Appearances are fickle things. In love, as on the road, they pull us in and often fail to deliver.
Still, when it comes to your car hunt, you might not be able to resist the lure of the prettiest new releases. Sadly, buying a car based on appearance is guaranteed to cost you, and you may well find that you and this vehicle aren’t compatible down the line. That’s a heartbreak you can avoid by forgetting this idea of ‘love at first sight’ during your hunt.
In truth, there are plenty of ways to add style to your drive after purchase, including replacement wheels and a ceramic pro coating for cars with added shine to name a few. As such, you would do far better to seek your one true vehicle than the one that gets your heart racing on the day.
The question is, how exactly do you look past appearances when they’ve always led your car purchases until now?
READ REVIEWS BEFORE DOING ANYTHING
Buying a car on sight is the worst way to find the right vehicle, but it’s a crime many of us are guilty of. You saw that sportscar looking all pretty, and you couldn’t resist. We get it, but it’s time to nip that in the bud. A car is a significant purchase, so it’s fundamental that you take the time to research before you consider signing. Even if you see a car that looks nice, head home and read vehicle reviews, including videos, that give a detailed idea of operations. If you’re still interested after, then, by all means, head out. If not, it’s a sure sign your initial love for this car would never last.
ALWAYS ASK FOR A TEST DRIVE
When Cupid shoots his arrow, practical considerations often go out the window. Instead, you’ll likely want to sign the paperwork in the shortest time possible, but you must resist the temptation. A car can look amazing, but you can bet that a mediocre driving experience or questionable engine performance soon breaks the love spell. Asking for a test drive before doing anything drastic ensures you see past the smokescreen before you spend unnecessarily.
CONSIDER LONGEVITY
If your favored vehicle has passed the review and test drive requirements, then there’s a good chance this is more than just infatuation. Still, your last step towards true love should always be to consider longevity. Infatuation may be fantastic while it lasts, after all, but it doesn’t tend to last very long. You might love the look of that car at the moment, but how does that two-door sporty model live up to your 5-year family plan? And, can you really see yourself enjoying that sizable SUV when you’re struggling to find parking spaces? Probably not. Instead, always consider how a car will fit into your future as much as you think how well it suits your life now. Only then can be 100% certain that this the vehicle you’ve spent so long waiting for.