There are few things more exciting than buying a car — whether it be your first, an upgrade, or the latest one to add to a vast collection.
But getting your hands on a new set of wheels is a significant financial commitment, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
As of March 2019, there were 31.7 million cars on Great Britain’s roads, which represents a 1.1% increase on the previous year. So, with more cars on the streets and an ever-expanding range of choices out there, it’s more important than ever that you carefully consider your steps before taking the plunge on purchasing a new vehicle.
Work out your finances
First and foremost, you’ll need to understand the budget you’re working with and, if required, it could be worth considering your options regarding financial assistance. But the bottom line is, if you can’t afford a Ferrari, don’t start shopping for a Ferrari. Stay within your means and don’t leave yourself with a financial headache further down the line.
Do your research — cars and prices
When buying a car, it’s imperative that you don’t rush into any decisions. Take your time and do your research into which cars are most reliable, provide the best value for money, offer the greatest fuel efficiency as well as those which are the most reasonable to insure. Additionally, it’s worth shopping around the various sites and comparing prices. That way, you’ll be more likely to get the best deal and make a significant saving.
Seek advice
If you happen to know someone in the car trade or perhaps a mechanic, ask them for guidance on where you should be looking. A mechanic will have first-hand experience of which car models tend to be more reliable than others, so they may be able to point you in the right direction and avoid you having to stump up for those expensive repair fees later on.
Test drive
It’s always best to try before you buy. If you visit a forecourt and see a few cars that you like, ask to take them out for a spin so you can get a feel for them. You’ll only get a true idea of what a car is like to drive by getting behind the wheel, and you don’t want to be doing that for the first time after you’ve made a purchase.
So, if you’re thinking about buying a new car, it could be worth following these steps to ensure you don’t end up paying through the nose for a car that soon breaks down and ends up costing you even more money!
