GET A BETTER DEAL WHENnd BUYING A CAR
Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off…
IS A CAR LOAN FROM THE DEALER THE BEST WAY TO GET FINANCE?
Don’t automatically get your loan from the car dealership where you wish to buy your car – it might not be the best deal for you. Instead, do your research first by comparing loans online. There are a number of options available, from a secured car loan to hire purchase. Compare at finance.co.nz.
CONSIDER ELECTRIC Should you make the switch to an electric vehicle? Weigh up the costs: Yes, electric vehicles can be expensive; the challenge for car manufacturers is in keeping battery costs down. If you look at it long-term, though, you will get savings from that initial investment as electric vehicles are cheaper to run. And, of course, an electric vehicle will create a lower carbon footprint over the course of its lifetime.
DON’T FALL FOR SHINY & NEW
Yes, that new car on the ad looks very attractive, but consider “as new” instead. According to Consumer NZ, new cars typically lose around 30% of their value in the first three years. Some lose more than this, while other popular models (private sales, not fleet models) often lose less. As a result, it’s possible to save on a newish second-hand car.
ASK FOR THE USEFUL ADDED EXTRAS IN THE TOTAL PRICE
Do you really need paint protection and rust-proofing? You don’t if it’s a new car as that’s already done on the production line. Don’t fall for useless added extras. The ones you should consider include floor mats and a full-size spare tyre. Consider mentioning these when making that final purchase.
As an expectant mother in the market for a new car, my family’s safety is my top priority. Even the most skilled drivers can encounter hazards or make mistakes, so it’s essential to consider your vehicle’s crash avoidance capabilities to safeguard yourself, your loved ones and others.
While your car’s crash avoidance features aren’t a substitute for keeping a careful eye on the road, they can help prevent crashes which commonly involve leaving the road, losing control on bends and head-ons.
Data from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi shows that between 2011 and 2020, these type of crashes accounted for 67% of deaths and serious injuries in Aotearoa.
Read on for our guide on crash avoidance features to look out for when buying a vehicle, and visit rightcar.govt.nz to research all car models’ features and safety ratings.
CRASH AVOIDANCE FEATURES TO KNOW
Automatic Emergency Braking
This system automatically slows your car if it detects that a crash is about to occur. Some AEB systems are designed for low-speed driving, like around town, others work at high-speed, such as on motorways.
These braking systems are proven to prevent or reduce injuries in head-on and rear-end collisions, which are some of the leading causes of death or serious injury on our roads.
Intelligent Speed Assistance
Another feature to look out for, this system helps you keep within the speed limit, alerting you whenever the speed limit changes or if you’re driving over the limit.
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
These systems help prevent your car from drifting out of its lane and colliding with another vehicle. Lane Departure Warning alerts you if your car starts to drift, while Lane Keeping Assist gently steers it back into the lane.
Blind-spot Monitoring
A helpful feature that can assist you avoid collisions by using sensors to alert you when other vehicles are potentially in your blind spots. Since all cars have these visual black holes, having an extra headsup makes sense.
Rear Collision Warning
Finally, look for vehicles with Rear Collision Warning. This feature can alert you whenever traffic, pedestrians or other obstacles and hazards are behind your car, allowing you to brake just in time.
WOF vs SAFETY RATING
Many people think having a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is enough for their car, but a WoF only tells you if it meets the minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. It does not tell you how well your car will protect you in a crash.
Vehicle safety ratings are the best indication of how safe people will be in a crash. The higher the rating, the safer you and your family will be. To check a car’s crash avoidance features, safety rating and other helpful info, like fuel economy and emissions, visit rightcar.govt.nz.