When buying a car on a tight budget, it’s sometimes easy to focus too much on the price tag rather than considering what is practical and cost-effective in the long run. Yes, you need to be able to afford the car — but you also need to be sure that you’ll enjoy driving and owning it. Whether you’re buying a new or a used car, it could be important to consider these 7 factors next time you go car shopping.
By Team Savant
Image: Crosby Hinze
Fuel Economy
With petrol prices currently on the rise, many of us are now wishing we’d bought a more fuel-efficient car. In many cases, small cars are more fuel efficient than larger vehicles, because they are lighter and have smaller engines. Newer cars are meanwhile more fuel-efficient than older cars - especially now that many are hybrids. Going electric will save you the most on fuel. Diesel cars cost the most to fill up, but some have a very high MPG to make up for it. Anything over 40 MPG these days is considered very good.
Reliability
You also want a car that’s not going to keep needing repairs. Newer cars will always be more reliable than older cars, however you do need to also consider the reliability of the make — automakers like Toyota, Honda and Hyundai have some of the lowest repair rates. Individual models may also be more reliable than others.
Storage Space
Depending on your lifestyle, you may need a lot of storage space. Some cars have gigantic trunks, while others have tiny trunk spaces. If it’s possible you may need to carry very heavy or bulky equipment in the future, it could also be worth checking whether the rear seats fold down and also whether the car is able to support a roof box or tow equipment.
Safety
A car’s safety rating shouldn’t be overlooked — especially if you’re buying a family car. Look at safety ratings by official bodies and look out for modern safety features like AED, rear facing cameras and parking sensors. Some people assume that the safest cars are the most boring cars, but actually there are many sporty brands that score well for safety like Subaru — look into Subaru dealers close to you if you want a car that provides power and protection.
Handling
A test drive is a must when buying a car as it’s the only true way to get an idea of how a car handles. How the steering feels and how responsive the pedals are is key to determining whether a car is enjoyable to drive or not. Some people like everything to be smooth, while others prefer a bit of ruggedness so that they feel more connected to the car.
Comfort
While in the driver’s seat, also consider how comfortable the car feels. Some vehicles glide over speed bumps and rough road surfaces, while others can feel very rigid and shaky. You should also consider how comfy the seat feels and what type of climate controls are built into the car.
Connectivity
Connectivity has become a sought after feature. This includes features like bluetooth connectivity, in-built GPS and Wi-Fi. Older cars are unlikely to have all of these features, but many new cars will. Read reviews to get an idea of the quality of this technology.