New or used? How to choose the right car for your needs

From setting a realistic budget to deciding between petrol, hybrid and electric power, here are the key factors to consider before buying your next car.

Time to change your car? Whether you’re opting for new or used it can be a minefield and with the choices of petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid where do you start?

It may sound obvious but know your budget – in addition to monthly payments, check out insurance and road tax costs, running costs, and any MOT that may be needed.

If you need a car that’s suitable for the school run and a dog don’t let your head be turned by a racy looking convertible. Is there enough boot capacity for all your holiday luggage? Where will you be doing the majority of your driving – towns, cities or in the country? Is manual or automatic better for your needs and that’s before you start looking at fuel vs electric options.

Electric cars are more expensive to buy however offer lower running costs, road tax and reduced emissions while petrol vehicles provide longer range and have an established refuelling infrastructure
If you have a good idea what you’re after then research the make and model, seek out any common problems or gripes of current owners. How reliable is it?

Got your eye on a shiny new one sitting on the forecourt at your local dealership? Make sure you ask about warranty length, servicing packages, delivery time, finance and pick the dealer’s brain – they’ll have untold amounts of knowledge that will help you make the right choice.

Opting for a used car means you can often find a great deal, check the service history, mileage, number of previous owners, MOT history, tyres, brakes and bodywork – buying from a recognised used car dealer will give you peace of mind with all these and the chance to ask any questions and quell any doubts.

Always take whichever you choose for a test drive – it’s the only way to really get a feel for the car to see if it’s the one for you. Aside from the actual driving, does it feel comfortable, does it feel like your car?

Once you’ve decided on the right one for you, read the paperwork carefully, don’t feel pushed into anything. If needs be go back and have another look on a separate occasion before setting out on the open road.

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