HANDY TIPS WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR

Shop around and do your research
Spending time doing your research online or visiting showrooms can pay off, as some retailers may run promotional offers to help with the cost of ownership. Test driving cars of interest is also an effective way of knowing which makes and models best suit your requirements and lifestyle.
It is just as important to ensure that your chosen retailer is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman's Vehicle Sales Code, as this shows that the business is adhering to the highest standards of service. In addition, should there be a complaint that you cannot conclude directly with a seller in the first instance, you will also have access to The Motor Ombudsman's free-of-charge, independent and impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.

Expenses for running and maintaining a car should be budgeted for
It is not only the initial price tag of the car which matters in terms of being affordable. Post-purchase, there are running and maintenance costs to take into account, such as monthly finance payments, annual servicing, fuel or electric charging tariffs. Many new cars are offered with incentives, such as free insurance, road tax (where applicable) and breakdown cover, but once expired after the initial defined term, these ownership expenses will also need to be paid for.

Virtual online vehicle purchases are governed by specific legislation

Buying a new car online from start to finish over the internet, instead of visiting retailer premises at any point during the purchase process, including for a test drive, is known as a “distance sale”. In this scenario, the sales transaction is governed by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. For example, when buying a vehicle on the internet, you have 14 days to return the car from the date of delivery if you change your mind, but it is important to bear in mind that there may be deductions for usage if you have driven the car before deciding to hand it back.



Electric vehicles are becoming more prominent

With petrol and diesel prices recently hitting record highs on forecourts across the country, buying an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming a more popular ownership proposition. With the number of electric models on the market increasing, there is far more choice in terms of budget, range, battery capacity and equipment. Before buying an EV, it useful to think about factors, such as where it can be charged - i.e. on...