Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a Car

Buying a car can be daunting. Choosing the right one, getting a good deal (on the vehicle and finance), making sure it’s reliable and not too expensive to run.

That’s before you even deal with the seller or think about selling or trading in your current vehicle.

To help ease the process, here are a few important questions to ask yourself when buying a car.

Am I going to look forward to driving it?

It’s easy to overlook this question but after spending thousands of dollars on a new car, are you actually going to enjoy driving it? If the answer is ‘no’, it can often lead to a vehicle deteriorating or falling into disrepair.

There are many reasons why someone might not look forward to driving their car. Maybe they feel unsafe in it, maybe the vehicle is too delicate to be practical or maybe the car simply looks unattractive and outdated.

On the other hand, driving something you enjoy, respect and like can make your daily routine that little bit more enjoyable and result in a well-kept car.

Will I fear driving it or parking it in certain places?

Sometimes a vehicle might end up being more trouble than it seemed at the purchase. For example, if someone has to keep expensive sports or work equipment inside the vehicle and often park it in unsafe areas. Some cars don’t offer secured and closed cargo space that can’t be seen through the windows.

Another example might be having to drive a shiny new car on unsealed roads and/or park it on the street under trees.

On the other hand, a full-size SUV might be great for family holidays and getting off the beaten track. However, the other 95% of the time around town, it’s too big to park and maneuver.

Does the car match my routine?

Similarly to the question above, does the car you’re looking at buying match with your typical routine? For example, if you often transport kids, is the interior up to the task and will you be able to comfortably fit a baby seat in without having to move the front seat too far forward?

Another issue that some motorists may have is buying a vehicle with high towing capacity and a large cargo area ‘in case’ they need it. But, they only make use of the space once or twice while owning the car.

What do other owners complain about this model?

Other owners are a great resource when it comes to buying a car. Online platforms like Product Review and Trustpilot are a good start.

By simply searching on Google for issues with the make and model of the car you’re thinking about buying, it’s easy to get an idea. Sometimes, faults are more serious and a manufacturer will offer a free recall and fix. Other times it might be something more annoying like having to go through screen menus to simply turn the radio on.

Who am I buying a car for?

This question may seem strange but often motorists buy cars with regular passengers in mind or plan to share the vehicles with another driver. For example, someone sharing the vehicle with a young driver or partner.

If this is the case, will they be able to drive it safely? When buying a car, note that some licences have restrictions on power. In NSW for example, P1 and P2 drivers are restricted from driving high-performance vehicles with the power to tare mass ratios of more than 130kW per tonne.

That means no WRXs or Teslas, unfortunately. Most states have similar restrictions, so check with your state government website.

What do the numbers look like?

Especially the ones with dollar signs in front of them. Not much fun for most people, but an important part of any big decision. Make sure to look into the numbers. Things like;

Service intervals and costs

It’s not much fun being hit with a large service bill only a few months after buying a car. Some manufacturers cap service costs which can be helpful.

Fuel economy

If you’re buying a car larger and more powerful than your previous one, it will likely use more fuel on your daily commute.

Towing capacity

Towing caravans and trailers are popular in Australia. Make sure that the vehicle you’re looking at is up to the task if you require it.

Warranty

Some brands like Mitsubishi now offer a mammoth 10-year warranty. Most others have at least 5-year warranties. Make sure to read the conditions as some are only void if you get them serviced at the dealership.

Price

It goes without saying that making sure the cost of the vehicle suits your budget. Compare car loans matched to your requirements to get an idea of what you’ll be up for.

Do you actually like the look and feel of the car?

Similarly to the first question, do you actually like the look and feel of the car? This is of course where test drives come in handy. Get a good idea of what the car is like to drive and park in different places while also looking at it from different angles.

When undecided on a vehicle, it’s easy to be persuaded by other people.

The most important thing is that you like the car that you’re about to spend a lot of money on.

Buying a car conclusion

Buying a car is an exciting experience. However, it does take a lot of thought and consideration. If you’ve decided on a make and model, get started with a quick quote to see what the rates and repayments might look like.

Positive Lending Solutions puts drivers in new cars every day and the team is always happy to answer questions and help whenever required.