It’s coming to that time where I’m getting on the hunt for a new car. With Instagram full of supercars and everybody giving me all this information about this car is great and this one is not so great. The new legislation that by 2040 all cars need to be electric or hybrid. My head is whirring.
Then when I try and research I find so many different competing resources that I just don’t know where to begin. On my voyage of discovery though I’ve learnt 5 top tips for finding the right car for you.
5 Tips For Buying a Car Like a Pro
Research, research, research.
Buying a car is not easy and they shouldn’t be bought in the blink of an eye. You need to know facts about the make, model and price of the car you’re buying. I frequently check Cars.com as it’s a fantastic hub of information (see what I did there) to help you make an informed decision about your next car purchase. They even have videos and reviews too.
Their extensive reviews are just like me, blunt and to the point. They’re open and honest and if something isn’t a great performer, be prepared to know all about that too as Cars.com bring you the hard-hitting truth. It’s a great site for comparing cars too. Make sure you check it out as well as other review sites (you can read more reviews here, for instance) as part of your research as thorough research and comparisons will help you get the best price too.
Play the dealers
Don’t just stick to one dealer, they all stock a huge array of different cars at different prices, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re all competitive prices. Research some more by visiting different dealerships to get an overview of prices so you have a rough estimate.
The price isn’t the price
Just ask them what’s their best price. Haggle with them, negotiate. They’re after a sale and often dealerships are open to giving you a discount. We have a saying here in Newcastle ‘Shy bairns get nowt’ it means if you don’t ask you don’t get. Make sure you’re asking. I may have just saved you some money!
Why not see if they can offer you a better car finance deal. Check out https://www.moneyexpert.com/car-finance/ to compare the best finance deals for new cars.
Used cars
Check the number of miles on the car, this has a significant factor in the price of a car and is usually indicative of the wear and tear of the car. You don’t want to buy something with too many miles as it might end up costing you more money long term. Check out similar cars with similar miles and see which prices are best.
If you are sold a defective car then there are specialist lawyers that will help filing a lemon law claim so you’ll not be left in the dark if you turn out to buy a lemon car.
Take your time
Like I said, do your research, know what you are looking for. Then check out different dealers to make sure you’re getting the best value for money. Cars depreciate so quickly and they are money pits. Make sure you have researched every aspect and don’t just buy the first car you see!
Conclusion
As I embark on the journey to find my next car, I realize how overwhelming the process can be with the influx of information and opinions from all corners. The upcoming legislation requiring all cars to be electric or hybrid by 2040 adds another layer of complexity to the decision making process.
However, by following these five essential tips thorough research, playing the dealers, understanding that prices are negotiable, considering used cars wisely, and taking your time. I feel more prepared to make an informed choice. Whether you’re a seasoned car buyer or a first timer, these strategies can help you navigate the car-buying landscape with confidence.
Have you any great car buying tips? I’d love to know below
