When you’re looking at buying a new car, figuring out whether which one is right for you can be a daunting process. It helps if you’ve figured out your budget, as this can help limit your search and it’s also worthwhile considering how you plan to use the vehicle. There are a number of factors you should consider when you’re choosing a new vehicle. Some of these are:
Safety
Check your new car’s ANCAP safety rating. Having that peace of mind that comes with feeling safe in your own vehicle is priceless.
Looking into the emergency technology, such as autonomous emergency braking, that’s available with some of the newer models can help you decide which car to go with as well. Some vehicles may offer this as standard whereas others might offer it at an extra cost.
Emotional
Some people rely on what they know about a brand while deciding on a new car. Others take into consideration what the car looks like, whether it is sleek or has appeared in movies. There’s no point in driving a car that you think is ‘ugly’, but being aware of the emotional factors that influence your decisions can help you more than you’d think.
Practicality
Just because you’ve had an eye on a sports car since you were ten doesn't change the fact that you have an ageing grandparent who needs you to take them to doctor's appointments.
Knowing how many people are going to be using their car, either as passengers or drivers, can determine which vehicle you choose.
Does your new car support your lifestyle? Does it have enough space in the boot for those spontaneous camping trips down the coast? Do you regularly transport friends around?
Whether or not you’ve got enough space for your current or future plans can save you having to upgrade your car quicker than you planned. Some features to consider for your need of space include rear seats that fold down to a flat floor, the amount of legroom and whether or not child restraints can fit in the seats provided.
Running costs
You decide on a new and imported model from Japan or the latest European car. It meets all of your needs. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it?
While humblebragging to everyone about your new car, leave out the part where the service was so expensive it made you cry in front of the mechanic. Learning about the car services costs associated with an overseas or luxury model can be brutal and should be considered before purchasing.
It's also important to consider the cost of car loan repayments if you're using finance to get a new vehicle.
Car insurance
Another cost of your new car purchase to consider is insurance. The cost of insurance can increase significantly when you’re purchasing a new car. Keep an eye on the cost of insurance while shopping around for new car quotes. The price of insurance varies based on where you live, how you keep your car and how/what you use it for.
If the car is on the street your insurance premiums are going to be higher than if it was kept locked up in a garage or on your property.
