Car buying can be a really exciting time and it can be easy to get carried away with your purchase. However, buying a car can be one of the biggest purchases you can make so it’s important its right for you and your wallet. Whether you’re a car buying veteran or you’re buying your first car, use our 6 top tips below for easy and stress-free car buying.
1.Used cars are cost-effective.
We can’t deny there’s no feeling like slipping into a brand-new car but used cars can be so much more cost-effective and there’s a seemingly endless choice of used cars on the market! Theres many benefits to getting a used car, they suffer less depreciation and hold their value better, they are cheaper to buy, can provide greater efficiency and they can have lower running costs.
2.Compare insurance quotes.
Car insurance is a legal obligation for all UK drivers so it’s important you have a premium in place. Car insurance costs can be expensive, especially if you’re a young or newly qualified driver. Your car insurance costs can also be affected by the type of car you buy and its value. Buying a higher value car will make your car insurance more expensive. This is one of the reasons as we recommended used cars. Before you commit to buying a car, you can use the registration of the car you like and put it in a car insurance quote website to see how much you could be paying, before you even buy the car!
3.Get a car that suits your needs.
Yes, a car that looks flashy and is fast to drive can be attractive but if your next car doesn’t fit your needs and requirements, it’s not a good investment. Buying a car that is fit for purpose is really important and outlining what you want from your next car before you start shopping can helps save time and money. Think about things like space, seating, and boot size. You should consider safety and security features to help protect your family and your vehicle. Mileage and range should also be on your list of requirements as how far and how often you drive can affect the type of car you buy.
4. Don’t stray from your budget.
With so many car buying options, it can be easy to get carried away and start from your car budget. However, buying an expensive which you can’t actually afford to keep and run will leave you out of pocket in the long run. Set a budget for car buying and stick to it. You may even want to factor in running costs of owning a car to ensure you’re able to meet the expenses of having a car. Running costs can include things like car insurance, road tax, breakdown cover, fuel costs, and MOT and servicing needs.
5. Improve your credit before car finance.
Many drivers now rely on some form of credit or car finance to fund their next car purchase. Car loans allow you to borrow money to get a car and pay for it in monthly instalments, over a number of years. There’s a whole range of finance options and you can explore everything from Jaguars on finance to VW finance. One of the main roadblocks to getting accepted for a car on finance is your credit score. A low credit score makes it harder to get accepted, could see you get a higher interest rate or be declined a car loan all together. If you’re planning on getting a car loan, check your credit first and improve your credit score where possible. This can help you get a better deal, have more finance options and see easier acceptances.
6.Consider all fuel types.
Petrol engine cars tend to be the most popular but drivers are now spoilt for choice when it comes to different fuel types. Before you jump straight into buying your next petrol car, have you considered electric and hybrid cars too? Your driving style, range and frequency should be considered when choosing the right fuel type for your situation. Electric cars can be good for short trips and low mileage drivers and can be cost-effective with a charge installed at home. Diesel cars tend to be best for motorway driving, high mileage or towing capabilities. Petrol cars are a good all-rounder and can suit a wide range of drivers. Make sure you check out all fuel types before you head to the dealership.
