Buying a New Car

Motoring is now the biggest expense that a British family has to shoulder after housing costs, new research reveals. Even more reason to read our guide to the best new car deals.

The advantages of buying a new car

Buying new is easy, convenient and for many people it is status enhancing. You order exactly the car you want, in the colour you want, with the added features that you want. Dealerships that sell new cars are keen to do a deal and to make life as easy as possible for you. A new car does not have a dodgy history. It is not stolen and does not have finance owing on it by a previous owner.

The car comes with a warranty should it break down. This runs from one year with unlimited mileage on a Ford to three years and unlimited mileage with firms such as Audi, SEAT and Mitsubishi.

The disadvantages of buying a new car

You pay a premium for the privilege of owning a new car and you lose heavily in the first year of owning it. Car prices in the UK are among the highest in Europe and a £12,000 car loses around £80 a week just sitting in your drive. The average car drops a heartbreaking third of its value in the first year of ownership and after three years will be worth around 30%-40% of what it cost new.

Where should I buy my new car?

Most new cars are sold at franchised dealerships, which are tied to specific car makers. These dealerships sell the latest models and are very convenient. They also offer full after-sales back-up and are happy to take your present car as a part-exchange. They operate as a one-stop shop to make parting with your money as easy as possible, offering finance too. However, a dealership is the most expensive place to buy a new car and will offer you only a fraction of what you can get by selling your old car privately.

Can I buy on the Internet?

By all means, and it could mean savings of thousands of pounds. Check if your local dealer has a website and compare prices with the showroom. Shop around online using an Internet search engine. The Consumers' Association promises massive savings on imported new cars via its Carbusters site and the Direct Line site offers new and used cars as well as online route planning, insurance and finance. Virgin is using the internet to sell new cut-price cars while sites like Autolocate take you to a virtual on-screen showroom to see what's on offer on new and used cars.
You can get information about great deals for cheap car insurance without compromising your money and safety. Check information about the website you visit to ensure your safety.

When is the best time to buy?

If you want to make the neighbours green with envy, buy in March and September when the new registration plate numbers come out. But remember - at these times dealers are at their busiest, so pre-delivery inspections may be rushed and service not at its best. Traditionally, the period either side of Christmas, when nobody has any cash, is a good time to buy at deserted showrooms. Try to buy towards the end of the month when dealers are struggling to sell enough new cars to earn their bonus payments and are more likely to be prepared to do a deal.

Can I ask for a discount?

If you don't ask, you won't get – and that’s a fact. See what other ‘extras’ you can get thrown in as part of the deal, such as insurance, breakdown cover or equipment upgrades. Free insurance for drivers under 21 is particularly useful.

How do I pay for it all?

Everyone, from banks, building societies, dealers and car showrooms, will try to tempt you with their special packages. Competition has forced car dealers to revamp their own finance offers - to the advantage of the driver. They now offer hire-purchase (HP) and personal contract purchase (PCP) - the latest fad in car finance. These types of package compete with the personal loans offered by banks and building societies. The golden rule is shop around and take the time to read the small print. Check the APR (annual percentage rate) to compare product with product.

 

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