Buying a new car is a reason for celebration, but it can also be the cause of many sleepless nights. As you know, that new set of wheels is going to start depreciating the moment you turn it out of the dealership, which means that you need to think carefully about how you’re going to get the most out of your car over the next few years.
But you know that the king’s got your back when it comes to all things car related, so here are a few tips to help you make a decision:
- Decide on your ‘deal-breakers’ before you go to the dealership.
Write down on a piece of paper the things that are non-negotiable. Like the absolute maximum amount you’re willing to spend, ABS brakes, an extended warranty, and a boot big enough for your mother-in-law month-end groceries. This will help you remember what’s important when you get dazzled by that shiny new sports car on the shop floor.
- Know her history
If you’ve ever read an old-timey detective novel, you know that a pretty face can often hide a dark past. Find out whether the car has ever been in an accident, and what the extent of the damage was. You don’t want to only find out all of her dirty secrets when it’s too late.
- Find a dealer with street cred
Going to a reputable dealer can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. A reputable dealer will provide you with ongoing assistance even after the sale and will make the whole car buying process much simpler. Avoid dodgy, private second-hand dealers with 70’s-style moustaches and scary smiles that have too many teeth.
- A 5-year warranty (or motor plan) and a 5-star safety rating
While you may be willing to compromise on comfy, heated seats and sub-woofers that can blow the back of your head off, you shouldn’t be willing to make sacrifices when it comes to the safety or maintenance of your car.
Make sure that you get a 5-year warranty or a motor plan that will cover mechanical and electrical faults, and that the car has at least a 5-star safety rating. These should definitely be on your list of ‘deal-breakers’.
- Total cost of ownership
In addition to your monthly car repayments, you will also need to factor in additional running costs, like your fuel consumption, and your monthly car insurance payments into your ‘total cost of ownership’. This is the real monthly amount to consider when deciding whether you can comfortably afford your new car.
Not getting insurance for your new car is like strapping a couple of brand new iPhones to your knees and going roller skating over potholes…. It’s just a fast and dangerous way to lose money.
But buying a new car is not all paying without any gain.
Did you know that if you insure your new car with King Price, your premiums will actually decrease monthly, along with the depreciating value of your car?
Click here for a quote and let’s get the ball rolling and the king covering your new dream wheels, stat.
