Buying a car? Here are six essential checks to make before handing over your money
Sticking to a plan can help when buying a car – and we’ve got one prepared for you. File picture
Buying a new car can be stressful. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used model, finding one that works for you can be tricky at times. It’s a big purchase, after all, and you want to make sure that you’ve found the right car for you.
Having a plan in place is a great way to navigate the difficult waters of buying a car. The good news is that we’ve got one ready to go – so check it out.
Making yourself a firm budget is crucial when it comes to buying a car. By doing so, you’re avoiding some disappointment further down the line, while ensuring that you’re not going to be surprised by any extra costs.
Don’t just think about the outright cost of the vehicle – or the monthly payments, if you’re going down the finance route – but consider servicing, insurance and tax, too.
These days, there’s a bodystyle to suit all types of drivers. In recent times, the SUV has grown in popularity and today, it’s a style which many people like. However, with so many niche-filling cars out there, you’re sure to find one which will work.
Consider what you need the most. Would a raised ride height make it easier to get in and out, or would an estate with a longer, lower boot be better for you? Don’t be afraid to visit a dealer and try cars out for practicality, too.
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Boot space is another aspect to consider. In Ireland, you’ll see that boot space is measured in litres, but sometimes it’s much easier to actually see a boot in-person. It’ll give you a better idea of what you can fit in there.
If you’ve got kids, then you may want to check out a car’s ISOFIX points for car seats. How easy are they to access? Are they kept hidden by any annoying covers?
There used to be a time when you had two primary engine choices – petrol or diesel. Today, however, there are far more to consider and which one you choose will have a big impact on your day-to-day driving experience.
Petrol and diesel are still there, of course, but modern hybrids offer a far more efficient option. Plug-in hybrids allow you to charge the car up to make things even cheaper, but you’ll have to find somewhere that you can reliably top them up.
An electric car can make a lot of sense cost-wise but, again, you’ll need to think about where you charge it up and how expensive this could be for you.
When looking at a used car, history is so important. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can find out more about a second-hand car. The government’s free online NCT checker is a great place to start, and this will highlight previous NCT test results and any advisories that were issued.
It could be a good idea to run an online HPI check, too. These paid-for checks can show if a car has any outstanding finance on it, or if it has previously been crashed and written off.
Remember, if you buy a used car and it still has finance outstanding on it, then you’re liable for the amount, making these background checks an invaluable service.
If you’re buying a used car, then a warranty could be a good option. New cars come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty, but second-hand examples often don’t.
However, with many manufacturers offering longer standard warranties on their cars, there’s a chance that you could find a second-hand model with some of this still intact, which could help to make motoring cheaper in the long run.
If there’s no manufacturer warranty remaining, then an aftermarket warranty could be very useful. There are plenty of providers, too, so take a look and compare them online.
