If you’re considering getting a new car, you’re likely excited to get out there and see what’s available. After all, the automobile landscape has changed considerably in the last couple of decades, and from a new Nissan to the fully electric Tesla, you’ve got a ton of choice.
That said, the reality is that while the prospect of a new vehicle is exciting, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed with choice. More options mean you’ve got a much better chance of finding something that suits you perfectly, sure, but getting to that final decision can take a lot of work.
To help you get started on your journey of choosing a car, here are six important things everyone should think about before they buy.
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- New Versus Used
One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make early on is whether to buy new or used.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. With a new vehicle, you get the benefit of knowing that no one’s ever driven the car; it’s entirely yours, which means no wear and tear and a smart, squeaky-clean interior. It’s only natural that a new car will last longer than a pre-owned one, and maintenance should be more straightforward. That said, they depreciate very quickly, and so for many people, the higher price tag simply isn’t worth it.
Buying a used car means you’ll benefit from a drastic price slash, usually in the region of several thousand dollars. You may be able to get a top-of-the-range model now, whereas if you were buying new, you might have to settle for a lower spec machine. Of course, you’re always taking somewhat of a gamble – more wear and tear means possibly more frequent visits to the mechanic, and a higher maintenance cost overall.
- Finance Versus Paying Outright
There are many ways to pay for your new car.
Some people prefer to buy outright, and if you’ve got the cash to do so, this is usually the best option. You pay there and then and don’t have to think about it again, and you won’t have to pay any interest.
If you don’t have the budget to buy outright, there are multiple financing options, each with different interest rates (APR), loan term lengths, and prepayment penalties. You’ll need to spend plenty of time shopping around if you go for this method to make sure you get the right deal, as your options will differ considerably. If you get confused, be sure to contact your bank for some financial advice. They should be able to guide you through the process.
- Your Lifestyle
A major factor you’ll need to consider is your lifestyle. Think up the three things you’ll use the car for the most. Is it going to work? Doing school runs? Maybe you go on a lot of road trips or enjoy camping with the family.
Your new vehicle will need to accommodate everything going on in your life. You don’t want to be cursing your decision afterwards because you don’t have enough room or you don’t have a particular feature that you later identified was needed, so think long and hard about what you truly require in a vehicle. Usually, it’s best to spend a little more if you can to make sure you tick all the boxes. This is a serious investment, afterall.
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- Fuel Type
It used to be that electric vehicles (EVs) were too niche to be considered viable, but while the infrastructure simply wasn’t there in the past, today, an EV should certainly be on your radar.
These types of cars are thought to be the future. Running costs are lower than ever, and most cities and towns have the framework to support them. At the moment, though, traditional gasoline cars are still the most common and the most convenient, and with EVs still being relatively new, you’ve got more choice with the former. Of course, you could also consider a hybrid, which, for many, offers the best of both worlds.
Test drive both and see what you like best and which fits your lifestyle most appropriately.
- Safety
Many people forget that, compared to other daily activities, driving is actually quite dangerous.
Cars have come a long way in terms of safety, and how the model you’ve chosen has been designed from this perspective should be a serious consideration.
Automatic emergency braking is a must, and you’ll also want to look for additions like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. These sorts of features are paving the way for safer roads, and that’s certainly something you want to be a part of (it’s worth spending your money here over other features, like a better entertainment system).
If you’re buying used, you’ll also want to make sure that not only does the car have these features, but that everything’s in working order. Never leave the dealership without fully understanding the safety profile of the car.
- Predicted Maintenance Costs
Every car is different in how much maintenance costs over the long term, and you want to be able to predict this with as much certainty as possible.
Certain brands are known for their reliability, so those would be the best place to start (think Hyundai, Nissan, Mercedes, BMW, and so on). Read as many reviews as you can, and you could also head to forums and Reddit boards to ask questions about ownership.
It’s also worth mentioning that lower-end models may use cheaper parts than their more expensive siblings. In these cases, while you might be getting a saving initially, over the long haul, the car may end up costing you more money.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you now feel a little clearer on what you should be thinking about when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. There’s a lot to consider, but take things one at a time and ask for help when you need it, and you’ll get there. Good luck choosing!
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