Getting a new car is hugely exciting, but can also be a pretty daunting experience, particularly if you’re unsure what to buy. If you’re looking for a long-term investment that is going to last well into the future, there are certain things you need to consider when you shop around. Here are three top tips that will keep you on the right track.
- Consider age and condition
The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want a brand new or used car. Of course, new cars are typically more expensive than used, but they are usually covered by a full warranty, so you don’t need to worry about forking out for expensive repair bills once you purchase. Having said that, some ‘nearly new’ cars are much cheaper and have very little mileage which often makes them a great investment. Avoid buying an extremely old car with hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock. It’s likely to have more wear and tear than a new or nearly new model, meaning it will probably need repair work doing in the future and end up costing a lot to maintain. Don’t be tempted by a cheap price tag when it comes to buying a car you want to last for years to come. Getting a secondhand car can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars, but it can cost you more too if you don’t choose carefully. That said, make sure to buy from a reliable source. Ask recommendations from people you trust, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. When you get your car, have your vehicle cleaned thoroughly, and consider getting new customized seat covers to replace the old ones because you never really know what a used car has been through.
- Make sure it suits your lifestyle
Want a car that you can rely on long into the future? Then it’s essential that it suits your lifestyle. Take into consideration what you’re using the car for. Do you do long commutes on the motorway? Then you’ll want a car that has a decent engine size and offers good fuel economy, so it doesn’t cost a fortune to run. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a car that you can just nip around town in, a smaller car may be right for you. Also consider the interior – do you have a large family? Then you may want roomy backseats. Do you go away in the car a lot, or have a dog? Then a decent boot space is essential. Write down a list of must-haves before you start shopping so you can find the best car for you.
- Set a realistic budget both long and short term
The initial upfront cost of the car is of course important – but there are many other costs to consider too. If you’re getting a car finance deal, then you need to set a budget for the monthly repayments to make sure you can afford it and it’s not going to put a strain on your bank balance. You should also look at the average cost of insurance and tax for your chosen vehicle – as this will have a big impact on the cost of the car in the long term. Don’t forget about running costs too, some cars are much cheaper when it comes to fuel than others, so do some research before you buy.
Ready to start searching for your new car? There are plenty of options to explore through companies such as Peter Vardy – with great cars at great prices. The key is to find one that suits your lifestyle, budget and is in the condition you’d expect, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Image Credits: Oli Woodman
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