It’s a time of enormous uncertainty for the automotive industry, and for the economy more broadly. With an effective lockdown having been declared in the United Kingdom, demand for new motor vehicles is likely to slump dramatically.
The resulting slump in prices might, for many workers, make this exactly the right time to invest in a new vehicle – especially if the buyer is an essential worker who needs to be able to commute at a moment’s notice. Many such workers are set to receive additional support from the insurance industry, which should help to provide the security needed to make the investment.
If you’re planning on buying a new car this spring, then you’ll want to take into account a range of important factors. Let’s take a look at them
Capacity
A family car should be capacious enough to transport everyone in your family – including children and family pets. It might seem a little bit big and empty if you’re commuting solo at the moment, but in a year or so you’ll be grateful of the extra space. With that in mind, you should be buying not just with the present moment in mind – think about your needs in the years to come. Will another child arrive in your household? Will you adopt a new dog? In some cases, a full seven-seater SUV is called for; for most of us, a five-door hatchback is sufficient.
Fuel Economy
The cost of your car doesn’t just come at the point of purchase – it’ll also come as you maintain and fill it. The more miles you’re putting in, the more important fuel economy will become, so try to make a rough calculation of how far you’re travelling in a given year, and then use that information to weigh one vehicle against another.
Safety
The average family car has gotten safer over the years. But that doesn’t meant that you shouldn’t carefully consider the safety features offered by any prospective purchase – especially if you’re going second-hand in order to economise.
History
Second-hand purchases, especially if they’re not being conducted through a reputable used dealer like Fords of Winsford, can represent a little bit of a risk. In order to protect yourself, you’ll want as comprehensive a history as possible. Perform a visual inspection yourself, and don’t rely on a picture. Ask to see the paperwork detailing all of the car’s history of services and MOT certificates – as well as providing reassurance that the car has been well looked-after, this will allow you to verify the mileage.