Are you planning to buy a car soon? Congratulations, this is a milestone and one of the most significant investments youll make in your lifetime. But other than the financial investment and processes of
car loans youll go through, youll probably feel a bit of pressure in choosing the best ride for you.
Those investing in a car would want something that doesnt only have excellent gas mileage and a good look, but something that reflects who you are as a person. Its important to put more thought into this purchase so you are ensured an amazing car that lasts for years to come.
To help narrow down your options, ask yourself these questions before investing in a car:
1. What car suits my need?
Determine the kind of car you need.
Is a hatchback enough for you, or do you require a 7-seater MPV to accommodate even more passengers? Do you usually go on off-road regular drives regularly or live-in areas where the streets are bumpy?
If you need something big and strong, you may want an SUV featuring a high ground clearance. But if you don’t need a lot of room for passengers and drive on narrower roads, then a smaller sedan may be a good choice.
You might also want to think,
are volvos good cars to buy used?
Analyze your transportation needs carefully so you will feel comfortable and convenient in the long run.
2. How much is my budget?
You might be thinking about driving in the
newest sports car, but for those on tighter budgets, youll need to consider getting something more affordable. If you really want a particular brand, then you can save by investing in an older and/or used version.
As you calculate the overall costs of the car, do consider the running costs, including the fuel economy, registration, insurance, servicing, among other factors.
3. Do I get new or used?
Getting a new or used car would have its pros and cons. You can save a ton of money when purchasing something used, or you can purchase a more prestigious brand if the new prices are out of reach. That said, Im sure many of you love the feeling that you are driving a brand-new vehicle.
4. What fuel option should I get?
Once you have figured out what specific car type, manufacturer, and model to get, now its time to choose the fuel type.
There isnt only petrol and diesel, there are also other kinds of fuel options to choose from, such as CNG, LPG, and even electric.
When deciding between petrol and diesel, one of the most important considerations is the everyday running, as well as the costs of these kinds of fuels.
However, its most important to consider your daily running, and if you are running over 2,000 miles a month, its best to get diesel over petrol.
The other fuel types, such as CNG, LPG, and electric, would give amazing fuel efficiency. Electric cars offer the best range per mile, but it has a pricey upfront cost and there are still limited recharging stations.
5. How is the cars fuel efficiency?
As fuel prices continue to hike, one of the crucial priorities is to invest in a fuel-efficient car. Petrol cars can give you good mileage, while diesel cars have cheaper fuel.
CNG and LPG are very economical compared to the traditionally fueled vehicles. That said, analyze the distance you plan to cover. For those who drive short distances daily, youll want an electric car.
6. What will the resale value be?
One reason why buyers want to get more established brands is that they have excellent resale value compared to brands that are less popular. When you have been driving for years and plan to sell your car, a good resale value from reliable brands can help cover the costs of your next car.
Look into online reviews and expert websites to get a gist of the cars resale value after a certain period.
7. Are the safety features good?
Even if the government imposed mandatory safety gears in cars like reverse parking sensors, dual airbags, and the like, you have to look into those that provide maximum safety attributes. While it may be a bit pricier, you cant put a price on your safety and security, which can save a life from any future uncertainty.
Besides this, cars would have safety ratings, which you can search for online.
8. How much are the maintenance costs?
This goes under the overall cost of your car, but still a separate important question to ask. While you bought a car with amazing mileage, the overall maintenance costs may end up ruining your driving experiences.
Its best to invest in vehicles that have accessible spare components that cost less. Besides this, look into the numerical warranty period of your chosen car. Car brands may offer guarantees for a specific set of years together with unlimited miles.
Speaking of maintenance, look into the car brands service network as well, ensuring that they provide satisfying customer support.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, you learned a lot about how to choose the right car for you. Make sure that you ask these questions and conduct deep research as you get your dream car. Happy car hunting!
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences of finding a car? Share them in the comment section below, your thoughts will be much appreciated.