Buying a new vehicle can be an adventure. Feeling a car’s seating for the first time and taking it out on your first drive are exciting moments, whether it’s your first car or you’re upgrading.
Besides being your primary mode of transportation, your vehicle can also say much about your lifestyle and personality. With so many model types on the market and the considerable investment you’re about to shell out, it’s essential to be as informed as possible before purchasing a vehicle.
Here are some factors you need to consider to help you discern the perfect car model.
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13 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Vehicle
1. Your lifestyle
Your lifestyle is probably the most significant factor when choosing a car because it determines the need for your vehicle. Consider your driving need. Will you drive to work daily or use your car for road trips? Do you need a vehicle suitable for off-road adventures or one that’ll fit on cramped city streets? Your answers will help you determine the most suitable car for your lifestyle.
2. Alloted Budget For Purchasing a Vehicle
Before you start looking, it’s essential to determine your budget. Consider how much you will spend on a car, including the down payment, monthly payments, and availing of car insurance. While getting a fancy car might sound attractive, it’ll only lead to financial stress and even repossession if you can’t comfortably afford it.
For a brand-new car, expect it to cost around PHP 500,000 to PHP 1,500,000, depending on the model. Having a set budget should help narrow down your options when looking for a vehicle. You can also get financing from bank loans to help you cover the expenses. The important thing is to ensure you wisely pay off your car loan as quickly as possible.
3. Safety features
Safety should always be your top priority when selecting a vehicle. After all, you entrust your life to it whenever you get behind the wheel. As such, look for cars with safety features like industry-tested airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and rearview cameras.
All these features can help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe while driving.
4. Fuel efficiency
The amount of fuel your car guzzles is also critical, especially with today’s skyrocketing gas prices. A good tip is to look for cars with good gas mileage to get further on less gas and save a lot of money. You can also consider a hybrid or electric vehicle to avoid gas expenses.
5. Maintenance and repairs
A vehicle will need a lot of maintenance and repairs throughout its lifespan, especially if you want to keep it in top condition. Look for cars known for their reliability, low maintenance costs, or with reputable service locations nearby. Also, consider the price and availability of replacement parts if the vehicle needs repairs.
6. Warranty and post-purchase service
A warranty is like a promise from the manufacturer that their products are in working condition and, should any problems occur, they owe you repairs or replacements. Cars also typically come with an optional service package that allows you to access company-approved mechanics, should you need it.
Ensure that you know about your car’s warranty or service package. If you’re getting a brand-new ride, you should know what it’ll take to keep it in good shape for as long as possible.
7. Seating capacity
If you frequently travel with a group of people, like your family, friends, or colleagues, getting a car with a suitable seating capacity would be best. If you plan on taking long trips, prioritize having enough space for everyone’s comfort.
8. Cargo space
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Tying in with the previous tip, you should consider the vehicle’s cargo space. Even if you plan on traveling light most of the time, you never know when you’ll need to transport many things. Having sufficient cargo space for your needs, with a little extra in unforeseen circumstances, is an essential consideration for any would-be vehicle owners.
9. Technology features
Modern cars have a lot of technological conveniences built-in to improve the driving experience. Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and driver assistance systems offer utility and entertainment on those long drives.
Making a list of the tech you want in your car may help you narrow your list of options.
10. Resale value
Your car probably won’t last your entire lifetime, so looking into a model’s resale value can help you decide when it’s time for an upgrade. Your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and year will affect its resale value, so you may want to investigate that when choosing and purchasing a vehicle.
11. Brand reputation
The reputation of the brand you choose should help inform you about the car’s make, including long-term reliability, resale value, and service quality. If you’ve narrowed the list to a few brands, you can research the specific model for customer testimonials. Looking this information up should help you avoid potential landmines and red herring options.
12. Environmental impact
If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, you may want to look for low-emission and fuel-efficient cars. Many vehicle manufacturers nowadays offer hybrid and electric models that can help reduce your environmental impact. If you take it a step further, you can even research manufacturing practices to pick a truly environmentally friendly car.
13. Test drive
Maybe the most subjective factor in this list is the test drive. Sometimes a car can look fantastic on paper, but it may not feel right once you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, pay attention to how it turns, accelerates, and stops. You’ll spend a lot of time in this car, so make sure you’re comfortable and happy with how it handles before buying it.
Smooth Ride Ahead
From the thrill of the test drive to the satisfaction of owning a vehicle, there’s nothing quite like the experience of buying a car. However, it can be overwhelming, especially considering many factors—from safety and fuel efficiency to warranties and resale value. Hopefully, you can use this guide to ensure your path to purchasing a vehicle is a smooth ride.
