Buying a new car can be extremely exciting and expensive. There’s no getting around that. Cars aren’t cheap, but the upfront cost and ongoing costs make a vehicle purchase one of the most expensive things you will buy in your life, even if you opt for a used vehicle over a brand-new, off-the-line model.

Even with all the research and persuasive literature, it’s easy to lose sight of your needs when choosing a car. It’s not just about the car you want, but the car you need. The disappointment and financial loss from selecting the wrong car can be significant, especially when it doesn’t meet your needs and rapidly depreciates once you become the owner.

To eliminate buyer’s remorse from your car purchase, these tips can help you make a more considered decision when buying a new car. You want the right vehicle with the right features and love driving it whenever you sit in the driver’s seat.

1. Budget

Your budget is a powerful tool in narrowing down your choices and ensuring you get what you can afford. While you might need to make some compromises, such as opting for an older model to get certain features or a more luxurious interior, having your budget in place will be instrumental in getting that shortlist together and presenting your realistic options. This sense of financial security will empower you in your decision-making process.

2. Reason for Buying

The requirements for a mum needing a car to commute to work and do school runs will vastly differ from those of a stay-at-home dog dad who must transport pups for long daily walks. Those with long daily commutes will have different needs than those who need a set of wheels for quick trips to the supermarket.

When buying a new car, take stock of what you want the car for, what type of journeys it will most likely do, its load, and why you need the car. If you neglect these options, you’ll have a vehicle that doesn’t do what you need.

3. New vs Used

The new vs. used argument has been raging for years. Both sides have pros and cons; what is best for you depends on your needs, budget, and viewpoint. Talking to a used car dealership and dealership selling new or nearly new cars can help you learn more about why you should buy each type of car.

But in a nutshell, new cars depreciate faster than used vehicles and can be up to 50% of their value in the first 3-5 years. Used vehicles will have been road-tested by their previous owner, meaning they will have ironed out any manufacturer kinks and issues and put it through its paces as well as them taking the hit for depreciation too.

Used cars will be older and more likely to require a greater level of upkeep in terms of repairs and wear and tear. New cars, however, can come with a range of features and modernization to enhance your driving experience and go for longer periods without needing repairs or services.

When buying a new car, pros and cons are standard for every car on the road, so finding out what you value most, what matters most to you, and your personal preferences can help you decide which route to take.

4. Manual or Automatic

Again, like the above point, the type of transmission your car has can be debated hotly by those passionate about each one.

Manual cars are more common on UK roads primarily because most drivers don’t spend hours and hours on the roads each day, although some stuck in regular motorway traffic might disagree. This means that it’s only in recent years that automatic transmissions have become popular.

However, choosing a manual or an automatic motor can help you narrow your choices, especially for models with only one option.

5. Fuel Type

Motorway drivers typically choose diesel engines as these perform better on motorways and are more fuel-efficient for long journeys. While diesel can be more expensive, and the cost of a diesel car can be higher than a petrol one, it can pay off in the long run if you’re driving long distances regularly or you drive a lot on motorways.

Petrol cars are typically more common on the roads and are more cost-effective for those who need a car to nip around local areas and get from A to B.

However, there is a plan to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2035, so you might decide to get ahead of this ban by investing in an electric or hybrid motor ready for the changeover.

While these types of vehicles are more expensive to purchase upfront, they can be more cost-effective during their lifespan, with power charging costs and fewer parts to replace.

6. Outgoings

There are always going to be regular outgoings for any car. But the bigger your engine size, the more expensive or unique your vehicle is, and the higher these costs can be.

You must pay road tax yearly, anywhere from £0 per year to a few hundred pounds. You need an MOT, which varies across the country, but you can expect this to be around £50 on average simply for the test; more if you fail and need repairs.

Being prepared for these ongoing expenses will make you feel responsible and in control of your decision.

Then you need insurance. Insurance premiums are on the rise, and people are paying anywhere from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand depending on their experience and driving history, car, postcode, vehicle use, etc.

Other costs can include annual services, breakdown cover, cleaning, maintenance, accessories, and more. These can all add up over the year, so make sure you’re aware of the types of outgoings associated with the car you’re considering buying so you can be confident you can afford it.

7. Test Drives

Test drive as many cars as you want to get a feel for how they handle the road and how you feel driving them. A car might look perfect on paper and have everything you want, but in reality, you might hate how it drives.

Prioritizing test drives will give you the confidence and reassurance that you’re making the right decision, ensuring it’s not just a good financial decision but also a good fit for your driving style and comfort.

The more cars you test drive, even if they don’t have what you need, the easier it will be to get a feel for the type of car you want to drive over what your perfect car needs.

8. Performance and Features

Lastly, one great way to help you find the perfect car is to determine the performance standard and features that will benefit you. Do you need leather interiors to keep it clean and comfortable because kids and pets are in the car?

Do you need a boot guard and easy-to-reconfigure seating to help you load pets in and out or carry big loads? Does the vehicle need to be fast, allowing you to build speed quickly on the motorway and giving you power for long drives?

Do you need added extras such as touchscreen consoles, driving assist, parking assist, cruise control, built-in dashcam, immobilizer, etc? Know what you want and need from your car to look at your options and get as many as you can afford for increased enjoyment and satisfaction.

Key Considerations When Buying a New Car

Finding the right car for your needs isn’t always easy. You might need to make compromises in certain areas, but drawing up a checklist and knowing what’s on the market, for what price, and what you can realistically get for your budget can help you narrow your search and prevent any buyer regret for your next car purchase.