Everyday Factors That Should Inform Your Car Buying Decision

Buying a car, for many, is one of the biggest purchases they will ever make. But with so many factors to consider when choosing the right car for you, which factors should you prioritise? As with most things in life, it all boils down to personal preference.

Budget

When it comes to budget, this has to be one of the biggest deciding factors when purchasing a car. Ever seen your perfect car only to realise you’ll never be able to afford it? We’ve all been there! Which is why it’s smart to shop by pricing category so you can see what is feasible for you without having your heart broken because you decided on a car before you viewed the price. Most websites let you shop via price range, and if you visit pre owned car dealerships, being upfront about your budget could save you a lot of heartbreak down the line.

Safety

When it comes to safety, this is a priority for most of us, but not all. Most cars these days are relatively safe, especially when purchased from a reputable source. It’s of vital importance to make sure you get your new car properly inspected to make sure the safety standards are up to scratch before you drive off into the sunset. If safety is your priority, then definitely do some research beforehand to find out which cars will fit this need best.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the key factors when it comes to buying a car, new or second-hand. No one wants to spend hours in a car that’s uncomfortable, even if it is just to get you from A to B. Most modern cars come with comfort in mind as it is an important factor for most. The only question is… just how much comfort are you looking for?

Design

We’re creatures of habit so when looking for a car to buy most of us are drawn to the standard designs that we’ve come to know and love over the years. Although most of us, but not all of us, value the design of a car and take it into consideration before making a purchase it is not at the top of the list but it is definitely a factor that plays a part in the decision-making process. Whether you like strong, bold, sporty cars or small, cute and compact city slickers, there is a design to suit every taste out there. Start by looking at what parts of the design you love such as a long bonnet or a curvaceous boot, and then find the class of car that these design features inherently belong to.

Trade-ins and incentives

When looking to make a big purchase such as buying a car it’s a good idea to take into account that prices will vary from car dealerships to private sellers, and even vary within the two sellers. A good rule of thumb is to decide on your car and start shopping around to be sure that you are getting the right price for your car. Some dealerships even offer incentives and trade-ins in exchange for the purchase. Don’t settle when shopping for your next car and make sure you’ve done thorough research to ensure you get the most out of your new buy.

Type of car and your lifestyle

When it comes to the type of car, there are quite a few options to choose from, from hatchbacks, SUVs, bakkies, sports cars, convertibles, sedans, coupes, minivans, station wagons, or pickup trucks, finding the best car for you and your lifestyle comes with a range of options. If you’re more of an adventurer and looking for a car to match your adventurous lifestyle, then bakkies, SUVs, and crossovers are a perfect choice for you, but if you’re looking for a family car, then sedans, station wagons, and minivans are great choices for you. Researching car types can be useful because it informs and leads us to better understand certain characteristics that a car has to offer.

Cost of repairs

This is one factor that often gets overlooked when purchasing a new car, but it should be one of the top considerations as maintenance costs can quickly add up. Ford Figo, Toyota Yaris, and the Nissan NP300 are some of the cheapest cars to service in South Africa. It’s important to do your research before making the big purchase to ensure you won’t have a huge shock come the first service.

Insurance

You can usually expect to pay more for car insurance if you own a coupe as opposed to a sedan. Many car insurance companies charge more to insure coupes because they consider them higher-risk vehicles than sedans and consider the individuals who drive them to be higher-risk drivers. This is just one example of how the type of car can impact your insurance premiums. Find out beforehand if your car option is good for insurance or if it would be better to opt for a more practical car to negate high insurance premiums.

Colour

Colour generally doesn't have an impact on the price of buying a new vehicle; however, in-demand colours such as white, grey, and silver may be widely available and easier to purchase than those with unique colours. More popular colours like white, grey, and silver will also hold better resale value over time since there is more demand for them. When it comes to insurance, though, it is a myth that the colour affects your premiums.

Fuel efficiency

With petrol prices skyrocketing, it seems only fitting that fuel efficiency plays a big part when it comes to the factors that inform your car buying decision. The Toyota Aygo 1.0, Suzuki Celerio 1.0, and Kia Picanto 1.0 are some of the most fuel efficient cars in South Africa right now and are perfect for those who don’t want to spend their entire salary on petrol.

Final Words

Choosing the right car for you and your lifestyle comes with a lot of different options and factors to consider. It’s always a good idea to do your research beforehand so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into when purchasing a new, or second hand car. Although a very personal decision, these are some factors that should always be considered when making such a big decision to ensure that you drive off with not only your dream car but at the right price as well.