It’s the new year which means out with the old and in with the new. You’ve been scrolling through the websites of all your favourite car makers, gazing at the wonders on display, and have finally decided to take the plunge. But before you go rushing off to every local dealership to test drive the latest models, have a read of these three things that you should make sure your new car has before you sign anything.
Breakdown cover
Many people might have this covered under their insurance, but sometimes the level of cover is not as much as you might hope. You can either opt for a separate breakdown membership, or you could get membership to a scheme such as Vauxhall OnStar included in your new vehicle purchase. Whichever way you do it, always remember that it’s better to have more cover than you need than less. Saving yourself a small amount of money from a monthly payment might seem tempting, but when you’re stuck on the side of the road and you’re not covered to get towed, it’ll end up costing you more in the long run.
Warranty
All new cars will come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but it’s important to compare like for like when shopping. Many dealership warranties come with a limited mileage per year, or do not cover certain malfunctions. Make sure that all components of the car are under the warranty, and bear in mind your annual mileage to see if you might invalidate your usage conditions. If you are buying used and the dealership does not offer a warranty for any reason, or it is a limited warranty, you can look at various extended auto warranty services to keep you covered. A must-have, especially if you have bought a vehicle that typically has costly repairs.
Safety rating
There are some pretty safe cars available on the market right now, which is great. After all, one of the main selling points of a new car is the advancements that have been made in auto safety over the years. It’s a good idea to search out the safety rating and write up for any of the cars you are thinking of purchasing. Spend some time reading up on the different rating systems and understanding how they compare against each other. You may realise that the car you had your heart set on maybe wasn’t as safe as you would like, meaning that it’s back to the drawing board. Be patient, and make sure you make the final decision with your head and not your heart.
Hopefully, these three factors have given you a little something extra to think about when making your new car purchase. It can be a bit overwhelming making a decision with so much choice on offer. Ensure you research each of your options thoroughly and are fully informed when you sign on that dotted line. Buying car is a big decision to make, and you don’t want to be stuck with the product of a hasty one for the next three or four years.
