Buying a new vehicle is a big decision. Not only is it a large investment, but there are a number of factors that you need to consider before you commit to a particular vehicle.
Maybe you’ve decided you want to upgrade your current car, van, or truck. Or maybe you’ve just passed your test and you’re excited to make your first ever vehicle purchase. There are literally hundreds of models out there, many of which have multiple variations, including different sizes and colours. The choices are endless, with everything from robust Range Rovers to large trucks to the everyday Toyota or Ford cars.
If you’ve made the decision to invest in a new vehicle, here is a simple step-by-step guide to follow. This should make the whole process much simpler and more enjoyable for you.
- Consider Your Needs
Before you start looking for a car, van, or truck, you first need to consider your specific needs. A great way to determine exactly what you need is to ask yourself a series of questions, including the following.
- How many seats will I need?
- How many people will be in the car at any one time?
- Do I need a particularly large boot?
- What sized engine will suit me best?
- How many miles do I plan on doing within the next year?
- How large do I need the vehicle to be?
- Do I want a brand-new car or an older vehicle?
By answering the above questions, you can start to piece together the type of vehicle that will suit you best. This should make your decision much easier when you come to search for your new car or van.
- Establish Your Budget
Your budget is one of the key factors you need to consider when you’re buying a new vehicle. Once you’ve taken your needs into account, you need to establish the amount of money you have available to spend on your car or truck. It’s not just the initial payment for the vehicle itself. It’s also the insurance, the tax, and petrol costs that need to be factored into your budget. Vehicles are expensive!
- Decide Where to Buy From
The next step to purchasing your new vehicle is deciding where you’re going to buy your car or truck from. Whether you choose an International Dealer or a local seller, it’s important to do your research.
Private sellers are those who are selling a car that they legally own. You need to be cautious when buying from an individual, as they may not always disclose every minor fault with the vehicle. The transactions are usually irreversible, so double check everything before you buy.
Independent sellers sell a number of used vehicles. They’re usually not tied to one specific manufacturer, so they’re not biased towards one make. Conversely, if you choose to opt for a franchised car dealer, they may be biased towards the manufacturer that they are tied to. This does mean that these dealers are experts in specific makes, so if you have questions about a particular vehicle, they are likely to answer them in great detail.
If you want a cheap deal, but don’t want to deal with the transaction yourself, you can use a car or truck broker. They are specialists in car dealerships, and often have long lists of contacts that can be used to find the best deal on the market for you. Truck brokers will act as the middleman between a shipper and a carrier to arrange transportation of vehicles and goods.
- Check the Vehicle Out
The next step comes after you’ve made some searches and found one or two vehicles that you’re interested in. Depending on the particular method you’ve used to buy your vehicle, you will generally go to view it before you make the purchase.
If you have chosen to use a private or independent seller, you will arrange a time and place to meet them so you can have a look at the vehicle. Other places may enable walk-in viewings. Make sure you know which places that require you to book a viewing in advance. This way, you don’t waste your time and money driving to the vehicle only to be turned away!
When you go to see the vehicle, check every detail of the interior and exterior. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller as many questions as you want to. Learn about the vehicle’s history and how it came into the seller’s hands. It’s also a good idea to take it on a test drive so you can ensure nothing is wrong with the way the vehicle drives. Doing a test drive also gives you a feel for how the vehicle feels, and whether or not you like driving it.
- Organise Your Insurance
If you have found the perfect vehicle, you will usually make a deposit before arranging to pick it up. In between paying the deposit and the full amount, you should organise your insurance. Shop around only for the best deals, as different insurance companies vary in their prices. Arrange for the insurance to start just before you go to pick up the vehicle so you are safe to legally drive it home.
- Make the Payment
One of the final steps is making the full payment. You will usually sign a few documents and then you’ll be handed the key of your new vehicle. Make sure to read every paper in great detail before you sign. Once this has been done, you are now the legal owner of the vehicle.
- Enjoy Your New Vehicle
Now the fun part! You can drive home and enjoy your new vehicle in all its glory. May you want to buy some brand-new car mats, or fancy wheel trims. Get yourself a fragrant air freshener to hang on your rear-view mirror, and personalise the vehicle to make it feel like your own.