7 Critical Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a New Car
Before buying a new car, it is important to be absolutely sure that it is “the one.” However, with a plethora of options available in the market, how do you choose the right one?
Finding the right car involves research, so you will need to ask yourself the right questions. Answering these questions helps you choose a car that meets your requirements and driving style.
To segregate the duds from the diamonds, we have listed seven such questions to ask when buying your dream car.
Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing a New Car
Buying a new car is a complex process, with endless options available under different segments. If you do not pay attention, you may end up buying a car that does not fit your lifestyle. A few smart questions can help you avoid this situation, though!
The following questions will make your job easier while choosing a car that best fits your needs.
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What is the Reason for Purchasing a New Car?
Before initiating the research on the car you are looking to buy, it is important to know its purpose. There are no clear-cut rules to list down your purpose, but a set of simple questions can quicken the process. Be it, size of the car or the frequency of usage, certain factors help you choose the ideal car for your driving desires.
For instance, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need it for a daily commute to work or an occasional long trip?
- Do you drive it on the city, national highways, or rough terrains?
- How many passengers do you expect to accompany you?
Knowing a clear purpose is critical to move forward with the next questions.
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Will it Meet My Driving Needs?
Not every car on the market suits your needs. Many options are available, including SUV, hatchback, and sedan, and there isn’t just one right answer. The needs you have may vary depending on various factors such as purpose, driving style, driving experience, total passengers, geographical location, etc.
A sporty hatchback is a perfect choice if you are looking for a fun-to-drive car on the jam-packed city roads. But if you have kids or intend to grow your family in the future, space and safety will likely be your biggest concerns. If that is the case, a full-size sedan or an SUV will be ideal.
Here are some factors to consider before buying a new car:
- Seating Capacity
- Safety
- Comfort
- Boot Space
- Handling
There are some free resources online that help you narrow down your search without dealing with pushy salespeople.
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What is the Budget?
Do not run into financial trouble by overlooking this question. A new car can turn out to be a financial burden if you go beyond your budget. So, take time to figure out your current financial situation in conjunction with the ownership costs of a new car.
Consider these pointers when you are working out your budget:
- On-Road Price
- Car Insurance
- RTO Expenses
- Accessories (if required)
Take these points seriously if you want to enjoy your new car without stressing over the financial part. You can also turn to online car selling platforms to get the best deals and discounts on new cars.
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What Are My Financing Options?
If you can’t afford the cost of a new car, the most viable option is to look into financing. A car loan makes sense as there are many flexible loans available from financial institutions or banks. Check with your bank, however, to see if you are eligible for a pre-approved loan. This will facilitate the financial planning process.
Applying for a car loan online is possible today in a matter of clicks. But, be sure to opt for a loan provider that offers a low rate of interest and flexible loan tenure. This option may require a down-payment of a certain percentage of the car’s price.
Last but not least, choose a short-term loan tenure to avoid paying excessive interest.
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Should I Exchange or Sell My Old Car?
Here is the intriguing part. You are buying a new car, but you already own one. You are unsure whether to exchange or sell your old car. Exchange is convenient since it does not require finding buyers.
In contrast, some dealers may not offer you much for your existing car. However, online car selling platforms and even offline dealers alike offer exchange bonuses to encourage consumers to trade in their cars. Such offers are worth considering.
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What is the Resale Value of a New Car?
Cars are depreciating assets, and they get upgraded in a few years. It is important to know if your new car will hold its value over time. There are some cars with a higher resale value, so trading it down the line can help you get a good price.
Many factors affect the resale value of a car, including make/model, year of manufacturing, distance driven, etc. Thus, you should be aware of certain things before making a purchase.
Here are some points to determine the resale value of a car:
- Discuss the resale value of the car with the salesperson. See if a major update is due in the coming years.
- Explore the used car market to determine the resale value of the model you are looking to purchase.
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How do Experts and Owners Rate The New Car?
Once you have narrowed down the potential cars based on your requirements, the next step would be to check expert and owner reviews for those models. There are plenty of online reviews available, and it is important to know what automotive industry experts think of the car you intend to buy. Keeping up with their opinions will provide a clearer picture of the car’s performance, reliability, and driving experience.
Another option is to seek out the opinion of a local dealership near you. Test drive your top two or three picks if you can. Be sure to assess the vehicle’s performance, comfort, and handling. Take this opportunity to ask questions about its specifications, features, and functionality.
And there you have it! Answering these questions should put your next car purchase in perspective.
Make sure you have all the information about the car and its financing options before closing the deal. Do not fool yourself with looks or on-paper specifications. Conduct thorough research, test drive the car, and choose the right dealership before finalising your decision.