When it comes to shopping for a new car, most people fall into one of two camps. There are the auto enthusiasts who can’t wait to tour pristine showrooms and breathe in that inimitable new car smell, and there are those that are looking to complete the task as quickly as possible with minimal stress.
Whatever camp you’re in, it’s important to make the right decision. If you’re on the lookout for a new wagon, here are some pointers to bear in mind to help you decide whether to go with your head or your heart.
Your budget
Unless you have a bottomless savings pot, you’ll need to set a budget for your new car at the beginning of your search. It’s dangerous to do the sums part-way through a tour of showrooms and dealerships, as you might find that you have less to spend than anticipated, or you may have already fallen head over heels with a vehicle you can’t afford. Before you arrange any test drives or start looking at specifications or added extras, analyze your finances, weigh up your buying options, and figure out how much you want to spend. If you’re buying a car outright, there may be room for negotiation on the asking price, but it’s wise to avoid stretching yourself too far. If you’re buying on finance, look out for manufacturer offers and compare prices from different dealers to get the best deal.
Your plans
Your plans will have a significant influence on the type of car you buy. Are you looking for a car to transport the kids around or take on the school run every morning? Do you drive a lot with your job? Do you need a vehicle for work purposes? Are you searching for a car that will allow you to channel your inner rally or F1 driver and let loose and have fun? Your answers to these questions should impact the decisions you make and the type of car you buy. If you have grand plans to enhance the suspension with coilover springs, add a spoiler and invest in performance tires, you’ll probably end up buying a very different type of car to a shopper searching for a reliable vehicle for the daily city commute. Consider whether you want or need a specific type of vehicle, and look for options that cross multiple boxes if you need a more versatile car. If you have kids or pets, for example, and you commute on a daily basis, SUVs are a great option. For those who are at a point in their lives when things may change in the near future, for example, young professionals who plan to start a family in the next few years, it may be beneficial to consider a long-term hire or finance agreement, rather than buying a car, as this provides greater flexibility. After the initial term is up, you can swap to a different vehicle, which will suit your needs better.
Your responsibilities
Some drivers buy cars to have fun and enjoy the thrill of being behind the wheel, while for others, the priority is getting from A to B safely. If you’re looking for a new car, think about your responsibilities. Who are you going to be taking with you when you hit the open roads and what will you need your car for? If you use your car purely for leisure purposes or driving to work, you can afford to be a little more liberal when exploring your options. If you have children, you carry your dogs in the car with you, or you run a business and you use your car to promote your brand or transport equipment or tools, it’s important to be mindful of safety, the look of the vehicle and the impression it creates.
Space
The range of vehicles on offer today is vast. You can buy everything from sporty coupes with 2 seats to minivans and 4x4s that can transport large families and groups. Space is likely to be a factor if you’re a parent, you need room to carry a pet or machinery or equipment for work, or you have hobbies or interests such as surfing, cycling or DIY. Think carefully about how much space you need, and prioritize practicality if you’re shopping for a car that has to fit in with family life or an active lifestyle. It might seem like a fantastic idea to splash out on a cool 2-seater convertible on a sunny day, but if you need a vehicle for work, you’re not very good at traveling light, or you have passengers with you more often than not, you might regret your decision.
Experience
The decision to use your head or your heart when shopping for a car really boils down to the individual and their priorities. Some people are all about the experience and they want to have fun and enjoy the feeling of whizzing around in a car that they love. For others, buying a car is about finding a reliable, nice-looking vehicle that will transport them from one place to another without any stress or anxiety. If the experience is crucial for you, make sure you book a test drive. Test drives give you an opportunity to get a proper feel for the car and to ensure that you’re comfortable and you’re happy with the way it drives. You might find that you change your mind after a test drive if you have multiple contenders.
Shopping for cars is a highlight for many, but for some, it can be time-consuming and arduous. If you’re on the hunt for a new vehicle, there are multiple factors to consider before making a decision. It’s worth taking your time to weigh up the pros and cons of different types of vehicles and test drive a range of makes and models. Think about your lifestyle, your plans, your budget and how you’re going to use the car before you decide whether to go with your head or your heart.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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