If one of your goals this new year is to buy a new car, our top stress busting tips are here to help. Many people have car buying anxiety and its perfectly normal, whether you’re buying your first car or you’re a seasoned car buying veteran, the process can be stressful. The guide below is here to help you remove any stress from car buying and brings you the top 5 preparation tips to make sure you’re getting the best deal with ease!
1. Don’t stray from your budget.
Buying a car can be stressful if you enter into a finance agreement you can’t afford or buy a car that is going to empty your savings completely. Before you even start looking at different cars, you should first set your budget. Whether it’s a monthly payment for car finance or a max amount you’re willing to pay in cash, your budget is key. Setting your budget and sticking to it can help to ensure you can afford the car and the payments that go with it. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of running a car, like fuel costs, MOTs and servicing, road tax and car insurance.
2. Check your credit score.
If you’ve got your heart set on getting a car on finance you’ll also need to consider your credit worthiness. Car finance lenders use your credit history to assess whether they’d like to offer you finance or not. It can be disheartening if you get decline a car loan so get ahead of the game and check your credit file first. A low credit score puts lenders off because you’ve usually missed payments in the past or are struggling with the amount of credit you have already. Improving your credit score can give you access to better interest rates, more lending opportunities and higher loan amounts.
3. Set your car requirements.
Take the stress out of driving by finding a car that’s fit for purpose. If you don’t buy a car which is going to meet all your needs and requirements, you could end up getting rid of it earlier than planned and could struggle with day-to-day life. Think about what you need from your next car and ask yourself these basic questions:
· How many passengers do you carry?
· How far and often do you drive?
· Do you need a car for city driving?
· Do you need room for car seats?
· Do you drive on the motorway?
· Do you need towing capabilities?
· Do you want a brand-new car?
These simple questions can help to find a car that’s right for you when it comes to running costs, space, seating arrangements and even budget.
4. Choose a trusted dealership.
Buying a car privately can be a minefield if you don’t know what you’re doing so if the thought of buying a car stresses you out, we recommend buying from a trusted dealership. You have more protection if anything should go wrong with the purchase and more peace of mind. The dealership will inspect the car and fix any issues before it goes on sale so you can be ensured you’re getting a decent motor. Before you head to the dealer, you should find local dealers which have great online reviews, a good website with a decent amount of stock, have test drives available to buyers and if they’re approved by the AA or RAC.
5. Be prepared to say no.
If car buying is stresses you out one of our top tips is be prepared to say no. It can be easy to get carried away at the garage and put all these added extras onto your deal or even stray away from your budget for a newer, fancier car. Sales people won’t be offended if you say no and remember it’s their job to sell you as much as they can so don’t give into it if you simply can’t afford it.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
