car dealership selling both new and used vehicles. Some of them will undoubtedly be better than others. Before you hand any money over, you should do your research and work out which dealers are likely to be trustworthy, that offer the best rates and which are likely to work with you to find the best solution for you both.
Often it is franchise car dealerships that offer the best deals, levels of service and reliability, but you cannot count on that always being the case, which is why you should read online reviews, ask friends and family members and even visit a few dealerships to see what kind of feeling you get from them.
Do I know how to spot a good car?
This is particularly important if you’re going to be buying a used car. Some cars for sale are in far better condition than others, and you need to know how to inspect and test drive any vehicles you are interested in so that you can get a great deal instead of being ripped off.
Things you should look out for when buying a used car include:
- All necessary documents being present and correct
- Consistent age, appearance, and mileage
- No signs of rust or decay
- A full MOT history
- No signs of an accident (gaps, dents, different colours on the bodywork)
- A smooth test drive
Once you’ve asked yourself these important questions, you can go ahead and purchase your new car with confidence.