For many, a car is impossible to live without; it is an investment that provides transport for work, school, and general livelihood. These benefits, however, can often come with a hefty price tag depending on what kind of car you are looking to purchase. There are various factors to consider if you are thinking of purchasing your first car, or if you are planning on making an upgrade.
Statistics show that the number of cars on England’s roads has increased rapidly over recent years. As a mode of transport, it allows for ultimate flexibility and convenience to the driver, and most importantly complete independence. Below are several key points to think about before making a committed investment that should last for years to come.
Is it a necessary purchase?
It is worth deciding if changing or buying another car is completely necessary. There are various costs involved, such as car insurance, tax and MOT. Add to this fuel costs, and there’s a pretty large sum involved to any car. Therefore, it is worth seriously giving it some thought before deciding that changing your car is the best action to take.
Think practical
One of the main reasons that a decision is made to change a vehicle is due to practicality; perhaps there is a new addition to the family, or there is a need a five-door as opposed to a three-door car.
Part of the process of researching for a car is narrowing down your choices to meet some key criteria. Cost is a factor, but also look at whether the make and model or car fits with your lifestyle; is the boot big enough if you have a dog, for example, or is it a comfortable drive?
Nowadays, online car websites feature filter searches to make searching for the ideal car much easier. Features such as looks and colour are nice additions but are not fundamental to your decision.
You may find yourself compromising on your ‘perfect colour’ due to a saving you are making. However, if that saving is substantial, then the colour will suddenly seem less essential.
Do your research
As well as thinking practically before deciding on your next car, it is also essential to give your decision time and to do your research.
Purchasing a new car, whether it be brand new or second-hand, could be compared to purchasing a house; it is a lifestyle purchase, and will be an acquisition that should keep you happy for years. For most, a new car will stay with them for the foreseeable future, so it is vital to give your decision the time it requires to ensure you find a deal that works for you.
This may involve some hard work on your part, but due to the advances of the internet, searching for a new car has been made considerably easier. Comparison websites mean you can directly compare cars of your choice. Websites such as Gumtree and eBay have become incredibly popular in most recent years, and enable people to directly sell their car to another owner without involving a dealership. Being willing to look further afield than your immediate catchment area is advised. If you are prepared or able, you may find your perfect second-hand car out of the county. If it is the right car for you, it may be worth the travel. Be open-minded and willing to compromise if necessary.
Second-hand purchases
Second-hand purchases are the most common type of car purchases. Buying a brand-new car can be incredibly expensive, and there are many more cars available within a realistic price range by looking to buy second-hand.
If this is the route chosen, some factors to bear in mind include a vehicle history check, to help you work out if there is any outstanding finance or if the car has been recorded as lost or stolen.
The age and mileage are important to look into as well. If a car looks to be a good price, but it’s only a few years old, then ensure to check the mileage before going any further. After all, the previous owner could have clocked up thousands of miles in that time, meaning the car may not be in the best condition.
A safety check is also essential and many people physically check a car before purchasing to check the electrics, tyres, engine and to check for general wear and tear.
Affordability
Of course, the main reason that buying a new car isn’t done lightly or too often are the costs involved. Therefore, setting a budget is an ideal place to start when looking to purchase a new car.
A budget can ensure your search is naturally narrowed down and means you are less tempted by a car that is out of your price range. Again, this is where online filters come in handy. Working out what you can realistically afford is essential, and ensuring you can afford to purchase the car is a decision to be made before you start looking. For some, purchasing a car needs to happen quickly; for example, due to a change of job that requires travel, or if you were involved in an accident that left your previous car undrivable.
If you are working on a time restraint, looking into applying for a loan of short-term credit could give you peace of mind. To get an idea what is involved in payday loans, there’s a vast variety of online sources to help you to get an understanding of what’s available. If you are looking into a short-term loan, you need to work it into a realistic budget and a timeframe for repayments is essential.
Searching for the best insurance
Insurance is a separate entity to the actual car purchase but is as important. Nowadays there are many insurance companies offering car insurance, meaning it can be difficult to work out what company offers the best deal for you.
Factors such as your age and whether you have been involved in an accident previously can affect your policy, so it is worth shopping around for quotes before finalising your decision. Getting the best deal can ensure your outgoing costs are as low as possible in terms of running your car.
