Buying a new car is one of those moments where logic can be thrown out of the window and replaced by sheer lust. You've seen the car you want, it looks beautiful, you love it, but does it love you? Before you rush off and sell your current one down the aisle for a new exciting adventure, consider what you're trading; how long will that rush of excitement last for once the novelty has worn off, how much will you be out of pocket now that it's eating up your hard earned cash in depreciation faster than a divorce settlement, will you be lusting after the next new beauty as quickly as you did over this one?
Yes, buying a new car is like a relationship, except, you're completely in the driving seat and all factors to consider are entirely your own. Let's look at the scenario:
Depreciation, it's the sting in the tail, the invisible but deadly cost that could have your new car looking tired after the first year of bliss when cars lose most of their value in the first 12 months. It differs from manufacturer and model, with some makes instantly losing 15-20% the moment they clock up their first mile. To combat this you could consider buying a model which is just one year old as this would extricate the wounding heavy losses of brand new car.
If you choose a car with even a few years on the clock, you could get a higher specification for the same money, sometimes significantly higher making your money work harder. If a car has been well maintained, there will be very little difference in quality or performance, so it is recommended to shop around to find a real bargain.
However, if you decide that a brand new piece of body is for you, then don't just go waving your cash around to attract the prettiest one. Often it's the quiet ones that you should be looking for as therein lies a bargain. Don't fall for first chat up line, make sure you haggle and haggle hard as many dealers are willing to give a percentage off the price of a new car without too much resistance. Even so, keep pushing and see what extra's you can get thrown in. It might take a while and a lot of effort, but it'll be worth it as you drive it for the first time knowing you got a good deal.
Just before you do part with your cash, make sure you take it for a test drive to ensure you've made the right decision. One tip is go on a weekday as weekends tend to be busy with many people fighting it out to get their hands on the latest most popular model, this way you beat the competition. If you plan to use the car for a particular hobby, make sure you're able to fit whatever equipment you might be using in the boot.
If you're absolutely certain, stop and ask for another extended test drive. You'll probably face some opposition, but be tough and say that you unless you get the extended sneak preview the relationship ends there. As they're hungry for your cash, they'll accept if approached in the right way. Take it for a ride for half an hour and then finally make your decision.
Once the papers have been signed and you've committed yourself, don't rush when the big day comes to break your new cherry. Inspect the vehicle in good bright daylight and examine the body for any imperfections. Also be sure to check the pre-delivery inspection has been carried out and it has been rubber stamped to prove you're getting what you paid for. Finally, ask for both sets of keys to make sure that nobody else is able to whisk your new love away from under your nose and you shall live happily ever after.
1. Hyundai i10 - amazing little city car with great space for everything in. There will be choice between 1l and 1.2l engine sizes and manual or automated manual transmission.
2. Toyota Mirai - powered by hydrogen. They can be filled up with hydrogen in minutes and the driving range is up to 300 miles. Great alternative to electric cars!
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E - great electric car that will go from 0-62 in just a few seconds.
4. BMW 4 series - it will be availble with both fixed roof and convertible.
5. Skoda Octavia - under VW's re-invention we will see a brand new Octavia on the market. It will be available as a plug-in hybrid, petrel or diesel.
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