Picking the right car for you

SuzukiFor most people there will come a point in their lives when they decide it is time for them to buy a car.

This might be a decision made at a young age, or one that you decide to make later in life. Buying a car is something that you will want to do for a multitude of reasons, and it can be a daunting process.

There is so much information to take in, and the expense can be steep particularly to begin with. For this reason it is important to do your research and to know what you are looking for in a car.

It is paramount that you consider just exactly what it is that you need from your car.

Practicality

Considering the practicalities of your car is a vital step in the process. This will no doubt determine the type of car that you gravitate towards.

If you have a family, particularly young children, you will need to think about several elements. You’ll want a large, spacious road-worthy model and above all a car that is reliable. You will be driving a lot in it, taking your kids to school and such. The last thing you want is for the car to break down consistently.

You will also want to take into account how far you need to drive on a daily or weekly basis. Will you have to brave the elements? How are you driving in the snow or rain? How much petrol does your car eat up?

Functionality and practicality should always come above style and make. You need the right car to suit your lifestyle, and this should determine your decision.

Where to look

Once you have taken into account the practical and elements of what you need from your car you will need to decide where to look.

This will often depend upon whether you want to buy a new car or a used car. Most dealerships specialise in new cars though some do sell pre-owned models. But if you are considering buying a used car your best bet will be online. Companies such as McDougal & Breen exist solely as used car dealerships. Many of these companies have showrooms as well as an online presence.

You should be able to find advice and support from used car dealerships. If you don’t want to or can’t travel to dealerships directly you should be able to find the information you need online or over the phone.

Cost

Now cost is always a key element in deciding what car you should buy. But in this instance cost doesn’t just cover the cost price of the car.

There are a lot of cost variables to take into account that have nothing to do with buying a car. Insurance will be a big one as insurance costs tend to be steep these days. If you are a young person, you will, unfortunately, suffer as your car insurance will be higher.

Then there is also the cost of petrol and upkeep to take into account. For this reason, it is a good idea to find out about the MOT, maintenance issues and miles to the gallon for each vehicle you are looking at.

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