Buying a car, new or used, requires some thought in order to choose the model that is truly suited to your needs, but also some research in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are some practical tips for choosing your car.
Select a vehicle suited to your profile
How many seats do you need? Do you mainly drive in the city, in the countryside or on the motorway? These are some examples of questions to ask yourself before buying a car. By clearly defining your needs from the start, you will be able to identify the models that will best meet them. This avoids paying too much for a vehicle compared to its actual use. Obviously, think about your future needs. A more spacious model allows you to anticipate the expansion of the family or to facilitate the occasional transport of bulky objects.
View reviews of vehicles you are interested in
To find out what people think about a particular vehicle, you can use a site like avis-auto.fr . Created by MAAF Assurances SA , the platform publishes certified reviews on many car models. It also offers thematic rankings such as the least expensive vehicles to maintain, the least fuel-consuming, the most comfortable or reliable, etc. In general, remember to cross-reference several sources of information to form an overall opinion: verified review sites, specialist press, user forums, etc.
Choose the type of motorization according to your use
Diesel, petrol, hybrid, electric? It all depends on how you use your future vehicle on a daily basis. A diesel car is ideal for long journeys due to its low extra-urban consumption. A petrol model is more interesting for urban journeys or occasional drivers, due to its lower purchase cost. The hybrid allows you to reduce your consumption in the city, while maintaining a correct overall autonomy. As for the electric car, it results in a reduced cost of use and is attractive for its ecological aspect, but requires suitable infrastructure. You must also take into account the more or less long recharging times, especially during long journeys.
Learn about usage, insurance and maintenance costs
Beyond the purchase price, other costs must be taken into account. It is important to find out about fuel consumption, but also about insurance and routine maintenance costs. To do this, consult specialist sites, obtain quotes from insurers or ask your garage. A high-end vehicle with a large engine is certainly comfortable to use, but it can also represent an excessive financial burden for a household with a modest budget. An electric model is more environmentally friendly, but depending on the area of ​​residence, may also require installing a charging station at home. Taking these costs into account helps avoid unpleasant surprises later on.
When purchasing a used vehicle, check the maintenance log to ensure that important tasks such as oil changes or timing belt changes are carried out regularly. The condition of the interior and bodywork are also excellent indicators of the care given to the vehicle. While low mileage is an asset, it is important to check its consistency with the condition of the vehicle and the use stated by the owner. Finally, it is in your best interest to take a road test to check the behavior (handling, braking, responsiveness, etc.) and identify suspicious noises (vibrations, squeaks, knocks, etc.).
Common Mistakes When Buying a Vehicle
The purchases that cause the most disappointment are often those made in haste. It is easy to be seduced by the appearance of a vehicle and forget about additional costs such as insurance or maintenance. However, the difference in cost can be significant between two models. It is quite natural to stop at an attractive price, but always keep in mind your real needs. Indeed, choosing an unsuitable vehicle is generally synonymous with a lack of comfort or restrictions of use
