If the motor on your driveway is looking more like an old banger these days, is needing more visits to the local garage and struggles to pass it’s MOT each year, it might be time to seek a new set of wheels. While you might think that purchasing a brand new car fresh off the forecourt is a logical idea because you get a longer warranty and the car won’t need an MOT for three years, your initial financial outlay will be huge. Instead, consider options that will save you money. Take a look at this guide to saving money when securing a new family car.
Go Used
While it might be your dream to have a brand new car complete with new vehicle smell, the chances are that you’ll have to increase your credit to afford it. Instead, head to the used car salerooms to save money. This way, your new motor won’t have depreciated in value by thousands of pounds the moment that you drive it away. As the second hand vehicle has had previous owners, you’ll need to check the car over thoroughly. Take what the dealer is telling you with a pinch of salt and demand to see all paperwork. If there’s no V5 or the dealer is unwilling to let you see the previous MOT certificate, alarm bells should be ringing.
Ask for some time alone with the car, check under the bonnet, listen to the engine, look at the body work and check for rust under the vehicle. Only when you are happy with it should you consider taking it for a test drive.
Test Drive
When you head out on the open road, the dealer will probably come with you and want to chat. Don’t worry about asking him to be quiet so you can listen to the engine and concentrate on the handling. You are listening out for thuds, crunches and odd sounds. If you aren’t happy with it, walk away. No matter how much the dealer wants to sell you the car, don’t give in to the pressure. Move on.
The Perfect Car
Eventually, you will stumble across the perfect car for your family. The chances are this won’t be the first car you see, and while the process of car hunting can become monotonous and boring, it pays to hold out for the right motor. Head to a site like One Sure Insurance and get a speculative insurance quote for the vehicle you like the look of. There’s no point purchasing a cheap motor only for the insurance to be astronomical. While a little less exciting, a solidly made hatchback will be cheaper to run in terms of tax and insurance.
Check out the fuel economy of your potential new vehicle. If you are ferrying the lids to karate, music lessons and swimming sessions at the weekend, you need a car that does a fair few miles to the gallon.
Buying a new family car should be fun. Get it right, and you could have a reliable and economical car parked on your driveway for years to come.
Leave a Reply