How to choose your ideal new car
May 26, 2021
Getting a new car should be an exciting experience. It could be your first set of wheels, a long-overdue upgrade or even a reflection of significant life events like having children. But whatever your situation, knowing how best to whittle down your options will give you more confidence in your investment.
And no matter whether you’re looking for a Toyota dealer in Northern Ireland or a Ford dealer in Wales, many of your considerations will be the same each time. Read our tips on choosing your ideal new car below.
New or used?
Your budget is likely to have a big sway in this decision, but both new and used cars have their advantages. Buying new will give you peace of mind over reliability and provide more customisation options, whereas most used cars come with a significant reduction in cost.
Make sure to choose a trustworthy dealer or individual if you do opt for a used car.
How you plan to use the car
Where and how will you be using your new car? If you only need to nip around town to work for example, a smaller car will be ideal for parking. For growing families living out in the countryside however, five or seven seaters are likely to be the order of the day.
Space is crucial depending on the number of passengers and luggage you’ll be ferrying around.
Petrol, diesel or electric
What fuel do you want your new car to run on? Petrol and diesel remain the most popular types but are slowly being phased out as the government aims to cut the UK’s vehicle emissions.
Despite a significant drop in overall car sales in 2020, demand for all-electric vehicles rose by 180% year-on-year as consumer choice continues to improve.
Nice-to-have features
Almost all cars come with a variety of trim levels that dictate the extra features that are included. From satellite navigation to parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity, decide which are essential and which are more nice-to-haves.
You may prioritise safety if yours will be a family car, for example.
Costs
Your budget will naturally be the most important factor to consider as you’ll want to steer clear of financial difficulty. It’s worth looking into alternative ways to pay such as personal contract purchase and hire purchase – and don’t forget about running costs!
Insurance policies can also vary widely between vehicle types, so carry out plenty of prospective research before you make any final decisions.
If a new car is at the top of your shopping list, consider the details we’ve outlined above to come to the right decision for you.