Everything you need to consider when buying a car

Buying a car is a big investment for most, and not a decision to be taken lightly. You need to make sure you have put enough thorough research and thought into it, before becoming too carried away when you choose your latest vehicle.

Make sure you have checked off these following points, before purchasing your next motor:

Budget

Firstly, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend on a car. If you want to buy one outright, how much do you have saved? If you are planning on paying in installments, you’ll need to go through your monthly finances and see how much you can afford to spend each month. Don't forget tax, insurance and running costs as well.

Priorities

Make sure you have a clear list of what you want to gain from your new car. Do you want a small and sporty vehicle to get you around town, or a larger family car with space for luggage and shopping? Try to balance your requirements with the best quality you can afford, choosing a used car that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Buy or Lease

Buying is usually the more cost-effective way to purchase a car. But for some people, getting their hands on that much money can be too difficult. The other option is to buy a car from a garage on finance, paying monthly instalments until it has been paid off. You will, however, end up paying more in the long run with added interest and fees.

Test Drive

Even your ultimate dream car might not be right for you once you actually get in it. Take a potential purchase out on at least two test drives, and try to space these out over different times and weather conditions.

Buying a car is exciting, but make sure you keep a cool head and make an educated decision based on plenty of research and planning. You're going to own this car for a number of years, so take the time to ensure you are making the right decision.