ADVICE FOR BUYING A CAR - NEW OR USED
The motor industry like many other sectors has had to adapt the way we do business during this pandemic. The important of e-commerce has come to the fore especially during the past few months. While traditionally business is conducted in showrooms or on the forecourt, retailers have had to refocus their business to adapt to e-commerce platforms, seeing a move away from traditional forecourt sales to a strong online presence.
Previously consumers used the internet to research potential vehicle purchases and visited the showroom to complete the deal. We now see retailers providing all the necessary tools to help customers make that purchase journey online.
Under the Government restrictions vehicle service and repairs are permitted, however the sales showroom is closed with possible purchases via the online showroom.
Finance can be arranged online, trade-in values given and a click and deliver service is available. The use of video and imagery to showcase a vehicle has increased, along with the availability of online chat facilities. The method which consumers buy is changing, with the online trend accelerated by Covid-19.
Factors such as trust in the buyer and the personal experience is still very much an important element when purchasing. A vehicle is a big investment and sales people still have a major part to play in providing reassurance and answering customers queries so that they feel comfortable with their decision to buy.
Consumers are looking for a variety of things when they purchase a car, specifications and features, fuel efficiency, engine size, finance packages, warranty details. It all depends on your own personal taste and requirements, but the main thing all consumers have in common is that they are looking for value for money.
The type of car you purchase will be determined by your budget, your lifestyle choices and personal preference. There are many ways to finance a car to but what you need to look at, is the cost to change into a new/used car. Purchasing a car is a big investment and it is important to make a list of the items that you feel are important in the car of your choice.
When you find the car you are looking for, you should ask the dealer for the service history of the vehicle if it’s a used car and determine the type of warranty which is available with the car. The length of warranty, on a new vehicle is generally determined by the manufacture while a used car can be negotiated at the time of the sale.
There are also many different fuel types (petrol, diesel, conventional or plug-in hybrid or fully electric), for instance, offer different benefits and different characteristics, such as fuel consumption, emissions etc. Your choice of engine and fuel type should, ideally, take account of where you live, the mileage that you drive and of course the environmental and cost benefits.
Different drivers have different driving needs and SIMI have information available on our website that will help you understand the different technologies available, so that you can choose a vehicle suited to your driving needs www.simi.ie/ drive greener.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
For consumers looking to purchase a new or a used car, the best advice is to do your research in advance. Your local SIMI dealer will have done the checks on the car for you in advance, and will stand over what they sell. We can’t emphasis enough the importance of doing your research, when buying a car particularly a second-hand car, you need to be well informed as you are not the original owner.
Buying a car from a dealer means as a consumer you will be covered by consumer protection laws and purchases online will be covered by regulations around distance contracts and off-premises contracts which provide consumers with increased protections.
If you buy privately you are not buying from a business and are therefore not afforded the same protection i.e. in the event of something going wrong you will have no comeback so it is a case of buyer beware.
Buying a new or second-hand car is an exciting experience for car buyers and if you do your research prior to purchase you can make it a smooth process where you will have confidence that you have made the right decision for you.
TOP TIPS - DO’S
Do your research and shop around for the best deal.
Find out as much as you can about the company you are purchasing the car from. Are they an established trader with a good reputation? Member of a trade association such as the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI)?
If purchasing a used car ask about the history of the car, (number of previous owners) many dealers will provide a car history check report. The service history will show if the car has been well maintained.
Make a list of the items that you feel are important in the car of your choice, be practical as to what your needs are.
Decide on your budget and what the cost to change will be.
Depending on your travel requirements, the amount of mileage you will be doing. Will it be mainly urban or rural driving as this may determine your choice of car by fuel type, fuel economy and engine size.
Do have a checklist, of physical checks for both inside and outside of the car. Look for wear and tear on the tyres, wheel arches, are all lights work properly, seat belts, seats easy to adjust, wipers working, check the oil, any signs of leaks etc.
If purchasing a second-hand car, it is strongly advised that you get a mechanic, an auto engineer or a person with some mechanical background to inspect the car, as they will give their independent expert advice.
TOP TIPS - DON’T
Buying a car is the second biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, don’t feel pressured or rushed into buying, take your time to make your decision.
Don’t buy a car from an unknown source; make sure you are buying from a reputable and reliable company