There are thousands of cars available to buy, so how do you go about narrowing down the options and choosing the perfect addition to your driveaway? In this guide, we’ll explore some essential considerations to help you find a vehicle that crosses all of the boxes.
Undertake research
Unless you’re a self-confessed petrolhead and you spend all your time reading articles in magazines or scrolling through social feeds dedicated to motoring, you might not be aware of the full spectrum of vehicles on offer to drivers today. Before you make any decisions, it’s always beneficial to undertake research. Learn about new makes and models, compare prices, check performance and safety records, read reviews and create a short-list of vehicles you want to learn more about and test drive.
Visit dealerships
It’s useful to look online to gather information about cars and read reviews and articles, but you can only really get a feel for a car when you see it in the flesh and sit in the driver’s seat. Brochures and online galleries can be deceptive and if you’re looking at used cars, it can be difficult to get an idea of condition and aesthetics from reading a brief description. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, visit car dealerships, have a look at different makes and models, get some more information about features and specifications and note down prices.
Lifestyle factors and features
One of the most important considerations when buying a used or new car is your lifestyle. How do you plan to use the vehicle and what are your priorities? Do you commute long distances? Are you looking for a speedy, compact economical car to drive in the city? Do you have children or pets? Are you looking for a car that has space for business equipment or gear for outdoor pursuits? If you have a family, and you plan to use your car primarily for the school run and going to work, you may have a very different wish-list to a driver who lives in the middle of a city or an owner who is looking for a vehicle to transport tools or bikes or surfboards, for example.
Book test drives
If you have a short-list of vehicles that appear to cross all of the boxes, the next step is to book test drives. It’s crucial to sit in the car and go for a drive so that you can assess the driving experience and make sure that you’re comfortable. You might find that the front-runner is much less comfortable than another vehicle you’ve been considering, for example. A test drive will help you choose your favorite and ensure that you don’t get any unexpected surprises once you’ve driven the car away.
Are you looking to replace your car? If so, it’s beneficial to take the time to research makes and models, to figure out your priorities, to weigh up different options and arrange test drives. Don’t rush into making offers or snapping up deals without ensuring that you’re 100% happy with the vehicle.
