Whether it’s a new or used vehicle, a sedan or a city car, occasional or regular consumption… Before buying a car , you have to ask yourself the right questions to be sure to make the right choice. Overview with ferrets.
What is your budget ?
The budget you wish to devote to your purchase is the first essential criterion . It is indeed difficult to buy a Lamborghini when you have the budget for a Citroën !
Naturally, the budgetary question is not limited to the purchase price of the vehicle but also concerns its overall cost of use , from car insurance to car credit , including maintenance and the cost of its fuel consumption .
Who will use the new car?
Your choice will vary depending on the user of the vehicle .
In recent years, for example, in large cities, there has been an upsurge in women driving spacious and safe vehicles such as 4×4s, for example.
Similarly, if you plan to let one of your children drive accompanied , a high-value vehicle is not essential so as not to stress them too much.
What capacity do you need?
Single, couple without children, couple with children…
The capacity of the vehicle must meet your requirements. A couple with two children does not have the same needs as a single person who can, if they wish, favor the choice of a small car , both for the seats in the back and in terms of the volume of trunk .
Is this a replacement or an additional vehicle?
Main car or second car ? The purchase of a second vehicle often results from a question of organization. This can be so that each spouse has their own vehicle on a daily basis or, quite simply, to dedicate a vehicle to family uses : for example, a car for family outings and another more practical car for daily trips .
For what type of distance?
Do you plan to reserve your future car for short journeys or do you, on the contrary, plan to travel longer distances regularly? Here again, defining the mileage dedicated to your future car is one of the essential selection criteria.
So, if you plan to book your car for short distances, a small vehicle , a Smart for example, will do just fine. You can also settle for a used car with quite a few kilometers on the clock.
Conversely, if you plan to travel long distances regularly , opt for a comfortable vehicle with reasonable fuel consumption .
Once your needs have been defined, you then need to ask yourself about the profile and features of the car you are considering buying.
What category of car do you want to buy?
SUV , sedan, city cars… There is almost a type of car for each use .
If you’re going to use your car mainly for city trips , you’re going to need a practical vehicle with which you can easily weave through traffic and park without too many maneuvers . A large sedan or a Hummer is then not the best choice.
Conversely, if you live in the countryside and you drive daily on bumpy roads , a 4×4 should do the trick .
It is your use that defines the category of vehicle you need.
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What engine?
Gasoline, diesel, clean vehicle … that is the question! Once again, it’s your profile that will help you make this difficult choice.
For example, diesel is preferred for long distances . In addition, people concerned about environmental issues will rather move towards a hybrid or electric motorization .
What range?
Depending on the model, you will be offered entry-level cars at attractive prices that can be enhanced with countless personalized options . The top-of-the-range finishes, for their part, make it possible to benefit from an all-inclusive offer.
New or used vehicle?
This question often refers to the budgetary issue, sometimes taking into account the considerable price difference for the same model between a new or used car . Some new vehicles may, in this case, be unaffordable.
Do you have specific expectations?
Finally, each driver has their own expectations according to their personality . Some will prefer, for example, the purchase of a French car ( Renault , Peugeot , Citroën, etc.) to a foreign car. Others will dream of a specific and original model (convertible, vintage car , etc.).
