Whitestone Garage’s Guide to Choosing a Used Car
Choosing a car is a big decision, and, as one of the most expensive items you are likely to buy and one that you will be using on a regular basis, it is important that you make the right choice. So, where do you start? To answer that question, here’s our guide to choosing a used car!
1. Budget
Without a set budget, it’s easy to get carried away. Before you start your search for the perfect used car, consider whether you are going to pay for your vehicle upfront or on finance and work out how much you will be able to afford. Remember to account for fuel costs, tax, insurance and servicing costs in your calculations. Effective planning can save you from financial worry down the line!
2. Requirements
The next thing to work out, is what type of vehicle you should choose. To do this, ask yourself what you are actually going to be using your car for. Will it be for family days out, in which case, you may need something large, with plenty of storage capacity, or for driving through busy city streets, which may require something nimbler? Answering these questions should help you narrow down the ideal size and body style.
3. Fuel Type
Another thing to bear in mind, especially with it being such a hot topic at the moment, is what type of fuel you are going to choose. Petrol is widely available, while diesel can be more efficient for long-distance driving. Hybrid and electric vehicles are cleaner, but more expensive to buy.
4. Priorities
Before you start searching for cars, it can be useful to make a list of the factors you are looking for, in order of importance. Will you prioritise cost, style, safety features or technological enhancements? Armed with this checklist, you can see how many boxes each vehicle you look at ticks and create a shortlist.
5. Choosing Your Used Car!
After you have done all of the calculations and figured out exactly what you want, you can move on to the fun bit: choosing the right used car for you! We have an extensive range of makes and models available at Whitestone Garage, which can all be viewed on our website.