Car Buying Guide – tips to help you buy the right car

Buying a car is generally the second biggest purchase each of us makes in our lives. Many people fall into traps and end up buying the ‘wrong’ car for them. But there are some simple tips to make the process of buying your next car easier and to enable you to get the best car for your money.

Vehicle Choice

Look at what your needs are for your vehicle. Unless you have a good idea of this then it is very difficult to match the right car to your circumstances and finances. Consider the must have features to select the type, make and model of car that best suits your needs.

Keep in mind resale values as there will generally come a time when you will want to on-sell the car. Ask yourself how difficult it would be to sell the vehicle in a few years time.

Finance

Again do your research first before you apply for any loan. A little effort here can save a lot of time, money and effort later. Shop around for a competitive deal and don’t just accept the first loan deal because it is quick and easy. Lenders want your business so use that power to your advantage. And make sure you have a budget as to how much you can afford to spend on your car and the repayments.

Running Costs

You may be able to afford the car, but can you afford the other costs associated with owning and running a car?  Ongoing costs such as insurance, servicing and repairs vary greatly across different makes and models. Bigger cars typically require most costly registration and insurance, not to mention gas usage. Again, a little research can save a lot of cash later.

Where To Buy

Many people only ever consider buying a car from a dealership. Sure that can suit some people, but there are other popular and cheaper ways to buy a vehicle. Auctions are an increasingly popular way to buy a vehicle. Prices at auction are typically much less than that at a dealer. Yes you may not get a warranty but as long as you do your research and inspect the vehicle properly then bargains are easy to find. Private sellers are similar in that you may not get a warranty but they are eagar to sell their car so you can often get a bargain.

Independent Inspection Reports

Independent inspection reports are part of doing your research properly and they can save you a lot of money and prevent you from buying the wrong car. If you are not a mechanic then have a properly qualified mechanic give you independent advice on a particular vehicle. It is a little expense that can save you a lot.

Background Check

If buying a vehicle from a private seller or auction then do a background check on the vehicle to determine if there is any money owing on the vehicle. If you buy a vehicle that has a loan against it then often the purchaser takes over that loan.

The servicing records of the vehicle can also give you good information on the history of the vehicle and how well it has been looked after.

Signing A Contract

Anything you have agreed to with the seller must be put in writing. Don’t assume that any verbal arrangements will be adhered to. Never sign anything until it is complete, you understand it and you are happy with it. This is the time to stipulate any conditions of purchase you have to make sure you are protected. Once you sign the contract it is usually yours.

Always get a copy of all documents relating to the car and the transaction. Make sure you get copies of all servicing for the history of the car.

Insurance

Arrange your insurance BEFORE you take ownership of the vehicle and drive it as the owner for the first time. Again there are many insurance companies that want your business so shop around for a good deal.

Buying a new car should be an exciting experience. So make sure you follow these tips so that when you do buy then happiness continues.