The car market seems to be in a constant state of growth with new models and designs seemingly being introduced every week. It can all be incredibly confusing when you’re in the market for a new car and trying to work out which one might suit you best.
How to Choose Your Next Car
One way to cut through the confusion is to take a simple step by step approach to figuring out exactly what you need and narrowing down the available options.
What Do You Need
If you have children or are planning to have them in the near future, your automotive needs are going to be quite different. The right vehicle can make the business of getting your young child – along with all the necessary accessories such as diapers, snacks and toys – from A to B far simpler.
Your choice may also be more significantly influenced by safety issues. Few buyers who are in the market for two-seater sports cars bother to compare crash ratings, but once you start carrying more precious cargo, you’ll want to know that you’re making the most sensible choice.
As your children get older, your needs will change once again. Young teenagers are likely to see you as an on-demand taxi service, so economy may be a greater consideration than it was in the past. You’ll also have to face the prospect of your children using the vehicle to learn to drive themselves.
What Can You Afford
The biggest deciding factor when it comes to choosing a new family car is likely to be how much money you have available to spend. Bear in mind that you may be able to shave a significant sum off the dealer price if you are a good negotiator. At the same time, be wary of adding on too many options as these can dramatically increase the final figure.
As well as working out the repayments, you’ll also need to know exactly how much should a car downpayment be for the vehicle of your choice so you’ll be able to ensure you have the right amount saved up. Generally speaking, the more you can put down in advance, the better the interest rate you will be offered on the money you borrow.
What Else Will You Have to Pay
Calculating the true cost of a car means looking beyond the sticker price. While one vehicle might be much cheaper than another at the outset, the costs of ownership between them could vary to the extent that the more expensive vehicle actually ends up costing less in the long run.
Taking into account factors such as depreciation, the cost of insurance, maintenance and, of course, fuel consumption can dramatically change the way you view a particular vehicle. You also need to factor in how much the car will be worth in a few years’ time, especially if you plan to upgrade to a new model. Taking a long, rather than a short-term view of what you need to pay is the best way to ensure you drive away with a true bargain.
