Questions to ask before buying a car

If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, you may be wondering how you can narrow down all the options. Check out our quick guide, to help you find the right car for you.

Does it meet your budget?

Making sure your new car fits comfortably within your budget is a good first step. We’re not just talking about the upfront costs here, but the ongoing costs as well.

Is your car a European model? You might have to pay extra to have spare parts freighted from overseas? And what about fuel economy? Do you have your heart set on a V8 that will guzzle the gas at a high rate?

None of these features is ‘bad’; you just need to make sure you have factored them into your ongoing budget, to make sure the car is affordable for you, now and in the future.

How does it feel?

While the fuel economy or safety rating may be more important considerations, if it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not the car for you. Check the seat height: you need to feel comfortable in the driver’s seat, to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Can you see past the post between the drivers-side window and the windscreen, or does it create a blind spot?

What about the height of the vehicle, and where the centre of gravity is? If you’re a coffee drinker – how close is the coffee cup holder to your reach.

Make sure you take each potential car for a test drive, to ensure it really feels right for you.

What do others say?

While you will want to make your own decision about what car is right for you, there’s no harm in reading some reviews. Getting some first-hand feedback from people who own or have driven the car you’re looking at buying, might help you make the decision.

They will be able to tell you what it really costs to run and what some of the downsides to the vehicle are, as well as the positives about it. You may really love the car, but if it has bad reviews, you might want to consider another option.

Websites such as www.carjam.co.nz can help you narrow the choices down, as they offer reviews on a range of makes and models. Remember: doing some homework first can help you choose the right vehicle for your lifestyle and budget.

Any technology features?

Technology plays a big role these days and most new cars are fitted with a range of mod-cons. Before you buy, check out what your vehicle offers, and maybe look around to see if there are other vehicles that offer mod-cons better suited to your needs and lifestyle.

If you’re constantly in and out of the car, with your hands full, you might want to look at cars that offer keyless boot entry. If you like to drive with the windows down and music blasting, or even if you like a gentle classical piece playing in the background, check out cars with Bluetooth for your music. That way, you can listen to what you really love, without having to change songs on a CD all the time.

Make a list

Cars are an individual choice, but it can be hard deciding on the right one for you. Make a list of what’s important for you before you go (window) shopping, to help narrow down the options.

And when you’re ready to talk about your car loan, please get in touch: our team at Loanspot is here to help you find the right car finance option for your needs.

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Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure the content is correct, the information provided is subject to continuous change. Please use your discretion and seek independent guidance before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.