Your new car can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare. It is a lifetime investment – you can’t just go around getting the one that pleases your eye the most. So, we have researched and compiled a list of things to ask and check when buying your first car.
Do Your Research
Once you decide to buy a car, all you think about is the possible options. The best approach is to conduct comprehensive research, studying the complete specifications of the vehicle and community discussions. Websites like Edmunds, Cars.com, and CarsDirect can help you with everything you want to know about your favorite model. This thorough research will equip you with the information needed to close the best deal, making you feel well-prepared and confident about purchasing.
The Additional Costs
The cost inquiry is the first thing everyone naturally does when shopping. However, it is different when you are purchasing a car. You have mapped out a budget when you step into a showroom. It prevents you from having your eyes on a vehicle that’s beyond your means. However, the car’s cost should leave a margin for registration, maintenance, tax, and insurance.
Dealership or Private Seller?
Even though the car might cost a bit less, sellers will only be accountable if they inform you about any costs, i.e., installments, penalties, etc., owing on it. Furthermore, they won’t offer any warranty, and you’ll have to pay if any issue arises after buying the car.
On the other hand, dealerships are certified and responsible for telling you everything about the vehicle. Unlike private sellers, they also offer warranties. So, you must complete a reputation and history check if you buy from a private seller.
The Car’s History
If you are buying a certified pre-owned or used car, the dealer must provide you with the car’s history. This history will include all the repairs the vehicle has undergone, as well as information about previous ownerships and accidents. The car’s history is crucial because it provides a clear picture of its condition and potential problems, preventing you from unexpected costs.
Mileage (For Used Models)
Even before you look at a car’s history or condition, you can tell much about it if you know its mileage alone. A vehicle with a high mileage count on the odometer is more torn down than the one that has not been used enough. However, you can save yourself some bucks if you are lucky enough to find a vehicle that has been highly maintained despite a more prolonged use. You can also go for the 12,000 miles per year rule that ticks a vehicle OKAY for purchase if it has run 12,000 or fewer miles annually throughout its age.
Fuel Efficiency
Tank refills alone can significantly impact your monthly budget, making fuel efficiency a crucial factor to consider. Experts recommend choosing a car that consumes 8-12 liters of fuel to cover 100 kilometers, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, opting for a fuel-efficient vehicle, i.e., Buick Encore GX 2024, Hyundai Venue 2024, 2024 Toyota Prius, etc, contributes to environmental conservation. So, when selecting a car, fuel efficiency should be one of your top considerations.
Available Safety Features
Thanks to the latest safety features in automobiles, accidents and fatalities have considerably decreased over the years. However, you must ensure that the vehicle you are considering offers you a safe space on the road. Don’t mind spending an extra few bucks for a feature that offers added protection to passengers and drivers since nothing costs more than your life. Some of the latest vehicles with high safety scores include the Honda Accord, Hyundai Kona (2024), and Ford Explorer (2024).
Engine Power & Performance
It’s 2024, and you won’t settle for V4 anymore unless you are a collector. So, ask about your car’s powerhouse, acceleration, top speed, and other driving features. Ensure they cater to your needs since sometimes even the best features differ from what you need because of your driving preferences.
Car Storage and Cargo Space
You can’t settle for a car with limited cargo space if you plan to use the vehicle for delivery purposes. Likewise, you’d need to consider the storage if you are 6’3 or have to carry a big family. With 61.4 cubic feet (combined) of cargo space, the Tesla Model S, Mercedes Benz EQS (74.1 cubic feet), and the Rivian R1S, boasting a whopping 104.7 cubic feet of space, can be your top picks.
Depreciation & Resale Value
There’s no quicker loss than paying for a car just to realize that you hardly get half of what you paid a while after bringing it home. For instance, despite being quite popular, EVs have surprisingly poor resale value. Ensure that the car you settle for offers a good resale value. Several vehicles hold better value than others. According to Car Edge, Toyota, Mazda, and Honda brands hold the best resale value over 5 years. So, settling for them is a wise investment.
Warranty Coverage
A new car will come with the manufacturer’s warranty, so you won’t have to worry about it. The genuine concern is buying a used car. Consider purchasing an extended warranty from the dealership to safeguard against potential costly repairs.
Financing Options
Emptying your pocket to a dealership is not a sane step, as you can’t be around with empty pockets in this era. Therefore, look for financing options to save yourself some money, even if you are ready to make the payment all at once. You might find a deal that suits your bank account better than putting down the whole amount in one go.
Test Drive
There needs to be more than just going through a specs table. You must take the car for a test drive once you want to purchase it. You can have the best idea of how the vehicle drives only with the pedal under your foot. While on the test drive, feel the smoothness (on bumps and potholes, mainly) and car handling. Also, pay special attention to unusual noises or issues if it’s a used model.
Professional Inspection
Regardless of your research, you can’t be sure if a car is well-maintained for refurbished or pre-owned models. Onboarding a third party is always a good idea, and many independent mechanics will be happy to inspect the vehicle for you. However, if the seller doesn’t allow it, it’s a warning sign that the car has hidden issues.
Price Negotiation
Most sellers set the initial price expecting the upcoming bargain attempt from the buyer. You can get a better deal by getting a lower price or additional packages, i.e., maintenance cost, extra warranty, insurance benefits, etc.
It is oft-quoted that a stitch in time saves nine. Therefore, spending enough time researching the models and inquiring about your concerns with dealerships can save you a lot of trouble and burden later. Also, never settle for the dealership that doesn’t fit your needs and budget—the world is full of options.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
