Buying a Car – What to Know Before You Purchase
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- June 3, 2025
Buying a vehicle is exciting, but it’s also a significant financial decision. It requires some planning and knowledge of what you need and want in a car, whether you’re driving it every day for your commute or for longer journeys to visit family on weekends.
If you’re considering buying a used or new car, check out our guide below for tips on budgeting, inspection, and maintenance.
New vs Used – Pros and Cons
Buying new or used will come with trade-offs. New vehicles offer the latest technology and safety features and come with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty to cover unexpected repairs. Since they haven’t been driven and experienced wear and tear, they are generally more reliable, with fewer mechanical issues.
However, these features make them more expensive, with higher insurance premiums, and they will quickly depreciate in the first couple of years. You may incur a substantial loss if you decide to sell. Used cars are generally more affordable, with lower depreciation and more cost-effective insurance. They’re usually available for immediate purchase but may require costly maintenance and repairs over time.
Budgeting and Financing Options
Both new and used cars can come with expensive price tags. Set a realistic budget based on an honest assessment of your monthly take-home pay after taxes have been deducted. List all your monthly expenses, including mortgage or rent payments, bills, and food shopping, and consider how much of your savings you’re willing to spend.
There are options to pay for your car in instalments. You could obtain a car loan to raise enough money to buy it outright, then pay it back over a set period, typically at a fixed interest rate.
Leasing is a popular alternative that involves you renting the car without actually owning it. A personal contract purchase (PCP) can give you ownership at the end of the agreement. You’ll need to make a deposit and pay regular payments. At the end of the contract, you can choose to return it, make a final payment to own it outright or opt for an upgrade.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
When looking at cars, prioritise fuel efficiency. It will lead to major savings in the long run, as it’s one of the most significant running costs of owning a car. Research the insurance premiums you’re likely to pay based on the car’s details, your location, and your driving history.
Before you buy a used car, check that the tyres meet the 1.66 minimum with a 20p coin. Inspect the bodywork for dents and scratches, check panel gaps, verify fluid levels, examine the interior, and assess the condition of the windscreen. Take the car out for a test drive, and if the owner refuses your request, be ready to walk away.
After the Purchase: Maintaining Your Car
Good maintenance habits will keep your car running smoothly. Make sure to check your fluid levels, including engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, on a weekly basis, and top them up if they’re running low. Keep the body clean of dirt, road grime, and salt to prevent paint corrosion, and vacuum the interior to maintain tidiness.
Tyre maintenance is one of the most important parts of owning a car. If you’re in West Sussex, look for trusted Crawley tyre fitters to keep your vehicle safe on the road. Keep your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure specified in the manual to lower your fuel consumption. Remember that pressures may vary between the front and rear tyres.
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