Making the Right Choice
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| Image by RyanTaylor1986 |
The vast plethora of cars on the
market today is baffling. Before you head out into the marketplace, spend some
time deciding what you want from your car. After narrowing your choices down,
simply compare your options with your budget can afford and you’ll be on your
way.
The following are key focus
areas
With fuel prices rising all over the world, it's smarter to choose a vehicle that sips rather than guzzles. You'll have to weigh out the pros and cons of diesel over petrol and a small engine over a large capasity one.
Certain cars have been scientifically tuned to deliver class-leading fuel economy while hybrids are also becoming increasingly popular.
So if you're likely to be doing frequenty cross country runs, this is an important factor to keep in mind. whereas if you anticipate your driving to be limited, a large V6 might be the order as their high running cost generally mean a lower price tag.
Don't buy something just because it looks good and fits into your budget. A bullet-proof SUV isn't necessary for the office commute and a Prius isn't ideal for off-road mountain touring.
Focus more on features that will add to your comfort while driving. Things like a nice sterio, powerful air-con, comfortable seats and perhaps space for the family may be what you're looking for.
These are two important points to consider. In most countries, there are different bands of tax that vehicles fall into and they are usually based on the emission and how much CO2 they produce.
Insurance is something to look out for. The cost of insurance will depend upon the cost of the vehicle, age of the vehicle, accessories, safety and anti-theft features. Of course type of insurance you take will make a big difference. This is one area we recommend you never compromise on. Always go for comprehensive. Hopefully you'll never need it, but if you do - it's always a good feeling to have the best one from the least fussy provider.
Think about how many passengers your vehicle is likely to carry on a regular basis. A Land Cruiser or Land Rover might be macho but your paying for 7 people with every ride. If you need a big boot, go for a large sedan or small station wagon over an SUV. And in most big cities, parking is a problem anyway.
Not only the running costs, but even the maintenance of a large vehicle is significantly higher. Spares don't come cheap either.
What Can I Afford
Over here, there are several factors to consider:
- How much am I getting for my current car?
- Will I finance or buy outright?
- What kind of maintenance will it demand?
- How fast will the car depreciate?
- How fuel efficient is the vehicle?
Apart from these, there are several other initial and ongoing costs like insurance and road tax that have to be considered.
Will I Be Fooled by the Fuel?
With fuel prices rising all over the world, it's smarter to choose a vehicle that sips rather than guzzles. You'll have to weigh out the pros and cons of diesel over petrol and a small engine over a large capasity one.
Certain cars have been scientifically tuned to deliver class-leading fuel economy while hybrids are also becoming increasingly popular.
So if you're likely to be doing frequenty cross country runs, this is an important factor to keep in mind. whereas if you anticipate your driving to be limited, a large V6 might be the order as their high running cost generally mean a lower price tag.
Purpose of the Purchase
Don't buy something just because it looks good and fits into your budget. A bullet-proof SUV isn't necessary for the office commute and a Prius isn't ideal for off-road mountain touring.
Focus more on features that will add to your comfort while driving. Things like a nice sterio, powerful air-con, comfortable seats and perhaps space for the family may be what you're looking for.
Road Tax and Insurance
These are two important points to consider. In most countries, there are different bands of tax that vehicles fall into and they are usually based on the emission and how much CO2 they produce.
Insurance is something to look out for. The cost of insurance will depend upon the cost of the vehicle, age of the vehicle, accessories, safety and anti-theft features. Of course type of insurance you take will make a big difference. This is one area we recommend you never compromise on. Always go for comprehensive. Hopefully you'll never need it, but if you do - it's always a good feeling to have the best one from the least fussy provider.
Size Does Matter
Think about how many passengers your vehicle is likely to carry on a regular basis. A Land Cruiser or Land Rover might be macho but your paying for 7 people with every ride. If you need a big boot, go for a large sedan or small station wagon over an SUV. And in most big cities, parking is a problem anyway.
Not only the running costs, but even the maintenance of a large vehicle is significantly higher. Spares don't come cheap either.
