New or secondhand?
The fact is that we all want a new car (well, apart from those vintage car fanatics out there) but it’s not always the most economical choice. In fact, it loses value as soon as you drive it away from the forecourt, and if you go to sell it – especially in the near future – you have little chance of seeing an equal return from it. Getting a secondhand car is usually a good idea, as it may have only had one driver, who looked after it well and didn’t use it that often. Try to overlook any minor cosmetic issues, as you can buy professional car detailing products and fix these things up pretty easily yourself, or you could take it into a garage. The main thing is how the car runs!
What make and model?
Choosing a make and model can be one of the most difficult things to do if you only have a rough idea in your head, although some people just know what they want as soon as they start car shopping. If you’re unsure about this, it can be a good idea to go for few test drives, to get a feel for the car and whether it provides adequate comfort for you and your family. Another choice that you have to make is the model, and this isn’t only based upon the look of the car. You also need to decide what you want in your vehicle (for example, SatNavs and heated seats) which can be heavily influenced by your budget, too!
How much does it cost to run it?
Your budget when it comes to your car can be limited to how much the vehicle itself costs, and this is obviously an important thing to keep in mind. However, some makes and models are just real gas-guzzlers, and you don’t want to end up paying out a lot of money just to drive your new car around. Another cost to consider is your tax (and your insurance, potentially) so look into all of these things before you hand over any money for your perfect vehicle. You don’t want to end up throwing money at it all of the time – unless you can afford to do that, of course – as it just isn’t economical for your family in the long-run.
So, if you’re looking to find your perfect car, make sure that you follow these simple tips!