Buying a car: a guide

Are you in the market for a new car?

While buying a new car can be incredibly exciting, it can also be overwhelming. With so much to consider, it can be difficult to know where to get started. For such as big purchase, this is a decision that you do not want to rush. 

The following advice will guide you through different things you should do while on your hunt for a new car.  

Set a budget

Before you get carried away with looking at cars, it is important to first establish how much you are happy to spend. Doing this ahead of time will make refining your search far easier and should stop you from spending more than you want to.  

When considering how much you are willing to spend, do not just think about the price of the vehicle itself, you also need to consider running costs too. The last thing you want to do is buy a car that you cannot afford to upkeep.  

Decide on must-haves 

Once you have decided how much you have to spend, you should next determine your must-haves from a car. This will be completely personal to you but may include the number of seats, fuel type, and boot size. 

As well as car features you may also want to consider how you intend to finance the car, whether or not you plan on buying it outright or leasing it. There are benefits to both options so it is worth doing some research into which will best suit your financial situation.  

Shop around 

Now that you have a better idea of what it is you are looking for, it is time to get shopping around for the best deal. 

Spend some time looking online, as well as visiting dealerships, to find a good price for the car you want. It may be that certain providers are able to offer either a better price or added benefits such as free servicing for a specified amount of time.  

Admin & Insurance 

Once you have purchased your car, it is important not to overlook the necessary admin. You will need to acquire insurance to protect yourself and others in case any accidents do happen. You may also wish to invest in gap insurance, which will bridge the gap between an insurance payout and the amount you paid for the car, or the remainder left on the finance agreement.  

ou should also make a note on your calendar of when your new car’s MOT, service, and insurance are all going to be due to ensure you keep up to date with them year after year.