Choosing your next new car should be exciting. The feeling of getting behind the wheel of something new is hard to beat, as is the opportunity to try out loads of new features that different cars bring.
But picking the right used car for your budget can provide challenges, which is why here at David Hayton, we’ve put together a cheat sheet for all of the things to remember when shopping for a new car.
Get a budget sorted at the start
Finding the right car for your budget means establishing just that - a budget. We’d recommend not just thinking about the outright cost of the car, but all of the expenses that go alongside ownership. Run some insurance quotes beforehand to make sure you’re happy with the cost of cover and check what a year’s tax will be, too.
If you’re looking to spread the cost of servicing, then we’re able to offer a variety of servicing plans here at David Hayton, too. Get in touch with a member of the team to find out more today.
Cash or finance?
The next thing to consider is how you’re going to pay for your next car. Cash is always an option if you’re able to pay for a car outright, and then, if you want to, you’re free to sell it should you like.
However, finance has become a very popular way of spreading the cost of a car, even a used one. With it, you can split the cost of the vehicle over smaller monthly payments, which can make budgeting much easier. Here at David Hayton, we offer a variety of finance options, so get in touch today to find out which one could work best for you.
Think about the type of driving you do most often
Once you’ve got your budget established, you can start to think about the type of car you need. One of the best ways to dial this down is by considering the type of driving that you do most of all. For instance, if you’re often travelling around towns or cities, then you may want a more compact car that will be easier to park and position in busy areas.
In contrast, if you’re usually carrying a larger group of people, or have a bigger family, then a seven-seater could be ideal, or even an MPV. For those doing longer motorway journeys then a saloon or estate can provide extra refinement to make big trips a little more comfortable.
What type of engine do you need?
A good consideration is about what type of engine and fuel type will fit your needs the best. For a lot of drivers, petrol will be the go-to choice as it brings a good blend of efficiency and performance. Diesel is still a good option for drivers as it’ll bring good fuel consumption when driving at higher speeds for longer. If you’re only travelling shorter distances, then diesel might not be for you - these types of engines take longer to warm up and get to their most efficient temperature, so short journeys don’t tend to help them run at their best.
You may also be looking for a more electrified experience, too. A standard self-charging hybrid is a great first option for drivers as it’s very close to a ‘regular’ petrol car - and doesn’t need plugging in - while a plug-in hybrid will bring more electric-only range and, as a result, lower running costs. Finally, there’s a fully electric vehicle. If you’re able to get a home charger installed, then these can offer some serious savings while ensuring that you’re able to meet further regulations such a clean air zones.
What kind of features do I want?
Cars come with all types of features, and you’ll find a good variety of them available via the cars that we have here at David Hayton. But finding out the type of equipment that you want before you start searching can help to fine-tune your search. For instance, you may want smartphone mirroring systems such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or you might need climate control to help keep everyone aboard as comfortable as can be.
When it comes to safety features, there has never been so much choice, either. Many cars now get technology such as blind-spot monitoring, which can illuminate a light in the side mirrors if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, while lane-keep assist can help to keep your car on the straight and narrow during longer journeys. If you’ve got any questions about these new safety features, get in touch with a member of the David Hayton team today.
Mileage
Mileage is one of the aspects which plays the biggest role in determining a car’s price. Higher-mileage cars will usually be cheaper as they’ve had more wear over the years, but if you’re happy driving a car with more miles on the clock, then these models could provide a good budget-friendly option.
In contrast, lower-mileage cars will usually be cheaper. However, there’s no reason to be put off by a high-mileage car as, if they’re regularly serviced and maintained, these cars can still be reliable choices for many years to come.
At David Hayton, we’ve got a wider range of pre-owned cars that can meet any type of requirement. So whether you’re after a spacious seven-seater or a compact city car, we’re sure to have something that’ll fit the bill. Check out our current stock today to see what we’ve got to offer.
