How do I decide which car to buy?
Well, first you need to know what you want from it. Do you need a car with good fuel economy, one that’s big enough for the whole family, or are you just after one that looks really cool on your driveway?
Buying a car is a big decision for any of us, there are lots of considerations that apply to us all such as fuel type or price, but then we’ll all have a different set of priorities that impact the car we purchase. Perhaps you need a car with good fuel economy, one that’s big enough for the whole family, or are you just after one that looks really cool on your driveway? Having these priorities lined up is crucial in helping you decide which car is the right one for you, with a purchase this big, you will want to make sure the car has everything you’re looking for before you park it up on the driveway.
Our helpful guide gives contemplation to some of the things you should consider when looking for your next car.
What size car is best?
This is unique to each driver as it will depend on what you view your car’s main purpose as.
Perhaps you’re searching for a car that can easily navigate city roads and tight parking spaces, if this is the case, there are plenty of compact cars on the market, if this is what you’re looking for, but you’d like a little more room for passengers or to transport items, you could consider a compact SUV.
For first-time drivers, they might be looking for a car that’s economical and easy to handle, so again it might be worth considering compact cars or a hatchback.
Perhaps you’re looking for a car with plenty of space, or even a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for ease with number of passengers, seating configurations or even loading area.
Which car is best for practicality?
Again, this will depend on what you want your car to do for you. If you’re often loading car seats or have a family with young children, then a three-door car may not be the most practical option, 5 door gives more flexibility and makes it much easier for the kids to get in and out.
If you love the great outdoors or have lots of hobbies that require equipment to be carried out, then you might want to consider an estate or SUV, as there’s more space to carry your bikes, fishing rods, or camping gear.
If make regular long journeys, then the most practical car for you may be one that is fuel efficient, helping you to save money on fuel.
How do I know if a car is comfortable?
If you frequently go for long drives in your car, then comfort might be one of your main priorities when deciding which car to buy. For example, if you have a commute to work each day, you don’t want to be stuck in an uncomfortable car. Factors such as the interior material of the car, the amount of support the seats offer, and your driving position inside the car should all be considered.
The adjustability of the seat is also important, so that you can find the perfect position for driving.
Lots of cars on the market today have lots of customisation options, allowing you to pay extra for different trims, so you can opt for more comfortable interiors at an additional cost.
How do I know if a car is reliable?
Buying a car is a long-term investment, so you’ll want to be sure you choose a car that stands the test of time, helping to avoid any unexpected costs. If you are considering a used car there are a couple of things you can do to get a sense of the car’s reliability, you should take a look at the vehicle’s service and MOT history, has it failed for any major reasons, and whether has it been well cared for? Enquire about warranty cover and service plans when you’re purchasing a vehicle to help make sure it’s protected.
Don’t automatically assume that the most expensive makes of cars will be the most reliable; there are plenty of vehicles at the lower end of the price scale that rank well for reliability. Do some research into each car to assess its reliability, including reading reviews and consumer reports
How do I know if a car is fuel efficient?
If your main priority is saving money over the lifetime of your vehicle, then have a look at some of the most economical cars. Look for cars with good fuel economy and low carbon emissions to choose a vehicle that won’t break the bank to run. Ferraris and Lamborghinis might be some of the best sports cars out there, but they’re certainly not the most economical cars to run - not a problem if fuel costs aren’t an issue.
Look for lightweight vehicles to pick out the most economical cars and think about choosing a diesel engine which generally returns a better MPG than petrol options. Many new cars also come with additional features to help improve their economy, such as Start/Stop systems.
How to choose an affordable car?
Affordability very much depends on your circumstances - what can you comfortably manage to spend? When you’re factoring in costs, don’t just think of the price of the vehicle, but also consider any additional charges and how much it costs to run. Low-insurance cars can help you to reduce the costs of keeping your car on the road, as can a good MPG.
Factors such as the initial value of the car, the cost of its parts in case of repair, the car’s performance, and how secure it is all play a part in deciding the insurance costs of the vehicle. Buying a vehicle from a low insurance car group can certainly result in big cost savings, year after year and there are other things that you can do to try to lower the cost of insuring your car.
How do I know what safety features a car has?
Safety should be a priority for any car buyer, whether you have a family, are a first-time driver, or often travel alone. The safety features of a car should be listed in the specification.
Modern cars tend to have lots of advanced features, such as park assist, ABS, blind spot warning systems, and tyre pressure monitoring systems, as well as multiple airbags around the inside of the car.
You may want to consider the exterior of the vehicle, too, and how strong it is, indicating how well it will hold up against impact.
For those with young children, most modern cars have Isofix points in the back of the car so you can easily and securely fit a child’s car seat.
A helpful safety feature in all cars, not just the best first cars, is Bluetooth connectivity which removes the temptation to fiddle with your mobile phone while on the move.
