There’s nothing quite like waking up and knowing that you will be driving a new car today! Having gone through the process of researching, test driving, perhaps a little haggling, and the wait for the paperwork to be completed, the day of delivery is one where it is easy to get swept up with excitement.
Whether you’re having it delivered or picking it up from the showroom, the day that you get your new car is better than Christmas morning. However, before you jump in and put your foot down, there are some things that you will need to consider. Being too hasty to get on the road could lead to problems, and if you want New Car Day to be much more satisfying, remember these two essential tips.
1. Check the car
Although you are no doubt full of excitement and eager to get through the handover as quickly as possible, always remember to do a thorough check of the vehicle before signing anything. It’s a good idea to have someone with you that is not heavily invested in your new car. Find someone who knows about cars so that you have a dispassionate and professional eye with you for advice. You want objectivity, even during the test drive stage. You should make sure as well that the car is delivered in the daylight hours, because problems with bodywork or the engine will be much harder to spot in the dark. If the car is not in the condition that you expected, then you will have the option of not completing the sale. This might be frustrating, but it’s better to wait than rush into a hasty purchase just because you are excited.
2. Get covered
If you’re planning on driving your new car straight from the showroom, then always make sure that you are covered by the right insurance policy. New cars are just as susceptible to road traffic accidents as old cars, and remember that your existing policy might not cover your new vehicle. This is especially true if you have gone for a more modern or more powerful model than your current car. If you have a high-performance new car, then you will most likely need Performance Car Insurance that will keep you legally and financially protected. Driving without the right cover is illegal, and could cost you a fine and some points on your license that will drive your premiums up. Never drive away in your new car without being covered, and you will drastically reduce the impact of any potential issues.
What if There is a Problem?
If you run through your list of things to check and you find that there is a problem, then you have two options. You could choose to continue with the purchase or cancel it. It will depend on the seriousness of the issue, and whether you accept or reject the sale, remember that you are going to be covered by the Sale of Goods Act. It’s worth remembering that a good car dealer will be keen to straighten out any problems before a car is transferred into your ownership. If that is not offered, then you are within your rights to reject the purchase. Don’t let a persistent salesperson distract you with empty promises.
Buying a new car means spending money. It’s often a serious financial outlay, and will also involve a lot of time investment as well. Make sure that you keep cautious about commitment, and keep a copy of any paperwork that you sign throughout the process. Buying a new car is exciting, but remember that there will always be the chance of faults along the way. Pay close attention to every step, and you could be driving away in your brand new car with the least amount of fuss.
