No matter if you are a first-time driver or an expert, buying a car is a task you need to put a lot of thought into. It involves many aspects from budget to personal preference and what you want out of the car. If you are currently in the market to buy a new car, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know about buying a car and what to look for to ensure you are getting the most for your money.
The preferred manufacturer and model
When you are in the market for a new car, you will most likely need to decide which brand of car you want as your first step. Deciding on a brand might boil down to the reliability, deals, or features that the brand offers. For example, you might want to purchase your car from Allen Hyundai due to a good deal or you might want to purchase one to be shipped from another country because of its limited make or model. Ultimately, you will need to decide what make and model you want before looking.
Decide a budget
Your budget will dictate what car you can get and whether you can purchase your desired model new or used. Determining a budget will help narrow your search and make it much easier. You may decide to purchase it in one payment or pay monthly. Either way, you need to make sure you can afford the payment(s) and the additional costs that come with a car – insurance, tax, petrol, servicing, etc.
Going to view the car
After deciding what make and model you want and your budget, it will be time to go and view the car. Whether it’s at a car dealership or someone local, you need to ensure the place is verified and are offering you the best deal. There are lots of price comparison sites to ensure your money is being well spent. When you are at the garage or place of purchase, you will need to make a checklist of things.
For things to look over when deciding if the car is right for you and worth the money, here are the things to look for before handing over your money (especially if it’s used):
Interior and exterior design
You will want to look at the exterior bodywork if you are buying a used car, as there might be dents, rust, or chips. These will need to be reported to you when you show interest in buying the car. If they aren’t, you should ask for a lower offer or look elsewhere. You will not want to be paying extra to knock out a dent or repaint a door. Similarly, you will want to ensure the interior seats and trims are in good shape and do not show any signs of damage that you will need to repair.
Test the electrics
All cars come with some kind of electrical equipment. Whether it’s a basic car and you need to look over the windscreen wiper functioning, or it’s a luxury car and it has an entertainment system, you will want to test the electrics. You will most likely be fonder of a car with more modern features, such as an infotainment system and cool functions, so ensuring they work will make sure your money is being well spent. You will be gutted if you think you are driving away with a top-of-the-range music system and it doesn’t work.
Comfort and Space
You will want your new car to be functional and convenient, and this comes with its cabin space. Sitting in the vehicle and pretending it’s yours will help you understand if there is enough space for you. Testing the trunk space will also be important for those who regularly carry goods. You will need enough space to feel comfortable driving, as well as carrying passengers. Comfort is key after all.
Test the tires
Tires have been a vehicle’s most important safety feature for more than 100 years. After all, they are a vehicle’s only contact with the road. Even the brawniest engine, strongest brakes and most advanced anti-skid system are at the mercy of the tire’s grip on the road. Ensuring the tires are in good shape, not worn, and can withstand your level of driving will guarantee no issues when you drive away from the garage.
Vehicle history
An inspection of the vehicle service history is crucial and could save you a lot of money and issues in the future. A logbook will show you any previous incidents, repairs, and issues. Any history is therefore important, but as a car gets older and its value drops, the history makes less and less of a difference, unless it’s a prestige or luxury model.
You should only consider buying a car with a full, documented service and maintenance history. For example, if you’re thinking of purchasing an Impreza WRX, it makes sense to look at cars with a vehicle history from a Subaru repair shop for added peace of mind.
Avoid cars with no vehicle history or examples where the owner says they “did their own servicing and repairs.” That’s because you have no written proof that any of the work got carried out, especially crucial maintenance jobs like cambelt changes.
Buyers will always gravitate towards a car with history as it provides peace of mind, but the age and brand of a car can make a significant difference.
Engine function
It is best to make these exams with engine-related components. Dirt and buildup are the excuses; however, be cautious inside the match, which you see oil splattered about or at the black-top below the engine compartment. Furthermore, look after battery made sure about with disintegration, or wires, and loose hoses. If you are buying a new car, ensure the engine is what you are looking for in terms of speed and power.
Mileage
The mileage on a car will tell you how long the car has left. Every car has a maximum mileage count. There are various ways you can test the mileage of a used car. Foremost, look after the manufacturing date of a vehicle. The number of road runs of a car can be examined with a brake disk. Generally, no owner will replace the component if done so; the car is old enough to provide lousy mileage. Subsequently, the compression pressure provides accurate data on the mileage of a car.
Car Accident Lawyer
Last but not least, make sure to save the contact details for a car accident lawyer, just in case you need one. Accidents do happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is possible to submit a compensation claim even if you are partially to blame in many instances. Click here to learn more about how it works. Buying a car is the start of a journey. Being prepared in the event of an accident is the way to go.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more menswear inspiration.
(Some of these links may contain affiliate links, so that means if you click and buy something, I get a cut. It helps keep the site going! Full Disclosure)