Buying A Car

Should I Buy A New Car?

Buying a new car is a thrill and an adrenaline rush. But buying a new car needs to be weighed up very carefully. For many people buying a new car is the biggest expense they incur apart from buying their own home so always consider the costs involved and decide whether you really need a new car and can afford one. There are always excellent second hand options available if you wish an alternative option.

What Are The Advantages Of Buying A New Car?

It's easy. You visit your showroom and take away exactly what you want.

Buying a new car is a good feeling. It carries a certain status.

You should receive good service. Major showrooms are eager to sell.

A new car has no dodgy history. It can't have been stolen or not paid for fully by its previous owner and hence about to be reclaimed.
You will receive a full break down warranty - up to three years with some firms.

You may be able to part exchange your old vehicle.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car?

Car prices in the UK are among the highest in Europe.

After paying a lot of money for a new car it deteriorates in value instantly.

Where Should I Buy A New Car?

Options these days are varied. Car supermarkets, importers, online deals or visiting a showroom are the main choices.

Showrooms

Mostly these are franchised dealerships which are tied to specific car makers selling the latest models. They offer finance, convenience and good service including full after sales back-up. They are also expensive and may not offer you the best deal on your old car.

Online

This can be a better option if you want to save money. Searching for deals on the Internet can save you considerable amounts. Some firms offer huge deals online on imported cars. Read Review Centre reviews for recommendations on the best car dealers, car auctions, car supermarkets online as well as on the high street and check Review Centre's forums and price comparison guides to offer you even more advice.

Importing

A great way to save a lot of money is by importing directly from abroad. A broker can arrange this or you can do it yourself direct.

Car supermarkets

Increasingly popular. They offer great deals on imports although choice may be limited.

What's The Best Time To Buy A New Car?

March and September is when the new registration plates come out if you want ultra status but these are the busiest times for dealers and so service may not be the best. Around Christmas time may be better when showrooms are quieter and you may also get a better deal.

Can I Get Credit?

Yes. As long as you fulfil the lender's criteria about your ability to pay. As well as personal loans from banks and building societies the car dealers have increasingly good deals on offer. Before taking any loan consider the responsibility of this. Always shop around and compare several options in detail. Compare interest rates and the total amount you will pay.

What Should I Look For In A Car?

Always consider the reality of your needs. Too big? Too small? A two seater sports might be great fun for a single person but might not be right if you need to fit several kids and a spouse in it. Consider whether it will fit in your drive, garage etc. Measure it up. Consider comfort (try before you buy if possible) visibility - the colour of the car as well as your ability to see out of it - mirrors, windows etc. Ask yourself what you want a car for? What are your priorities? Low mileage, value for money, reliability or speed? Style and status? Take your time and research properly. Try not to impulse buy. Read consumer reviews like the ones at Review Centre to help gain unbiased views. Get as much information as you can about such a major purchase.

How Can I Save Money?

Shop around when buying a car. Ask for discounts and see what 'extras' are available such as insurance or breakdown cover. Don't be afraid to haggle. Try to buy towards the end of the month when salesmen are keen to make their targets and may accept a bit less.

What's The Small Print?

Always check the small print and remember don't be pressured by salesmen into buying the wrong model.

Check small print on special deals including finance offers which may only be for a limited period.

Free insurance may come with minimum age restrictions.

Sale deals may be available for end of the line vehicles. Be sure you are happy with that.

How Can I Get The Best Deal For Me?

Budget

Be honest with yourself and calculate carefully any credit repayments and running costs.

Insurance

Car insurance is an increasingly expensive cost for motorists. Consider the insurance category for your vehicle before you buy. Get as many quotes as possible.

Current Car

If you are trading in your car, then make sure it is clean and tidy to maximize the price you will get. Also consider a private sale which will probably be more lucrative.

Extras

Be careful as these can be costly. Typical extras are air-conditioning, automatic transmission, leathers, metallic paint and ABS brakes.

Test Drive

Test drive at least three different cars. Drive them on urban and rural roads, small road and motorways to assess the car properly.

Is Diesel A Good Or Bad Option?

Good

Fuel economy excellent

Engines mechanically simple making them more reliable

Latest 'common rail' engines offer better performance

You go further on a gallon/litre of diesel than with petrol

Bad

Second hand models often worked hard

Sometimes over priced

Diesels are not so environmentally friendly

Older diesels are sometimes slow, especially non-turbos

Diesel fuel is greasy, toxic and smells

Diesel fuel is more expensive

Where Can I Get Good Deals On Second Hand Cars?

Franchised Dealers

Offer affiliated brands and offer you protection from the Consumer Protection Act. They will also provide parts, service and after sales service.

Independent Used Car Dealers are also regulated by the Consumer Protection Act but are not linked to any particular models. They can be a source of good source of quality used cars but will be more expensive than buying direct.

Private Sales

Buying direct from the owner is where you will find the best bargains. Try your local small ads or search the internet. You have little consumer protection though.

Internet

Great for bargains, convenient and a range of options.

Car Auctions

Superb bargains but you need to know about cars.

Car Supermarkets

A wide choice of used cars often still with manufacturer guarantee but prices are fixed and you cannot haggle. Many find the supermarkets and online car dealers an increasingly good option.

How Can I Ensure A Good Deal On A Second Hand Car?

Shop around and do some proper research on the make, model and year you want. Once you have decided on a price stick to it.

The RAC and AA offer vehicle inspections which are advisable if you want a solid, reliable purchase.

Always test drive.

Prepare any questions in advance. Write them down if necessary before checking the vehicle out.

Check the mileage and assess whether the condition looks real.

Check the chassis and engine number match the logbook.

Ask if the car is an import or if the car has ever been damaged in an accident.

Dont buy a car without a logbook.

Check the car exterior for wear and tear, accident damage and rust.

Check the car Interior. Are seats heavily worn? Is the steering wheel well worn?

Check under the Bonnet. Take someone who knows what they are looking for if ind doubt.

Check the engine noise. How quickly does it start? Try out the gearbox, brakes, electrics. Use your instinct. Do the seller's reasons for selling the car seem true? Is the service history correct or are there gaps?

Make the deal. Only pay what you want to pay.

What Sorts Of Cars Are There?

Here are a few popular car types:

Convertibles

Convertibles or Cabriolet are often sports cars, meaning two seats, high-performance engines and superior handling. However, GM, Ford, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler offer regular production coupes with four seats and convertible tops. Like all sports vehicles you will pay that bit extra.

Small Hatchbacks

Traditional sloping back cars with a hinged rear door that opens upward. Hatchbacks are also often called three-doors and the term hatchback is often typically used in reference to small economy cars. Ideal budget family cars.

City Cars

City cars are a good bet but can become tatty on the second hand market due to overuse. One of the most popular types because they are so versatile.

Hybrid Vehicles

Vehicles that cross the boundaries implied by terms like truck, car, or van and may have unusual engine and or fuel combinations. Although Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are now considered a separate class of vehicle they are actually a hybrid cross between a truck and a station wagon or estate car.

People Carriers

People carriers offer extra seats so they are ideal for families. Big vehicles so parking becomes an issue. Have become increasingly good value.

Coupe (or Coup )

A two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. The style is generally used for sportier models in a manufacturer's range and tend to be higher price brackets.

Family Cars

Typical family cars are cheap on the second hand market, especially ex-company cars with high mileages. Plenty of scope for bargains.

Executive Cars

Lots of equipment, performance and ability but you will have to pay.

4x4s

Large petrol 4X4 vehicles are cheaper. Smaller lifestyle 4x4s are more expensive. Massive price and quality range but many affordable models available.