The car was one of the most important inventions of the 19th century. It greatly increased efficiency in life as people no longer had to walk or use horses to get to places a considerable distance away. In the present day, the importance is still there – a car will be a common feature of households. The convenience and freedom that comes with automotive travel is not bested by any other form of transportation and it is clear to see why they are such a staple in the modern world. Given how ingrained into society they are, there were 38.6 million licensed vehicles in Great Britain in March 2021, there are a wealth of options that can seem overwhelming to someone interested in purchasing a car. This guide will help narrow the options down to get the best car for your money and use case.
The first thing that must be considered of course is the budget. An increased budget for a car will mean getting a newer, low mileage car that has all the latest tech and features. However, this is never the most cost-effective thing to do. It is common knowledge that a brand-new car will depreciate as soon as it is driven off the forecourt but the same is true for used cars that are only a few years old. A used car that is around 5-6 years old will often prove the best value purchase, but this of course comes with the added risk of mechanical failures. This risk can be mitigated by choosing a car that has been well looked after, but the fact remains that the most reliable car is a new car with a manufacturer warranty.
Once the budget is set, the potential car buyer should evaluate his/her personal use case, as it will inform what kind of car they should get. Those who want a little run around car to practise in or do short trips in town should consider a small petrol engine. These are suited for people who do short trips and lower than average annual miles. For those commuters who trawl up and down the nation’s motorways, it would make more sense to opt for a diesel engine. In recent years, diesel as a fuel has come under fire for its impact on the environment and how some car companies have been found to falsify emission reports. Despite this, diesel is still a very economical and clean fuel to run in cars and should be considered for those who are always in their car and do a lot of miles.
Using these guidelines should help narrow the search down, but after that, there is the question of financing the car. This will always be different on a case-by-case basis but generally, the best way to buy a car is cash. All other forms of purchase typically involve interest, so the buyer ends up paying more than the car is worth, though the hiked price could still be a good investment depending on personal circumstances. The word investment is used lightly, as cars are mostly never a good investment given their perpetual depreciation. Failing these payment methods, one could always try their luck with one of the many car competitions that are held in the UK, or even have a go with one of the many gambling places online, like these sites not blocked by Gamstop. It should be noted that cash is always the most cost-effective way of buying a car.
The process of buying a car will always be different depending on the person, but by utilising this guide, the experience should be much easier and clear.
