Safety Or Style? What To Look For In A New Car This Winter
Posted by admin at 17 November 2017, at 12 : 49 PM
Christmas is coming, and if you’re thinking about treating yourself to a new motor, you may be wondering where to begin your search. There is a lot to think about when you’re trading in an old car for a newer version, and it’s important to consider what matters to you. If you’re toying with the idea of buying or leasing a new car, hopefully, this guide will come in handy.
Budget
Most drivers are limited to the range of cars they have access to as a result of their budget. Unless you have an infinite amount of cash to throw at a new car, it’s essential to bear your budget in mind. Sit down and work out how much you have available and consider your options. You don’t always have to buy a new or second-hand car outright. Many people choose to lease a new car on a long-term basis or buy a car on finance. These options enable you to spread the cost and pay installments on a monthly basis. If you are thinking of paying monthly, make sure you can afford the repayments. You don’t want the joy of having a new car to be overshadowed by the fact that you can’t afford to do anything else. It’s worth noting that you can usually reduce your repayments by putting a deposit down. If you do want to buy a car outright, it’s worth looking at nearly-new vehicles, as brand new cars lose value as soon as they leave the forecourt. Once you’ve established a budget, have a look around, visit some showrooms and dealerships, and this will give you a better idea of what’s affordable.
Size
What do you use your car for? How much space do you need? If you’re young, free, and single and you commute to work on the highways, you probably want a fairly small car, which doesn’t have a giant trunk or extra seats in the back. If you’ve got children, you’re probably looking for something that has plenty of room to house strollers, toys, groceries, and anything else that comes with enjoying family days out or doing the school run on a daily basis. You may also need a larger vehicle if you use your car or van for work purposes. The size of a vehicle can influence your search, especially if you need to prioritize practicality over aesthetics.
Safety
Safety should be a priority for every driver. If you’re looking at safety records, you’re not going to be impressed by makes and models that are ranked at the bottom. You may think that safety is particularly important if you have young children. Of course, it’s impossible to prevent some accidents, and if another driver is driving recklessly, there’s very little you can do, but it’s always good to have peace of mind that you’re driving a car that has passed rigorous safety tests with flying colors. Although it’s possible to look online for more info about making a claim against a negligent driver, most of us would prefer to never be in a situation where we’re trying to work out what to do after a crash. If you are worried about safety, take a look at records and tests, read reviews in auto magazines and see how the makes and models that take your interest measure up to others.
Style
If you’re in the market for a new motor this winter, you may be weighing up your options in terms of the style of car you want. Do you dream of hitting the open roads in a sporty number or are you after something solid and reliable that will get you from A to B unscathed? Do you need a workhorse or have you always wanted to drive a convertible? Think about how you’re going to use the car and how much style means to you. For some drivers, the look of the car doesn’t matter at all, and for others, it’s everything. If you do want a car that looks the part, it’s worth taking a tour of some showrooms, checking out some different models and taking notes. Once you’ve got a shortlist, arrange some test drives, get some quotes and then, you can make a decision.
Economy
If you drive long distances or you’re hoping to reduce the amount of money you spend on driving, it’s beneficial to look at fuel economy and consider running costs. If you commute every day or you tend to visit friends or family a couple of hours away most weekends, you don’t want to opt for a car that guzzles gas. When you read brochures or talk to salespeople, ask about fuel economy and compare different makes. Even if you only get a few extra miles to the gallon, this can make a massive difference over the course of a year. It’s also worth checking insurance costs. Generally speaking, the higher the value of the car, the higher the insurance premium.
Environment
A growing number of drivers are looking to do their bit for the planet. If you’re on the hunt for a new wagon, you may be thinking about swapping a diesel or petrol engine for a more eco-friendly car. You could consider a hybrid or an electric car. If you are considering making a change, do as much research as possible and take some different makes and models for a spin. It’s also a good idea to find out how switching will affect your finances. You can often take advantage of tax relief incentives, and you may also find that it’s much cheaper to run a green vehicle.
Are you searching for a new car this winter? If so, you may have an idea of what you want, but it’s always a good idea to shop around, book some test drives and spend some time crunching the numbers. Think carefully about how you will use the car, how much you want to pay and the size, style and type of vehicle you want.