Buying a new or used car can seem daunting, but there are a couple of tips that can make the whole thing run smoother. If you're in the market for a new car, here's what you need to consider.
Pick & Stick
Pick your budget and stick to it. You might have your heart set on a specific car, but your budget is saying otherwise. In this instance, it is wiser to go with what you can afford rather than what you have your heart set on. If you don’t currently have a car, it is worth sitting down and working out how it would fit into your monthly expenses. Remember that your budget should cover:
Initial cost + any finance payments
Insurance
Breakdown cover
MOT yearly
Petrol
Maintenance issues in between regularly scheduled services
New, Used, Own or Lease?
In one way we are lucky that we have so many choices when it comes to being able to afford a car, but that can come with its headaches too. As above, work it all out. Just because you see a gorgeous new car with a fantastic finance option doesn’t mean that your budget is going to thank you for it. Check out Brindley Motability Offers to help you get a clearer idea of what is around.
In one way we are lucky that we have so many choices when it comes to being able to afford a car, but that can come with its headaches too. As above, work it all out. Just because you see a gorgeous new car with a fantastic finance option doesn’t mean that your budget is going to thank you for it. Check out Brindley Motability Offers to help you get a clearer idea of what is around.
Slim it Down
Initially, the excitement of the purchase can take over, and you might fall in and out of love with so many cars. What would be better, is if you made a list of what you need in a car, then see what fits your criteria. Make a note of the following:
Boot space
Do you need inbuilt Satnav?
Drive long enough journeys to need cruise control?
How many seats?
Will you have car seats that need secure anchor points?
How many doors?
Initially, the excitement of the purchase can take over, and you might fall in and out of love with so many cars. What would be better, is if you made a list of what you need in a car, then see what fits your criteria. Make a note of the following:
Boot space
Do you need inbuilt Satnav?
Drive long enough journeys to need cruise control?
How many seats?
Will you have car seats that need secure anchor points?
How many doors?
Engine size
Once you have this narrowed down, the likelihood is you are going to be left with maybe 4-5 cars that actually fit what you are looking for, and you can rule at least two out on looks alone. The less choice you have, the quicker you will make the right decision
Once you have this narrowed down, the likelihood is you are going to be left with maybe 4-5 cars that actually fit what you are looking for, and you can rule at least two out on looks alone. The less choice you have, the quicker you will make the right decision
Fix Your Money
Before you head to any dealership, if you aren’t paying upfront in cash, then it is worth checking out some car finance elsewhere. When you go directly to a dealership, they like to arrange the funding too, because they receive a commission or flat fee for the loan sale. It might not actually be the best deal for you. Once you have a couple of quotes, you’ve got the knowledge that will let you leverage a better deal.
Know Your Offers
If you have seen the same car for less, with a more significant discount, cash-back offers or nice fat 0% interest rates, use that in your haggling. What you are aiming for is the best deal on the car you want, using all the information at your disposal. The dealer might not want to move much, but that is no reason not to try anyway.
Arm yourself with plenty of information in advance, and you’ll negotiate a brilliant deal - knowledge is the power of saving
