subject: Top 10 tips for picking your new car [print this page] Whether you're buying a new or used car, there's more to consider than just the make and model. Choosing a car that's well suited to your driving habits could help you save money and keep you safe when driving in the city or country.
The initial cost of a car is one of the main deciding factors for many people, and while it's important to choose an affordable vehicle, you may also want to consider additional costs. Used vehicles may be cheaper, but they may have outlived their original warranty, which could save you money on repairs and servicing when buying a new vehicle. It's also important to bear in mind that newer vehicles are less likely to need such repairs than older cars.
There's also the issue of fuel economy to consider, when deciding whether to buy a diesel or petrol vehicle. Diesel cars can be more expensive up front, but if you drive long distances the difference in fuel efficiency can pay for itself within a few years. Newer models tend to do more miles to the gallon as well, providing more efficiency than some older models of the same size.
The size of your car is another area where you can cut costs, with many smaller vehicles not only being cheaper, but also better suited to driving in the city and parking in narrow spaces. Small cars are not for everyone, of course, especially if you have families, and just as important as checking out the exterior size is making sure vehicles offer sufficient interior space and leg room, so your driving experience won't be uncomfortable.
More fuel efficient vehicles also benefit from having cheaper road tax. Because road tax (or Vehicle Excise Duty) is determined by carbon emissions and the type of fuel used, drivers who buy smaller cars will be able to save money on road tax compared to those in bigger vehicles, provided their vehicle was produced after 01 March 2001. By saving money on road tax, you should have more money in your wallet to take care of other essential business such as car insurance,
You should also make sure your car will actually fit in your driveway or garage to avoid any surprises when driving it home. In fact, taking a car for a test drive is an ideal way to tell whether you and this vehicle will get along in the months or years ahead. Anything you're not satisfied with initially will only provide continuous frustration as time goes by.
