Buying a new car is an important decision—definitely among the biggest ones you can make! The car you eventually buy will be more of a companion, so make the best decision possible.
However, there is a wide range of models and options to pick from. The beautiful but also complicated feature-rich cars only add to the frustration of having to decide what model is actually the best one for you. Where do you exactly begin?
This article covers the most important things to consider when buying a new car. Your budget, the size/kind of car you want to buy, safety ratings, fuel type, and reliability are the most important.
However, some less-known factors might also influence your final decision. Check out this article, which will run through all of it.
By the end of this article, you will have a list of things to check. You will also be sure of what model you are getting. So, let’s go ahead with the first factor!
Factors To Consider When Buying a New Car
There are a lot of options for cars these days. They come in different varieties, with various budgets and specific features. If you are intent on making the right choice, here are the factors to consider when buying a new car.
1) Budget: Make Sure You Can Afford It
Price is the primary factor to consider when buying a new car. First, determine an amount you can afford to spend.
Flashy new cars with innumerable features are fun to fantasize about! But you don’t want to end up over your head with payments you will struggle with.
Car manufacturers like to show the ex-showroom prices, but in reality, they add things like handling charges and insurance when we visit the showrooms!
So, when setting your budget, don’t just think about the sticker price. You will also have things like insurance, taxes, fees, fuel, and maintenance costs. Calculate these prices so you know what your true monthly costs will be.
2) Features & Specfications
Once you know your budget, research car models within your price range. Compare features and specs across different cars. See what they all have in common at similar price points.
Check the engine and its capacity to see whether you want a large-capacity engine or a small engine. One car has many different versions, so ensure you know what features you will get at your price point.
Take your time driving and reading reviews. You can check critic videos on YouTube as well. They review, compare, and rate the cars in detail. There are many YouTube channels where you will find reviews of different segments of a car.
So, a little extra effort and knowledge upfront will help you in the long run. Thorough research is important for feeling confident about your choice.
3) Don’t Forget To Test Drive
The most important part of your research is getting behind the wheel. Nothing compares to experiencing how a car drives and feels in person. Make time to test some out before choosing.
Spend time getting comfy in the seats, checking out the tech features, and seeing how maneuverable it is in parking lots. Pay attention to the ergonomics, too – how the buttons are laid out or the visibility aspects.
Get a detailed overview of the car from the salesperson before making any decisions.
4) Type of The Car
Think about how and where you will use your car most. Will you be hauling stuff often? Do you need room for friends or your big family? Will you drive in the city often, or will you travel and take road trips in your car?
Hatchbacks are awesome for tight parking spots, but they have less cargo space. These cars do not have many powerful options to choose from. SUVs give you extra passenger and storage versatility, but they are not great for solo commuting.
Sedans have a sleeker profile for highway cruising and road trips, but their ground clearance is very low. If roads are often broken in your area, a sedan may not be for you! Carefully weigh your options and your needs before choosing the type of car you want to buy.
Hence, the type is also one of the crucial factors to consider when buying a new car!
5) Loans and Monthly Payments
If you’re going the financing route, research interest rates from different lenders before deciding. Understanding your estimated monthly payment (EMI) is key so you don’t accidentally overextend yourself.
Ask many questions, too – like how much extra you will pay in interest going with a longer loan term versus a shorter one. Car loans are no joke, so go in and be informed about all the payment details. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise down the line.
6) Fuel Type: Think About What Works Best
Consider things like your typical daily commute distance when choosing a fuel type. Petrol is standard, but diesel, CNG, and electric can save you money on fuel costs, depending on your needs.
Petrol is easy to find in petrol pumps, but it is less efficient, and drivers can opt for this if they use the car occasionally. Diesel has better mileage for highway driving. Most drivers opt for diesel as it is much cheaper than petrol and also because they use the vehicle frequently.
CNG and electric cars are cheaper to fill up. You can charge your electric car at home.
Figure out what works best with your routine before ruling anything out. You will be stopping for fuel a lot over the car’s lifespan, so that cost adds up, too.
7) Type of Transmission (Auto or Manual) – What’s Your Style?
Consider where and how you will drive most when choosing between an automatic or manual transmission.
Autos are convenient for stop-and-go traffic jams since you don’t have to mess with the clutch. It is a more comfortable ride and an option for drivers who are hesitant about driving a manual car.
Also, automatic cars are more expensive than manual cars. Manual cars give you more control on country roads or highways if you enjoy an engaging drive. Test both to see which fits your vibe behind the wheel.
8) Safety
Safety is another important factor to consider when buying a new car. Checking things like crash test ratings should be one of your top priorities. The Tata Harrier is the safest car, according to Global NCAP ratings.
Features like ABS, six airbags, stability control, and advanced braking systems can save your life in the worst-case scenario. Safety features like autonomous emergency braking, motion detectors, rearview cameras, and fog lights may be more expensive, but your peace of mind is worth it.
9) Resale Value
Resale value is another factor to consider when buying a new car.
It is always beneficial to keep in mind that unexpected life circumstances could force the sale of your vehicle sooner than planned. Brands and models that retain their value better mean less hassle if you sell your car.
Additionally, if you wish to exchange your car in the future, then this resale value will be beneficial for you. It not only ensures that you will get a good return when you sell your car but also helps with a smooth transition to the next vehicle.
10) Reliability
When making such a large investment, you should consider how well the car will keep up over time. Will you have to make many pricey repairs in the future, or will it just keep going?
So, do your homework on the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability. Read lots of owner reviews online to see what actual drivers have experienced. It’s also good to check out expert opinions and reliability ratings.
Pay attention to things like common issues with that make and model year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, carefully read the features to consider when buying a car and make your choice. This would hopefully make you less nervous about the buying process.
Also, it will ensure that you get the best deal out of the money that you are planning to invest.
The main things to remember are to remain within your budget, give prominence to comfort and safety, select the right type, and choose a good manufacturer. Considering them all, you will surely feel much more confident about your decisions.
Ask as many questions as possible while test-driving a car or during your interactions with salespeople. After considering these factors when buying a new car, we hope you are ready to buy your brand-new vehicle! Happy Driving!
FAQs
Q1: Where to look for Safety Ratings of a Car?
Check your car safety on the Global NCAP site. Make sure you look for safety features in your car. Check for anti-lock braking (ABS), six airbags, stability control, and braking systems.
Q2: Are automatic cars more expensive?
Automatic cars are more expensive to purchase than manual transmission cars. Furthermore, automatic cars may slightly decrease fuel economy, affecting long-term operating costs.
Q3: What are the main types of cars available?
Cars come in various types:
- Hatchbacks: Compact and maneuverable cars with a rear door.
- Sedans: Sleek three-box design, ideal for highway driving.
- SUVs: Versatile, larger cars suitable for various terrains.
- Coupes: Two-door cars often focused on performance.
- Convertibles: Cars that come with a retractable roof.
- Electric Cars: Powered by batteries and need to be charged.
- Hybrids: These cars are powered by two engines – Petrol and electric.
- Crossovers: These cars have blended SUVs and car features for versatility.
Choose the types that are based on your lifestyle, preferences, and needs.
Also Read: 10 Important Things To Consider Before Buying a Smartphone
