What to Prioritise When Purchasing a New Car
A new car is a major investment. Not only do we need to weigh up the up-front cost of the vehicle – but we also need to think about ongoing costs associated with fuel, insurance, taxation and maintenance.
Different sorts of vehicles are designed for, and marketed towards, different sorts of people. What’s right for a family of four based in the countryside might not be appropriate for a single city-dweller.
You can often save significantly, and avoid depreciation, by looking at the used market. If you’re based in south London and you’re searching for a practical, spacious vehicle, visiting used car dealers in Wimbledon can help you explore a variety of models that fit your future needs.
Let’s take a look at a few key considerations to make, before you settle on a purchase.
Safety Features: Ensuring a Safe Ride
The good news is that modern vehicles are extremely safe, especially compared to those of bygone years. You can expect to find things like airbags and seat belts installed as standard. But on top of these obligatory features there are modern conveniences that limit the risk even more, like blind-spot assist, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features might appeal to families in particular, or to people who know that they’re going to spend a lot of time on the road. After all, more mileage equals more risk of a collision.
Look at the results of independent testing before you decide on a given model, and you can’t go far wrong.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs: Choosing a Cost-Effective Option
If your vehicle isn’t fuel-efficient, then it could end up being a liability in the long run. Again, this applies particularly to those travelling long distances. This is where hybrid and electric vehicles tend to be particularly compelling, since their superior efficiency tends to be key for drivers who are regularly travelling long distances.
On the other hand, it’s also important to weigh things like reliability and the cost of repairs. You can get an idea of which models and manufacturers are more reliable with the help of consumer surveys.
Finally, you can lower costs by lowering your emissions. The road tax system is designed to incentivise cleaner vehicles – and you’ll be less likely, when driving one of these vehicles, to be charged when entering a clean air zone. Remember that more clean air zones are likely to appear in the future, and the requirements they impose will only get more stringent.
Space and Practicality: Planning for Future Needs
It’s critical that you think about how you’ll be actually using your car, and whether it’s fit for purpose. That your car is fun to drive is important – but it might not be so fun to drive if you can’t fit all of your stuff into the rear.
If you’re planning on starting, or growing, a family, then you’ll need extra room for new additions – and for the abundance of pushchairs, carriers, and other luggage that tends to come with them. Look for a vehicle that’s fit for the present – as well as the future!
