By Vanessa B
Are you on the lookout for a new car? If so, we hope you find the perfect set of wheels for you.
But if only the road to buying a new motor was that easy! Mistakes can be made, and if you fall prey to any of them, you might end up buying the car of your nightmares and not of your dreams.
Mistake #1: Neglecting to think about the future
Your new car needs to be future-proof. That means it needs to accommodate your future needs, and it needs to safeguard the future of the planet too!
So, don’t buy an expensive car under a finance deal if your job situation is precarious. Don’t buy a car that is too small to accommodate extra passengers if you’re planning to have a family. And don’t buy a car that is likely to be frowned upon in the years to come, by which we mean a car that has the capacity to pollute the planet.
Think about your needs, and buy a car that will suit you now and in years to come. And think about the needs of the environment, perhaps by opting for an electric or hybrid car. It’s a lot to think about, we know, but as cars are expensive, you don’t want to buy something that will prove to be of little use in the future.
Mistake #2: Avoiding the used car market
Photo: Mike Birdy
Do you really need to have the latest and trendiest car on the market? If you have money to burn, then go ahead and buy something that is fresh off the manufacturing line. But if not, don’t put yourself in financial peril. There are all kinds of reasons why you might look at used cars, not least the fact that they are cheaper to buy. You will still have the opportunity to purchase something that is almost new, and you will have a greater degree of choice when buying too.
Mistake #3: Going it alone at the showroom
Here’s the thing. If you know all there is about cars and know how to negotiate with a car salesman, then fine. But if you have no idea what goes on under the car bonnet, and if your negotiation skills are poor at best, seek help.
Bringing along a trained mechanic is always a good idea when you have seen a car you like, as they will warn you about any potential defects. And bringing along a car enthusiast from among your family and friends is a good idea too, as they will help you make the necessary checks before and during the test drive. They might also have better negotiation skills than you do too, so you might get a better deal at the showroom.
Mistake #4: Buying the first car you like
Sure, you could buy the first car you like, but what if you see the same model for a cheaper price further down the road? What if you let your heart rule your head and buy a car that is a) a potential money pit, and b) not suitable for your present or future needs?
It’s always a good idea to walk away and think about your purchase before making a decision. This will also give you time to shop around, and it might also give the dealer reason to offer you a better deal if they think they might lose you as a customer.
So, don’t make any hasty decisions. Think carefully, price up similar cars, and consider your needs. You will then make a wiser choice when it comes time to negotiate a deal.
©FM
