Purchasing a new car is a big financial decision, so it’s important to know what to look for. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to narrow down your choices and make a decision. It is important to do your research to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
To help you out, we’ve put together a checklist of things to keep in mind when you’re car shopping. By following this checklist, you can be sure that you’re making the best decision for your needs.
1. Get the Best Price for Your Old Car
There are many ways to sell your old car. Let’s assume as you are reading this article that you would like to sell your vehicle online. If that’s the case, you may decide that you want to use an auction website like ebay or AutoTrader. These are popular ways to sell your car but can require a lot of work on your behalf. They also charge you to list your vehicle on their website and apps, sometimes regardless whether they sell or not.
For simplicity and with no cost to you, you may decide to scrap your vehicle and get paid the same day, hassle free. Alternatively, if you think your car is worth more than scrap, you may want a car dealer to pay you a fair price and take your car free of charge, the same day. Scrap My Car Company provides both services, whether you want to scrap or sell.
2. Determine Your Budget
The first step is to figure out how much money you’re willing to spend on a new car. It’s important to be realistic here. Don’t forget to factor in things like insurance, petrol and maintenance costs. Once you have a number in mind, you can start looking at cars that fit into your budget.
We recommend setting the max price in your searches to slightly higher than your actual budget. This is because you may be able to haggle for a better deal and grab your dream car at a bargain price.
3. Consider Your Needs
Next, think about what you need from a car. Do you have a long commute? Are you frequently transporting large items? Will you be doing any off-roading? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your choices and find a car that’s well-suited to your needs.
It’s important that you do not veer away from your original reasons for getting a new car, as we can all be easily swayed by fancy features and metallic paint.
4. Do Your Research
Once you have determined your budget and considered your needs, you can start doing your research. Read reviews online and compare different models and brands. It is also a good idea to test drive the cars that you are considering. This will give you a better sense of which one is the right fit for you.
Make sure that you use different sources for your research as some websites may be biassed to sell a particular modal and earn commission.
5. Get a Car History Report
If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to get a car history report before making your purchase. This report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents or had any major mechanical issues in the past.
Knowing this information can help you avoid buying a previous write-off. However, it’s important to mention that buying a Cat D, S or N, can be a way to acquire the car of your dreams at a fraction of the cost. Just be aware, selling these vehicles may be more difficult for you in the future.
6. Take Your Time
Buying a new car is a big decision so make sure to take your time and do not rush into anything. It’s really easy to let your excitement get the better of you and you end up with the first thing you see. Never feel pressured into anything; during all negotiations and visits to showrooms, you are in the driver’s seat 😉
7. Get a Good Deal
Once you have found the perfect car, it is time to negotiate! Don’t be afraid to walk away if the dealer is not willing to give you a good deal. There are plenty of other dealerships out there who would love to earn your business.
Haggling for a good deal can be an artform in itself. Practise what you might say before you visit the dealer or owner and don’t let them see how keen you are. Play your cards close to your chest and always say your budget is slightly less than it is. If they know you have enough money, they have the upper hand.
Purchasing a new car can be an exciting but daunting task. There are many factors to consider such as budget, research, needs, and getting a good deal. By following these tips, you can be sure to find the perfect car for you without any stress! So don’t wait any longer, start shopping for your dream car today!
