Is That Car Really Right For You? Essential Considerations For Buyers

Are you looking for a new car? Buying a car is incredibly exciting, especially if you’re a self-confessed petrol-head or you’ve been looking forward to the day you can trade in your old faithful for a newer model. When you’re looking for a new motor, there are lots of factors you should bear in mind, and it’s best not to rush into making decisions, even if you think you know exactly what you want. Here are some essential considerations to bear in mind if you’re shopping for a new car this summer.

The cost

Budget is a contributing factor for most people who are on the lookout for a new car. Unless you have an unlimited budget, the cost of the car will affect your range of choices. Whether you’re buying, taking out finance or leasing, you need to make sure that the car you choose is affordable. If you are keen to buy, it’s a good idea to look at nearly-new models, as well as brand new cars, as new cars lose value quickly. If you’re buying on finance, ensure that you can afford the monthly payments before you commit. You can usually do some sums online if you visit manufacturer’s websites. However, the figures you get may not be accurate, so it’s worth visiting dealerships and working out exactly what you’ll pay. If you’re not set on a specific make and model, consider a few different options, and compare prices. You may find that you get a much better deal from one manufacturer than another for a car that is essentially very similar.

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Insurance

The purchase or lease price of the car is not the only financial consideration. You’ll also have to take into account the cost of running and insuring the car. Insurance fees vary hugely according to the make, model, and age of the car. Your driving record and where you live can also impact the cost. Before you buy or lease a car, it’s worth getting an idea of how much insurance will cost you. You can get quotes for car insurance by Johnson and compare fees from different providers online. Sometimes, it’s possible to lower your premium by adding a second driver or keeping your vehicle in a secure garage.

Try before you buy

You can’t really get a feel for a car until you actually sit in it, and have a test drive. You may think that you’ve made your decision because the car looks fantastic. But what happens if you don’t find it comfortable, or you don’t enjoy the drive when you actually take the car out on the roads? Booking a test drive will enable you to get to grips with the car, and you can also compare different options if there are a few contenders on the shortlist.

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Practicalities

For many of us, buying a car is a means of getting us from A to B, and therefore, it’s important to buy something that is practical. If you have a family, for example, it’s probably best to avoid looking for a sporty 2-seater, even if you dream of having one on the driveway.

Before you buy a car, it’s wise to check that it fulfills the brief, and make sure that it suits your lifestyle, as well as your budget.