A Guide to Buying a New Car – What you Should Know

We all love the look and the feel of a brand-new car; the luxurious smell of the fresh leather upholstery, the fact that the engine has done less than 20km and all the protective stickers are still on the interior. Everything works as it should and the car is spotless and you can’t wait to drive her home.

Depreciation

There are downsides to owning a new vehicle; the depreciation is massive, around 12-17% when you drive the car off the forecourt, so be prepared for an instant value drop when you sign on the dotted line. People who buy new cars tend to be in it for the long haul and are not looking to change their wheels for a very long time. After the initial depreciation, the car will hold its value for the next couple of years, but if you are looking for a car to drive for 1-2 years, a second-hand model is advised.

Finance 

Unless you are a lottery winner, you will need to find a company that does car loans; the online lender offers a fast service and the paperwork is signed and you can pick up the car. Of course, the car dealership will offer finance; they have a working association with at least one finance provider, maybe more. 

Running costs

Every car must be maintained on a regular basis, while fuel is part of running costs, as well as tax and insurance; the last thing you need is to buy a car that guzzles fuel and parts are very pricey. Be realistic when looking at makes and models and don’t let your heart rule your head.

Freebies

Most dealers will give you 12 months comprehensive insurance completely free, plus there might be goodies like jackets, travel bags and even add-ons if you select certain models. Things are very competitive and if you are prepared to visit all the dealerships in your area, you might get a better deal.

Warranty

Your warranty is very valuable, so never do anything that would cause the warranty to be null and void; allowing an unqualified person to service the vehicle, or missing several service sessions. Always have the car serviced by a manufacturer-approved garage and keep records of all services, including receipts. If you maintain a full service history, the car will be more valuable, as this is proof that you took good care of the vehicle.

Read the user manual

We recommend reading the manual from cover to cover, making sure you understand all the controls and locations; the manual contains technical data for servicing and repair, plus there is a blank section for service information. There are many warnings that you should read and understand, especially when it comes to the fuel and engine oil grade that must be used.

We hope that you enjoy your new set of wheels, which is a milestone for everyone.