What to look out for when buying your next car

Buying a new car – fresh from the dealership or used – can be a daunting experience at times. However, there’s no reason why buying your next car can’t be a smooth and pleasant operation.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind when selecting and buying your next car.

Get a budget in mind

Before you go anywhere, it’s worth deciding how much you can spend. Take a look at some examples of the kind of car you’re interested in and get a ballpark figure to start with.

But remember, it’s not just the cost of the car. You also have to factor in how much it’ ll cost to tax, fill up and insure.

Research at home first

Use the internet to your advantageand do as much research as you can before buying your next vehicle. Have a look at reviews, browse the manufacturers’ sites, and even check out an owner’s club to gain more information.

Don’ t be afraid to ask questions

Once you’ve finally ventured to the dealership, don’ t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re buying a brand new car, it could be worth asking about lead times and how long it would take you to arrive( particularly important at the moment given the impact of component shortages.

And if you’ re looking at a used car, then this is a prime opportunity to find out more about the car’s history.

Give everything a press

Once you’ re able to have some time with the car you’re interested in it’s a great time to make sure its features and controls feel right to you. With a used car this is particularly important as it gives you a chance to make sure that everything is working as it should.

Take the test drive

A test drive is often seen as the most exciting part of the whole buying process, but it’s also an incredibly important section.It’ s a time when you can take in as much as you can about how a car drives and how the controls feel. Check aspects such as visibility and also the ride comfort – you’ll have to live with this car every day, after all.

Consider your finance options

Cash, or hire purchase or a bank loan are the most traditional finance methods. Leasing will also see you pay monthly – though you won’t own the vehicle at the end of the term.

Or, you can have the option to keep the carat the end of the contract if you opt for a a personal contract payment (PCP) .