You’re ready to buy a new vehicle, but the choices before you are overwhelming. Which car is best? While working to narrow your options, there are many important factors outside of the basics of budget and cost. To help you pinpoint the car that will best fit your needs and desires, consider the following six items:
Vehicle Size
One of the vital elements to keep in mind when purchasing a car is size. However, this can be a more complicated question than you think: Are you looking for a certain number of doors, the ability to carry a lot of passengers, ample storage space, or simply a roomy interior? Figuring out what you want to use the vehicle for can help you determine whether to look at a compact crossover with legroom or a larger SUV to accommodate a big family.
Safety Features
Whether you’ll be carrying kids in car seats or plan to use your vehicle to navigate busy motorways on your way to work, considering safety features should be near the top of your list when choosing a car. Does the vehicle have a risk detection system or brake assist programming? Does it provide audible or visual warnings when you drift out of your lane or an obstacle when backing up? These features can make or break the car-buying deal, so do your research before moving forward.
Fuel Economy
It seems that most of the money spent over the life of a car is poured into simply keeping it running. In looking for the right vehicle, you’ll need to balance its bells and whistles with its fuel economy. How much driving do you expect to do on the motorway versus in city streets? How many kilometres per month do you expect to cover? Determining your needs and comparing them to the vehicle’s estimated fuel economy can be very helpful in making your choice.
Technology
Automobile technology has skyrocketed in recent years, and the safety and convenience it offers drivers make it a major factor in car buying. From sensors and automatic lights to touch-screen displays and voice activation, technology may make your drive safer, more efficient, and more comfortable.
Style
Is it really worth it to buy a vehicle you can’t love? Your car says something about you, from the seat coverings to the colour of paint. When shopping for a car, first think about features you absolutely can’t live without, and then leave room for items left on your “want” list. Remember, some style options are as practical as fancy, such as leather seats versus fabric options or specialised turbo engines that still offer an excellent fuel economy.
Reputation
Not all automakers are created equally, and dealer reputation can play a major role in your satisfaction over the long term. Before purchasing the vehicle, take a look at the promises and guarantees the company can offer you. What reviews can you find online, and what awards have been given to the make or model of the vehicle you are looking at? It may be a good idea to scout out companies that offer certain warrantees or honour online quotes and are transparent with fees.
Don’t Skip the Test Drive.
Even with all the research you’re likely to do online, the final key in making sure a vehicle is right for you is seeing and feeling it in person. If you feel comfortable about the features and price and are confident in the dealer’s promises and guarantees, all you need to do is take the car to the road. If possible, always take the opportunity to test drive the car you’re considering. This will give you time to consider each factor we’ve outlined above and make the final decision that will leave you smiling as the owner of an excellent new car.
