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5 Tips For Buying A Car In 2021

Buying a new car is an exciting moment in a person’s life. There’s nothing like the feeling of driving away in your new set of wheels, ready to take on the world! However, the world is changing, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to find a great deal on a car that ticks all your boxes these days without knowing the best tips for buying a car in 2021.

In this post, we will help you figure out how to find the best car for you, as well as giving some sage advice about the process of buying in 2021. Fasten your seatbelts!

1. Be open-minded about the brand of car you want.

Everybody has their favorite brand of car. Maybe you’ve always owned the same type of car, and are a loyal customer to their brand; other people just love the overall look of certain cars. Maybe you are really into Mini, for example, and are constantly looking for "used Mini Norwich", or a used Mini wherever you're based. If you are in a position to have your dream car, you might not want to compromise on brand, aesthetic or quality. It is easy to get the “perfect” car fixed in your mind, causing you to ignore other viable options that could be a better fit.

This is understandable, but you need to remember that the right car for you isn’t just about aesthetics. While you might find the perfect car for you that also happens to be your favorite brand, you should consider other factors when shopping for your new car. More on these factors in the next step!

2. Make a list of your top priorities.

Everyone has their priorities when it comes to buying any big purchase - a car, a home, or even a super expensive pair of shoes!

When looking to buy a new car in 2021, your priorities should be clear in your mind before you take any serious steps. There are so many factors to consider, including:

Environmental impact. How does your potential new car measure up, environmentally speaking? Does it have good fuel consumption - or even better, is it a hybrid or electric car?

Suitability to your lifestyle. The location you live in, the amount you travel, the number of passengers you usually take in the car with you, and the type of roads you will drive on will all affect your decision. For example, a little Fiat 500 might be perfect for a single person who does a lot of urban driving - but a larger Land Rover would be better for country living.

Aesthetics. If you have a professional job, aesthetics do matter. You might be taking clients to meetings in your car, making it super important that you have an impressive, stylish vehicle. Even if you don’t need a gorgeous car, you might want one - so aesthetics are always an important consideration!

Price. Of course, if price weren’t an issue, most of us would be driving Ferraris. Be realistic about your budget - not just the purchase budget, but the cost of insurance, running the vehicle, repairs and general maintenance.

Mileage. How far will you be driving in your car, on average? Some models are built for longer journeys and differing weather conditions, compared to other cars that are better for urban driving or short trips.

3. Visit the dealership in person and discuss your purchase with a salesperson.

In 2021, it is easier to buy or reserve a car than ever. Most dealerships now have the option to buy a car online, meaning you could own a new car at the click of a few buttons.

However, sometimes the old ways are the best - and when it comes to buying a car, it is always best to visit in person. You can use companies with car-buying apps such as pentana solutions to find and even reserve the car for you, but ensure you visit the dealership before you finally close the deal.

Why is visiting the car dealership important? Firstly, don’t underestimate the power of a test drive. Even if you have driven many cars in your life, test driving is essential before you buy a car - you may find that the car you’ve been wanting for years doesn’t suit you after all.

Additionally, it is easier to ask questions and discuss a better deal with a salesperson in-store.

4. Consider financing options - even if you can afford to buy outright.

Financing is a great way of buying a car, even if you can afford to purchase one outright. All reputable dealerships will have financing options available, allowing you to pay for the car gradually in monthly installments. When considering finance you should always look for the best deals, just as you would if buying a car outright. This includes searching for the contracts with the lowest interest rates, but also using a site like Invoice Pricing to determine which dealers have the lowest overall cost, helping to save even more money.

Financing generally means paying interest, so most people still buy outright if they can afford to. However, a personal contract purchase will allow you to pay for the car over a number of years, and trade it in at the end of the deal. This means you never wind up with an old car on your hands, helping you keep your maintenance costs to a minimum.

5. New or used? Figure out what’s best for you…

Most people think that buying a used car is the “lesser” option, and should be avoided unless it’s the only option. However, you could be wrong about this. Cars lose around 40% of their value in the first year, meaning that you could buy a year or two-year-old car with very little mileage, for a fraction of the price of a new car.

Some people barely drive their cars, meaning even a four or five-year-old car would suffice, especially if the mileage is still low. Especially if you want a car for everyday domestic use, not long journeys or road trips, a used car could be the best option!

If you decide to buy a used car, make sure you are provided with the full-service history of the vehicle before you go ahead with the purchase. This could help you avoid expensive repairs if the car has been previously damaged without your knowledge.

Below are some tips when choosing between buying a new or used car:

Know Where To Buy: You can get the best car deal if you know the top place to buy your next car. Physical dealerships, auction sites, social media, and other marketplace platforms are now available for car buyers. But with the overwhelming location and mode choices, you must know what’s right for you.

You might want to invest in a second-hand or used car that banks have repossessed. By doing so, you could obtain a good-quality vehicle only used in a few years at a fraction of a brand new car. Consumers can get like-new vehicles at CrankyApe's online auto auctions and other reputable car auction platforms.

Determine Your Budget: Knowing your short-term and long-term budget can help you decide if it’s worth buying a new or used car. Assess if you’re willing to shoulder the unexpected charges when buying a second-hand car. Think if you could afford the upfront cost of a new car. Expect to pay minor or major repairs for a used car, whereas you might pay a down payment for a new car.

Features And Benefits: Considering the features and benefits of a vehicle is crucial to ensure safe and enjoyable transportation. Check if it’s compatible with your needs. For instance, inspect if the vehicle is packed with safety features for your family. Also, make sure to buy one with a good-running engine and major parts if you’re looking to buy a second-hand vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Buying a car is a fun experience, but it should also be approached with strategic thinking and a lot of research! Use this blog on tips for buying a car in 2021 to help you when you buy your next car!