What must you consider when changing your car?

Buying a new car can be one of life’s major moments. Very few in society could simply stroll into a showroom and pinpoint the new motor they want. No longer are we restricted to the standard two-way decision of diesel or petrol that divided us all in the past, now we must factor in a variety of considerations.

Planning will produce great results during this decision, but how do you pick a new car, especially in an era when we are presented with such a myriad of options? Here with Lookers, retailers of used smart cars, we look at all the things you should bear in mind before signing on the dotted line picking up those new keys.     

The Commute

The excruciating pain of spending your Monday morning stuck in traffic on your way to work is compounded even further as you take heed of the fuel gauge pin slowly trickling towards empty. Petrol is less economical in terms of miles per gallon, but the initial outlay for a diesel car will usually be significantly larger and you will notice that extra 3-5p per litre each time you’re at the pumps if you do opt for diesel.

If you’re going to be spending your days driving through the city, filtering your search down to smaller cars might be the more sensible option — taking into consideration parking restrictions and potential congestion charges if you’re travelling in and out of the capital.

If the inner-city commute is the exact opposite of your circumstances, and daily journeys could result in hundreds of miles being tallied up, diesel cars are synonymous with the ability to withstand upwards of 200,000 miles on the clock with little to no repercussion.

On the other hand, if the car is going to be catering for the needs of the family, space is more than likely going to be the driving factor behind the choice. Ensuring that child seats are compatible is a must before purchasing, but all these details should be available on the manufacturer’s website. Similarly, test out the boot size and be confident that the golf clubs — or shopping bags — will fit in with ease.

As previously mentioned, its no longer a two-horse race – internal combustion engines (ICE) are starting to face stiff competition from electric cars. Long gone are the days where going for electric meant ditching class on the roads, with options ranging from the inner city Smart fortwo EQ to the larger SUV, the Audi e-Tron. The government, with plans to halt sales of all new ICE vehicles by 2040, are currently offering grants and financial incentives for those willing to make the switch.

Finance

Parting with our hard-earned cash is never an easy feat. However, when we do, we must be content that we’ve made the right decision. The first thing to do before committing a full-day Saturday to trooping around the showrooms is establish a budget — there’s no point wasting time sifting through unrealistic options.

Paying upfront isn’t an option available for everyone, and even if it is, the added extras that come along with purchasing a new car can sometimes be forgotten. If you are going to choose a finance option as opposed to paying in cash, ensure that the monthly repayments are affordable and aren’t going to break the bank.

Studies have shown that buying a car that left the showroom 12 months previously could return savings of up to 27%. The first year’s depreciation is undoubtedly the largest and within that period, one with reasonable mileage shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Purchasing a car second hand has its obvious benefits, most of which are driven towards the enormous savings made, however then you face choosing between buying private or from a dealership. Picking a car up from a private seller can be cheaper but you aren’t guaranteed a thorough vehicle check. Most reputable dealerships will offer a warranty and, although combined with the initial price of the car this may seem expensive.  It does however provide you with a priceless peace of mind. 

And don’t forget...

 ‘Only two things in life are certain, life and tax.’ This age-old saying resonates amongst drivers in 2019 as the government has placed further emphasis on restricting carbon emissions. Tax is calculated by the age of the car as well as the engine size and type. It is certainly something worth considering when purchasing a new car, with some falling under the emissions threshold and totally avoiding vehicle taxation.

Aux ports, built-in GPS, and Bluetooth are just a few of the mod-cons we have become accustomed to in our car, to ensure that our driving experience is made as comfortable and stress free as possible. However, despite being a general theme throughout modern vehicles, not all come as standard — and for those doing those motorway miles, cruise control is an added extra to look out for.

Finally, it may seem like the most obvious of statements, but does the car suit you? Take it for a test lengthy test drive, make sure you feel comfortable behind the wheel and the car runs smoothly. If the car is going to be for the kids as well, it’s definitely worth bringing them along because no room in the back will only result in a pain in your neck!

Buying a new car is never easy, and as we’ve detailed, there are so many alternatives that require your attention before you can make the decision, but hopefully this guide can steer you in the right direction.