Key checklist for new car buyers
ITH time running out on 2017, the change of year will mean a significant change for many motorists.
December is a busy month for car dealers who are finalising their orders for the first deliveries of 2018.
The rush is on to get deals finished, so that come the first week in January, customers can drive out of the showrooms with brand new 181 registered cars.
For the motorists, considering changing their cars, December is about getting the best deal possible from a garage to ensure that they drive away with the best bang for their buck.
Here are a number of tips for motorists who are considering a change for the new year.
USED OR NEW?
The first thing that you should always consider when buying a car is whether you want to buy new or pick up a used model.
When buying new, you have more options as dealers tend to offer better deals and packages on newer models, and they now come with a lot of technology as standard, items such as satnav and Bluetooth.
The downside of buying new is the cost of the vehicles will, of course, be higher, and as a result, your insurance premium will probably go up. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you often can’t go wrong with a used car.
Previously owned will allow you to save money and many of the cars dealers will have on offer would be reasonably newer models.
When buying used, make sure you get documentation to state that the car is in full working order, especially if you’re buying from a private seller.
RESEARCH
It’s always worth doing a detailed search for the car you really want to make sure it is really for you.
Make up a short list of makes, models, specifications and running costs of vehicles that you think would suit your needs.
Knowing the cost of a vehicle, or how much you want to spend will put you in a great position when you approach a dealer, as you will be able to spot a deal when one is on offer, and it gives you some wiggle room when it comes to haggling later on.
TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE
When you have picked out a car, but before you have shaken the dealer’s hand, take it for a test drive.
The old saying ‘try it before you buy it’ is practically gospel when buying a car.
A test drive will see if you feel comfortable in the car. A driver should always feel as comfortable and secure as possible behind the wheel.
A quick spin will also help find out if there are any strange sounds or general problems with the vehicle.
If you have a friend who is knowledgeable about cars, it might be worth taking them with you in case they spot something you might have missed.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PAY FOR THE CAR?
Have you considered yet how you will afford the car you’re going to buy?
If you have a decent car to trade in against it, and you can afford to buy the car outright yourself, that’s a great start as you will have no outstanding bills hanging over your head and the car is yours the second you sign your name.
If you get a personal loan from a bank, or a credit union the car will be yours from the first day. The thing to be aware of here is however, you will be paying back a loan for a number of years to the lender and some interest rates can be very high.
Dealers also offer a number of finance options for customers and some of them are worth considering if you cannot afford to buy outright.
A higher purchase agreement from a dealer means that you will not own the car yourself until the final payment has been made.
Interest rates for these agreements tend to be a little higher, but if you are able to pay the total amount earlier than the predetermined date, some dealers may give you a discount on the interest rate you’re paying.
A personal contract plan (PCP) is another option that deals offer to their customers. Car companies will offer cheaper rates of interest on these deals and come to the end of the loan term; you will be faced with three options.
- You can keep the car and make a final payment which will transfer full ownership of the vehicle to you. This amount is usually agreed with a dealer when making the initial transaction.
- Trusting the car is in good condition, handing is back to the dealer is an option as well, which will mean you have no further payments to make, but you will also have no car when you leave.
- You can trade in your car and get a new one, starting the whole PCP process over again for another few years. The advantage here is you’ll have a brand new car, and you could be in a position to upgrade to a bigger model or high spec. You will be entering into a new agreement, so it’s worth reading the fine print.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO HAGGLE
Often overlooked, haggling can be one of the best ways to get yourself a great deal on your car of choice.
Don’t be to be a bit cheeky and ask for a few extra euro off here and there, the worst they can say is no, but it’s also not worth pushing your luck.
If a dealer is feeling generous, he or she might throw in a few year’s service cover, pay your first year’s motor tax, or throw in some branded goodies for you.
Also, there’s no harm in asking for a full tank of fuel before you drive off.
In-car technology reaches new heights
Advances in in-car technology over the last few years have been staggering, with many makes and models offering drivers great technology options as standard.
Opel’s OnStar system is just one of these interactive technologies which offer a wide range of support and assistance to motorists.
Once you have the system registered to you and your vehicle, OnStar can come in very hand in a number of situations.
But, what exactly can it do for you?
- If you have an accident, OnStar activates the Automatic Crash Response system. Vehicle information is sent to their HQ along with location and severity of the accident. A trained adviser will speak to you via the handsfree speaker built into the car, and most importantly they will contact emergency services with relevant information.
- OnStar offers a WiFi hot-spot service in the car itself. Up to seven devices can be run off the system with high-speed access throughout your journey. Once activated OnStar offer you a three-month or 3GB period (whichever you hit first) and after that internet, packages can be purchased from Opel.
- When you buy a new Opel, you also have your own assistant in the car with you. On long journeys, OnStar advisors can find and book you a hotel room should your plans require a last minute change. They will also be able to change previously made reservations without you having to take your hands off the wheel.
- One of the best functions of OnStar is the diagnostics tool.
- The system will inform you of any issues that might be arising within the car itself. Whether it’s a flat tyre, a stray light appearing on your dashboard, or time for your annual service, OnStar will give you all the information you need, and tell you whether or not you need to take it to a garage.
