Five Top Tips for Car Buyers

Purchasing a car is considered to be one of the biggest and most expensive investments an individual will make in a lifetime, so it is a good idea to do your research before you buy. Here are five top tips to help you through the process.

1.Budget for the price of the car and running costs.

When looking at potential vehicles, do not only consider the cost of the car, but also try to find out how expensive it will be to run. What tax band is it? Is it fuel-efficient? Is it old, and if so, is it likely to need a lot of maintenance work in the future? These are the sorts of questions you should bear in mind and ask your dealer.

2.Consider every method of payment.

When it comes to buying a new car, it’s important to think about the best method of payment for you. Once upon a time, your only option would have been to save up until you could finally afford the car you wanted, but now, that is not the case. There are a vast range of options including loans, personal contract purchase, hire purchase and leasing.

Make sure you know what is involved for each option to be certain of which is best suited to your personal circumstances. Once you have decided how you will pay for your vehicle, don’t just accept the first offer given to you, shop around! If you choose to buy on finance, look at the interest rates various lenders are offering to ensure you are getting the best deal.

If you need any advice to help you decide which is the best method for you to pay for your car, you can always speak to a finance specialist. Smile Car Finance will not only provide first-class advice, they can also help you filter the most competitive interest rates and secure the best deal.

3.Don’t rush your test drive.

Smile Car Finance recommends when you take a car out for a test drive, make sure that you take your time! Ensure that it feels good to drive and there are no suspicious noises or smells coming from the vehicle to suggest that something is wrong.

4.Don’t be afraid to bargain.

If you stay friendly throughout interactions with your dealer, ask questions and have your research at hand, you might be offered a better deal on a car. Some dealers will be unwilling to negotiate, but it doesn’t hurt to try! You never know what extras you could get thrown in, from breakdown cover to free floor mats!

5.Check the condition of the car.

If you don’t know much about how to check the condition of a car before agreeing to make the purchase, bring along someone who knows their stuff, whether that be a friend or relative or an expert that you’ve hired, just so you know that you are not being sold a dodgy deal.