Buying a car is a huge commitment and a decision not to take lightly. It needs to suit your lifestyle, your driving style and most importantly your budget.
It can be a daunting task. There are an overwhelming number of choices to choose from. From the colour, make, engine size and drivability to name a few.
To help you begin your search, we have compiled a list of steps for you to follow to make this the easiest purchase you ever made.
- Deciding what you need
The main priority for your new car should be practicality. It needs to adapt to your lifestyle with ease. For example, which roads do you use most often? City, highway or off-roads? You need a car that will be suitable to travel on the roads you use most often. Do you often have more than one passenger? If not then maybe a two-seater car would be more suitable. If you have children, what safety features will you require? Will it require a lot of maintenance? It’s common sense stuff, but it will be vital when choosing the right car. Make a checklist of everything you need and start from there. Always be practical with your choices.
- Setting a budget
Unless you are paying for your car with cash, you will probably need to set up a finance or payment plan before you start. Allocate how much you can realistically spend per month and stick to it. Also, take into account the other items you will need to buy once you have the vehicle, such as gas and car insurance. Take your chosen budget and your essential checklist to a local dealer and ask them to help you find the most suitable cars for you. Maybe also consider leasing if you need a car, but cannot afford to buy one.
- Research
Thorough research will help you throughout your car buying journey. This research will allow you to look at deals and promotions, reviews on cars and help you find reputable dealers. You can use the internet, car magazines and brochures to build a wider knowledge of what’s available to you. You can also use your research to find brand new models that are available, such as the 2016 Subaru models. Some dealerships will often have different promotions for their store and website, so it’s wise to shop around for the best deal. The internet is easier if you are short of time, but in a store you may be able to slightly lower the price and get additional extras that won’t be available online.
Having your heart set on a particular model can be a good and bad thing. It’s best to keep an open mind. There may be a similar car with identical features that is cheaper. Many websites will offer a comparison feature where you can see vehicles side by side. It will tell you all the important information and compare the price.
Reviews are a great way of finding out how a car drives and where is the best place to find what you want. Look out for common problems with specific models. You don’t want to have any nasty surprises.
These three steps should help you begin your journey to finding your dream car. Never compromise on what is essential to you and don’t go over budget. Now find the car that’s perfect for you!
