Choosing a car, whether new or used regal in Modesto, is no easy task, especially if you are not an automotive expert. Do you recognize yourself in this profile? Tadam! Thanks to these 8 tips, you will become an ace in this field and you will easily manage to find the model that suits you! Here you can learn also Rally Cars.
1.CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMAT
You might think that at the same price, you might as well have the biggest car possible? The best equipped, the prettiest, and the most massive? BIM! This reasoning is bad but as you can see, it is very widespread, you just have to leave your home to observe the number of SUVs where there is only one driver on board!
If you should not opt for a too-small car, you should know that a couple with children can be quite satisfied with a compact or a station wagon. Too often seen as an obligatory passage, the minivan is not necessary.
Remember that the bigger the car, the more it will consume. And the rest will inevitably follow big rims that will force you to sell mother-in-law’s pottery to finance the tires and other costs that will accumulate …
2. DO NOT UPGRADE
When buying a car, it can be tempting to choose the format above. For example, you are looking for a Clio but you realize that for 1,400 € more you can have a Mégane. On paper, this seems like the right plan …
Added together, these strands form a significant additional cost. Stay reasonable, stick to a template, and don’t outdo yourself for no reason.
3. A SUITABLE FUEL
Then comes the problem of fuel. On this, we must first go beyond prejudices. Diesel, for example, consumes less than gasoline, but it is not suitable for urban journeys and low annual mileage, where it becomes dirty and generates large costs.
The hybrid-gasoline is a good alternative, reliable and which is well suited to small and medium-sized drivers. Gasoline is also a good compromise, especially for those who don’t use their car all the time … And the sound is still nicer than a Diesel, isn’t it?
Electricity is certainly the most economical, we saw it when testing the Nissan Leaf … But not (yet) suitable for long journeys.
Summarize：
• Do you drive little and in town? Choose a gasoline engine. If your budget allows it, a gasoline hybrid or an electric one is possible.
• Do you drive a lot and no town? The Diesel remains advantageous. But LPG (which no longer risks exposing) can also be chosen.
• Do you make mixed trips? The ideal is a gasoline engine, hybrid or not. On the other hand, avoid the hybrid-diesel, it is nonsense.
4. THE RIGHT BUDGET
The big trend for builders is rental. Generally, you are asked for a contribution and then a monthly lump sum which also includes maintenance. These are pretty good deals in general but beware of the final repair costs! They can cost you dearly if you damage the vehicle or exceed the agreed mileage.
The cash purchase remains a safe bet, but this interests less the manufacturers … But for second-hand purchases, it is the ideal.
There is also credit. I wouldn’t dwell on it, we all know the advantages and especially the disadvantages!
The last point, electric vehicles are more profitable with a rental system, think about it! Do you follow?
Finally, determine a maximum budget that you will not exceed, no matter what. If so, it would be the door open to all excess …
5. A BEARABLE MAINTENANCE
We don’t necessarily think about it, but the cost of maintaining a car is clearly to be taken into account. And on this point, there are strong disparities from one manufacturer to another …
Indeed, going through a small mechanic can generally lower the costs. But that does not prevent that some models can cost you the eyes of the head (and sometimes more). This is the case, for example, of a car that wears out its tires prematurely or a fragile engine block …
Also, watch out for false-friend equipment. The big rims are very nice (and again, it’s subjective) but the tires will tear your money out of your wallet faster than a pick-pocket with ten years of “trade”.
There is no secret about it. The bigger the car, the higher the mechanic’s bill will be. But conversely, engines with a large displacement are frequently more reliable than small engines. Head gaskets for example are much more enduring (and we all know that a head gasket costs nothing … but in labor, it’s just atrocious).
6. CONSISTENT EQUIPMENT
Another tip for choosing the right equipment. At first, especially for low budgets, it is interesting to focus on onboard equipment. You could for example flash on a Lotus Elise (and I would understand you) … But do not expect dual-zone air conditioning, heated seats, or sometimes even electric windows.
But some equipment can quickly prove to be essential for some or some. This is the case, for example, with air conditioning, Isofix mounts, or even seat and steering wheel height adjustments to find an ideal driving position.
We should also mention the reversing radar, which largely compensates for the absence of a compass in the eye! For this, an intermediate finish should be preferred as a minimum. Also, the resale will be easier.
7. THE CHOICE OF COLOR
The choice of color, there are two schools: aficionados of hyper flashy colors and who want to stand out, and the most authentic, who will favor a shade of gray, while thinking of resale. Both are wrong. Why?
Quite simply because a flashy or colorful shade will appeal only to a small audience, but it has a better chance of triggering the crush! Conversely, black, white, and gray are seen everywhere. Your car does not stand out. So why a buyer would go more towards yours than that of the neighbor?
The good compromise is still a colorful shade. It differs from the rest of the fleet and it allows you to find more of a color that you like. However, be careful with extremes: a pink Fiat 500 can be nice … But not for resale!
8. SAFETY HAS A PRICE
Another tip that can help you make up your mind: check out the crash test results. It is still too often overlooked, but safety is a parameter to consider when purchasing a vehicle.
Imagine a yogurt that you would throw from a height of two meters, and overall you will get what you would feel in a Fiat Seicento crash. The airbags are very important devices provided to wear seat belts.
Likewise, some recent models have a wide range of equipment dedicated to safety which deserves attention, such as collision detectors and Front Assist which monitors the environment to trigger braking if necessary.
Also, these over-equipped models sometimes offer hill start assitance, which is useful but not only for the lazy: it relieves the clutch.
As for choosing a final model, the choice is yours. It is more or less extensive depending on your budget. New or used, the debate is never closed if your budget is large enough to offer you both options. But rental is never to be ruled out, especially since it is more and more competitive if you are careful with your vehicle.
Once you have several models in view, take point by point the tips of this article to find the rare pearl. You will see, it is not that complicated. But better to take your time.
Want to know more or do you have a car to sell before you buy it? This guide will help you quickly part with your old car!