Buying a new car is very exciting — the feel of fresh leather seats, shiny paint, and smooth drive. But before you step out to buy a new vehicle in South Africa or other parts of the world, there are a few things to consider.
A car is one of the biggest purchases most people make, and it pays to make a well-informed choice, especially when you want a comfortable yet budget-friendly drive for years.
In this article, we have covered some tips on buying a new car, including the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV among others.
Table of Contents
Set Your Budget First
Understand what you can truly afford before making your way to the dealership. And it’s not just the buying price; you should consider monthly payments, insurance costs, fuel, and maintenance.
New vs. Pre-Owned
Yes, we understand that you are in the market for a new car, but is it worth buying, or should you focus on a used vehicle? A new car offers you warranties, good mileage, the latest features, and peace of mind.
On the other hand, a nearly-new vehicle could save you thousands while still offering a similar thrill. So, think about everything carefully before spending lakhs or crores.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your life should fit your car, not the other way around. If you’re running school programs and ever-larger weekly grocery budgets, a compact SUV could even make sense.
If you drive a long way for work, fuel efficiency is one of the considerations at the top. Love adventure? Try finding something that can at least handle off-roading.
Safety Features
New cars are equipped with an array of safety features, and you can’t ignore them. Look for Airbags, ABS brakes, stability control, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise controls. Make sure you get the best safety features in your vehicle.
Resale Value
When buying a new car, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about the potential resale value. There are car brands and models that are better than others at retaining value.
For example, there are hatchbacks, trusted sedans, and popular bakkies that have good resale values. So, focus on this too.
Financing and Deals
Don’t rush into accepting the first financing offer that you receive. Dealerships usually try to sell their in-house finance policies hard, but it can pay off to shop around for interest rates and repayment terms with your own bank.
Also, watch for seasonal promotions such as free service plans, cash-back offers or trade-in bonuses.
Test Drive and Research
Never purchase a vehicle before you’ve driven it. A test drive will tell you more than any spec sheet could ever do. It gives you experience of everything including, comfort, visibility, handling, and performance.
Moreover, take your time reading reviews and watching video comparisons (and checking reliability ratings).
Final Thoughts
Buying a new car or vehicle is not only about looks or price, but it’s also about finding the right balance of budget, lifestyle, safety, and long-term value. So, do your research, check reviews, set a budget, and then buy the wheels of your dream.