Considering Buying A Used Car? What Should Your Priorities Be?
Posted by admin at 14 September 2017, at 17 : 33 PM
Buying a used car is often a cheaper and more versatile option than buying a brand new vehicle. Are you on the verge of swapping an old car for a newer model or switching a compact for a larger vehicle or a sporty number for a more sensible option? Are you thinking about what kind of motor to go for next or are you stuck between style and substance? If you’re on the lookout for a new or used vehicle, here are some hacks to help you pinpoint your priorities and find a new wagon that ticks every box.
What are you using your car for?
This is perhaps the most important question to ask yourself when you’re scouring listings for a new addition to the driveway. We use cars for different reasons. Some people have kids to ferry around, and school runs to complete while others use their vehicles for work. Some people drive long distances while others are looking for something to get from one side of town to another. Think about how you use your car the majority of the time. Do you drive a lot or you do only cover a couple of hundred miles per month? Do you need space or would you rather something compact and nifty?
How much space do you need?
The way you use your car will often dictate the amount of space you need. If you have a growing family, for example, it may be best to swap a hatchback for an estate or an SUV. If you drive for work purposes and you need to store or transport materials, goods or tools, you may wish to look into options like trucks, vans or cars with added trunk space. If you’re not buying a car for work purposes and you don’t expect to be carrying multiple passengers, you may prefer a smaller vehicle or something sportier with 2 seats rather than 5.
How much do you want to spend?
It’s always wise to go car shopping with a budget in mind. After buying a house, buying a car is the most significant purchase most of us will make, so it’s important to make the right choice and find a motor that you can afford. Think about how you’re going to finance the purchase. You could buy a used car outright or consider finance options, which enable you to pay installments over a fixed period. There are various paths you can take, and it’s wise to compare the pros and cons and get some detailed information about how each system works. When you buy a new car, it’s worth bearing in mind that the value will decrease as soon as you drive away from the forecourt, and this is why used cars are often a better proposition for drivers. If you want a new model, but you don’t mind if the vehicle hasn’t come straight off the ferry or transporter, it’s usually beneficial to wait a couple of months.
Once you’ve decided how much you want to spend, what makes and models you’re interested in, and you have an idea of the kind of vintage you’re looking at, it’s essential to have a good look at second-hand vehicles before you buy. If you visit dealerships, you’ll be able to check out the different options, compare prices and take a few vehicles out on a test drive. Be wary of buying any vehicle you haven’t seen in the flesh. If you’re looking at photographs online, for example, it’s possible that the images may be misleading and the descriptions may not be 100% accurate.
As well as the cost of buying a car or truck, you may also want to look at running costs. The price of insurance and the number of miles you’ll get to the gallon may influence your decision. As a general rule, the higher the value of the vehicle, the higher the insurance premium. If you do a lot of driving, it’s beneficial to avoid cars that have high fuel consumption. You could save yourself a lot of money in the long-term by buying a fuel-efficient motor.
What kind of driving experience are you looking for?
For some of us, driving a car or truck is all about getting from A to B in one piece. For others, there’s nothing more exciting or exhilarating than getting behind the wheel. Ask yourself what you’re looking for from your new car. Are you a self-confessed speed demon who can’t wait to hit the open roads and get your foot down or are you looking for something safe and reliable to get to work or drop the kids off at school? Even if you only want a runaround, it’s really useful to book some test drives. Every driver wants to feel comfortable when they’re navigating the roads, and you may find that a car you like the look of doesn’t deliver when you’re in the driver’s seat. Take some different vehicles for a spin and see how you feel. You can never get an accurate impression of how the car drives or how it feels until you’re behind that wheel.
Are you hunting for a new car or truck? If you’re preparing to swap your existing vehicle for a shiny new one, it’s always wise to establish a wish list and think about your priorities as a buyer. Do you want the latest sports car with all the mod cons or are you looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient family car? Do some research, look at some statistics and figures and take a trip to some dealerships. Have a look at the different makes and models available, work out how much you want to spend and see what you can afford. Consider all your options, including buying new and used and long-term hire. If you have a short list, book some test drives and see how you get on when you’re out on the roads. Once you’ve got all the information you need and you’ve spent some time behind the wheel, you should be able to make the right decision.