GUIDELINES TO BUYING A CAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE YOU WANT.
2. NEW OR USED?
3. EVALUATE THE VALUE ADDS
4. SEARCH THE NET
5. CONSIDER COLOUR
6. FUEL CONSUMPTION TO THE FORE
8. PICK A BRAND
9. THE TEST DRIVE
10. FINALLY... PICK A RIDE
(Wisebuyer's Guides): "Buying a car requires commitment. The two of you are going to
be seeing a lot of each other, so it's best if you're happy. There's a lot of money at
stake, so you don't want to be disappointed."
So where do you start? How do you pick the vehicle that's perfect for you? Should it
be something practical and sensible or something wild and wicked? And how do you
know you haven't selected a complete lemon?
Follow this ten-point guide and chances are excellent that you will meet your dream
date (in terms of wheels that is).
1. Decide what type of vehicle you want.
There are so many different kinds of vehicles on the market, and your choice
(a sedan, hatchback, coupe, 4x4, pickup, "green" vehicle, sports car or SUV)
will be defined by your motoring requirements. Ultimately, there is no right or
wrong choice: the type of vehicle you select is dependent entirely on your
individual needs and budget.
2. New or used?
We all dream of buying a brand new set of wheels, complete with that incredible new
car smell but in reality used cars often offer a good value for money proposition. If
you cannot afford a new car, invest in a low mileage used car instead. But make sure
you buy a car with a full service history (a service history is a record of all the
mechanical work that has been done to the car). And only buy from a reputable
organisation. Resist that unbelievable bargain at all costs; remember… if the deal
appears too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Evaluate the value adds
All cars come with extra bits and pieces. We're not talking about dangling dice and
fluffy seats; we're referring to 'value-adds' such as service plans and warranties.
These can vary significantly from car to car and, when things go wrong, they can
make a huge difference. A warranty generally covers all the major mechanical items
on the car – ideally, you want a warranty that is available for as many years and
kilometres as possible. The same can be said of a service or maintenance plan –
you want it to be valid for as long as possible, so that you have peace of mind and
know that you won't have any unexpected motoring expenses that will blow your
monthly budget out of the water.
4. Search the Net
The Internet is a wonderful source of information on your potential car.
Google whatever cars interest you and see what pops up. If that car is
unreliable, you will find loads of motorists complaining about it on consumer
sites. You will be able to read reviews by independent motoring journalists
too, which could steer you in the right direction.
5. Consider colour
Colour is important due to resale values. Cars in popular colours may be
easier to sell and boast better resale value. When deciding on colour, also
bear in mind that certain colours are more popular in certain markets than
others.
6. Fuel consumption to the fore
Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to investigate the facts and the
figures. It costs an arm and a leg to fill a fuel tank – so how economical is
your potential car? A sports car may accelerate faster than a rocket, but
remember that it may gulp down fuel just as fast. Similarly, a vehicle such as
a large saloon or SUV will typically be thirstier than a small hatchback or
sedan. That's because bigger cars are generally a bit heavier, so while they
do offer sensational versatility and practicality, there is a price to pay at the
fuel pump. There may also be a price to pay in terms of CO2 emissions.
7. Safety features are important
We have a whole chapter devoted to the vital issue of safety. Decide which
safety features are the most important to you and ensure that your new car
has these features before you make your purchase.
8. Pick a brand
Now that you have decided what type of vehicle you'd like, and whether
you're going the new or used route, it's time to nail your colours to the brand
mast of your choice. This can be a tough one: you may be tempted by the
bargain basement pricing options of some lesser known brands or the
glamour of an exotic one. It's very important to be sensible in this regard
though. Deal with a company with a proud heritage, one that has been
around for a while and has an excellent reputation for delivering quality
products. You're making a substantial investment, so only deal with a
company that is ethical.
9. The test drive
Once you've decided on a short list of vehicles, you need to take each one
for a test drive. The single most important question you need to ask yourself
is this: would I be comfortable and happy in this vehicle every day for the
next few years? It's a good idea to test drive the car on roads that you will
typically drive on once you have purchased a vehicle. If, for instance, you
spend most of your time in the city, ensure that your test route includes
driving on busy city roads.
10. Finally... pick a ride
So you have made your decision. You have decided which car to buy. The
last factor you need to take into consideration is the specific model. Cars are
generally available in a range – models within that range will differ in terms
of engine capacity and specification level. Carefully compare the models
within the range. Do you really need a bigger (and often thirstier) engine? Do
you need the luxury specification level? Are electric windows really
necessary at the back of the car (will you use the back seat)? What safety
features are on offer with each specific model? Remember: the bigger the
engine and the more luxurious the car, the higher its price tag.