An idiot’s guide to choosing a car online

Choosing the right car online

 

Shopping for the right car can be a tricky task – a fact that isn’t helped by dodgy sales folk whispering all kinds of gobbledygook in your ear whenever you stroll the showroom floor.

 

Luckily, buying a car today is a much more pleasant task than it was ten or fifteen years ago, and buyers can find exactly what they need from the comfort of their own homes thanks to the web.

 

Still, even if you’re choosing a car online, it’s important to nail the basics before diving headfirst into the unknown. Luckily, finding your ideal motor couldn’t be easier – just start by answering the questions below.

 

Where do you live?

If you’re a city dweller, you won’t want a huge 4X4 parked on your drive – just as if you’re a country bumpkin, the last thing you’ll want is a nippy little Smart Car to get you from A to B.

 

Buying a car that’s suited to your surroundings is an absolute must, and could come in handy when it comes to things like parking and insurance, as well as everyday driving.

 

What can you afford?

Buying a car is always an exciting task – but when the excitement spills over and people sign on the dotted line for a vehicle they don’t actually need, it can have devastating financial consequences.

 

Before heading out to purchase a new vehicle, make sure you’ve properly assessed your finances and what you can afford to pay in one go or over a series of monthly installments. By doing this, you’ll be able to choose a car that’s right for you, and not one that’s going to act as a financial ball and chain around your ankle.

 

Where should I look?

So you think you’ve found a make and model that’s suited to your lifestyle? Well, now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and conduct a little research on the web.

 

One website that’s great at providing honest, down to earth reviews is Which. Here you’ll find everything from MPG ratings to where to find the best price – all for just £1 in your first month.

 

Another great site that won’t charge you a penny is Auto Express. Whether you’re in the market for a brand new Audi or a budget Dacia, you’ll be sure to find a review you can trust here – which should help you to make up your mind.

 

Where do I buy?

Provided you’ve found your dream vehicle at a price that you can afford, now’s the time to find a local dealer, or private seller, to buy your vehicle from.

 

What’s great about doing this is that because you’ve already researched the vehicle you want, you’ll now be able to wow any potential sellers with your know-how – meaning no more gobbledygook!

 

For more automotive tips and handy hints, be sure to check out the CarParts4Less blog again soon!