New car? It’s a big purchase. Here’s how to get it right.
There are lots of benefits to buying new. As well as getting to drive around with the latest numberplate, and enjoying that lovely new car smell, when you buy brand new, get a manufacturer's warranty for an agreed period of time should anything go wrong.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Before you buy
1. Do your research: As well as researching the make and model on the manufacturer’s website or through dealerships, look at independent sources too, such as specialist car websites and magazines which give useful in-depth reviews. Fuel efficiency performance is one area where doing your homework can pay off in the long-term.
2. Book a test drive: After the test drive, note all the pluses and minuses of the drive and weigh up all your options. If you don’t like the way it feels or handles, then it’s not the one for you.
3. Choose your Add-ons: You’ll be offered a lot of extras and add-ons, such as an extended warranty, window tints, special wheels, rust and paint protection etc. Consider which ones you really need, and make sure you budget for them.
4. Bargain: Salespeople work on commission so they generally list a higher asking price than what they realistically expect to achieve. So, don’t be afraid to bargain to get a lower price.
Apart from the cost of the car, what else do I need to budget for?
When you’ve chosen your car, it’s time to run the numbers. This includes the monthly fuel costs, motor tax, repairs and any financing, so you know how much it will cost you to keep on the road, and exactly how much it will cost you in the long run. It’s also important to take depreciation into consideration. The value of the car begins to drop the minute you drive your new car away from the dealership and knowing the potential resale value of your car is important for when you eventually want to sell it or trade it in.
Finally, what about insurance?
To avoid any unexpected surprises after you’ve bought the car, you should find out how much your insurance policy will be before you buy the car. With RedClick, you can get a car insurance quote online in as little as two minutes.
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