What You Should Consider When Buying A Car

Technological and sociological changes have shaped the automotive industry throughout history. New trends tend to be more concerned with sustainability and protecting the environment. This is why drivers are now looking at renting or carsharing before purchasing a vehicle. There is still a large market that wants to purchase. This is why we have created this guide to help you decide what aspects to look at when buying a vehicle.

A car purchase is often one of our first major investments. It can be difficult to choose the right vehicle among all the available options. It is important to consider both technical and non-technical aspects so that the purchase is a success and that we feel we have selected the right car for us.

These are some suggestions to keep in your mind.

It is important to have a budget in place from the beginning to avoid being taken in by commercial sales tactics.

It is important to know the horizon time that we have this vehicle. If it has been for more than 10 years, it will likely suit the search for new car. If the horizon is shorter, such as 6 years, it may be better to choose one of the second-hand market or kilometer zero.

It is important to understand your current needs and what characteristics a car must have in order to be able to adapt to your work and personal lives. Consider factors such as the size of the trunk and rear, the presence or absence of rear doors, the height of the vehicle, the terrain we move through (rural, urban, highways, etc. It is important to consider whether the car will be able to accommodate large families or baby seats. These requirements may change over time so we will need to think about how the vehicle could adapt to our projects in near future.

These needs are met by a variety of vehicles.

Utility vehicles: They are simple and functional for people who need a vehicle to get them from A to B.

Compact – For those who want a compact design, lots technology, and sporty driving.

Medium SUVs and Saloons: These are hybrid cars that combine the practicality of a car with the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle. Large boot space, spaciousness, technology, and design are all important to those who want more safety and reliability.

Minivans: They are spacious and functional, and can be used by large families and pets.

It’s very useful to create a template that allows us to compare all of the technical factors and to finally decide which car is best for us.

What technical characteristics are we supposed to be looking at? This is perhaps the most difficult and unknowable aspect of buying a car. These guidelines can be a great help.

Fuel: This is a controversial topic, as markets and governments can recommend one or the other depending on when it is being analyzed. They are therefore not reliable opinions. It will be based on how much mileage we drive with the car. A diesel car is recommended if we travel more than 12,000km per year. Although they are usually more expensive than gasoline cars, the extra cost is offset by the lower fuel price.

We can generally say that gasoline is more costly and requires greater consumption. It also has a lower recommended mileage per year. They provide more power and are less likely to break down. Diesel is generally cheaper and consumes less fuel in vehicles that are frequently on the road. However, it has less power and is not recommended for urban vehicles. Diesel engines with ITV revisions tend to be a little more expensive.

Consumption: The following graphs display an average consumption in relation to the engine’s power. The horizontal axis is the power (kW), and the vertical the consumption (liters/100 km). These data are useful in determining whether a vehicle uses a lot of fuel relative to its average consumption.

Engine Displacement (cc): Gives power to the engine. The engine’s displacement determines the size of the engine and the power it produces.

Power (CV, or Kw): This determines speed and acceleration. The power indicator shows how long it takes for a vehicle to complete a task.

High RPM performance is determined by the relationship between power & displacement. The power / displacement indicator is a measure of how well a vehicle performs at high RPM. However, it will have greater mechanical requirements.

Tires: They are the only part of the car that comes in direct contact with asphalt. It is therefore essential to ensure safety. The standard tires are the ones that are purchased, but there are other tires that are suitable for various weather conditions and uses. Specific characteristics include: grip on asphalt, water evacuation and wet performance, braking distances, protection against rubbing against curbs, and those with a low coefficient to increase consumption.

Extras: Every day, cars incorporate more technology and additional features to improve safety, sustainability, and connectivity. These include the Start Stop system (to reduce fuel consumption), cruising speed (to increase safety), parking assistance with rear cameras and sensors, ASR, Ramp Exit Assist, electric brake, and safety systems like ABS (prevents the vehicle tipping over) and ESP (stabilizer). Most of these features are included in new cars as a matter of law. However, we might need to request incorporation separately or in packages.

Once we have established the starting points, it is easier to visit dealerships and other points of sales. We recommend that you visit different brands’ dealerships in person to see which models suit your needs. Ask for similar models from multiple dealers, as there might be significant price differences between them, when narrowing down your options.

What time of year is the best to buy a vehicle?

Prices can vary depending on when we make the purchase. Dealerships and houses for rent often offer attractive deals in the latter months of the year to help them achieve their business goals. It is worth considering this.

Concerning the payment form, it is a good idea to calculate the final price, taking into consideration the interest, and then check whether or not it is interesting to finance.

Remember that car insurance is mandatory and essential. It will make our lives easier in the event of an emergency. We invite you to explore the wide range of products that we offer. You will find something to suit your needs as well as your vehicle’s.

These are just a few ways to help you feel more confident and less stressed when shopping for a vehicle. This information is hoped to be helpful in your next vehicle search.