Our Top Tips For Buying A New Car

If you’re ready to get a new car–whether that’s an upgrade on your current wheels, a pre-loved option for your first vehicle, or something bigger to accommodate a growing family–there’s a lot to keep in mind. Buying a new car involves a number of decisions. To help you prepare, we’ve put together some practical tips to consider before you buy. 

Keep it positive and friendly

No matter if you’re heading to a used car dealer to look for your next car, or you’re going to a dealership for a specific make, go in with the right mindset and a solid idea of your budget. While it can be tempting to try and haggle the cost down, it’s not always going to get you a better deal and can backfire in the long run. You might not find the perfect choice for you on the first visit – and that’s okay. Building a positive relationship with the salesperson can help make the buying process more productive.

When buying from a private seller, clear communication and being respectful of their time can help the transaction run more smoothly. They’re not always going to be in a position to drop the price, but creating a positive relationship through your interactions can help. A respectful and straightforward approach can help negotiations run more smoothly.

Always take a test drive

It might seem like a very obvious piece of advice, but you’re going to spend a lot more time driving the car than looking at it – make sure it drives well and you feel comfortable behind the wheel. If you’re buying from a private seller and they don’t feel comfortable letting you take it out, offer for them to sit in with you or provide them with your licence while you take it out. 

You’ll also want to make sure that everything is in working order, and a test drive will help you see if that’s the case. While you’re driving, pay attention to visibility, braking, steering, acceleration and whether the seating position feels comfortable. Make sure you (or a friend) have a look to make sure all the lights are operational, especially if you’re buying from a private. 

Timing is key

If you don’t need a new car straight away, taking your time can sometimes work in your favour. Dealerships and manufacturers often run promotions throughout the year, particularly around End of Financial Year (EOFY), end-of-month sales and model clearance events. While there’s no guarantee you’ll find a better price, comparing offers over time can help you understand what’s available and identify good value.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for manufacturer incentives, such as complimentary servicing, extended warranties or accessory packages, which may add value alongside the purchase price. Taking the time to compare a few different vehicles and dealerships can help you make a more informed decision before committing to your next car.

Do your homework

While your next car will need to be within your budget, there are a few other details you’ll want to consider before before committing to a purchase. Equally, if the car you have your eye on falls short on the following, you should account for that in your budget. Here’s a few things to consider:

• ANCAP safety ratings.
• The current mileage it’s got on the speedometer if you’re buying a second hand car. 
• Average fuel consumption.
• Price differences between dealers.
• Available extras, and how much they cost.

This way, you have all the right information to make your decision without being talked into anything. 

Consider financing

If you’ve found a car that suits your needs but paying the full purchase price upfront isn’t practical, you may wish to explore your finance options before making a decision. A vehicle loan can help spread the cost over time, but it’s important to consider whether the repayments fit comfortably within your budget and your ongoing financial commitments.

Rapid Loans offers secured vehicle loans from $5,000 to $45,000, subject to our credit eligibility criteria and approval requirements. Before applying, take the time to understand the loan features, repayment options, fees and charges before deciding whether to apply.

If you’d like to learn more about our vehicle loan products or the application process, contact our team or apply online.

This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. When you apply for a loan with Rapid Loans, your application will be assessed against our credit eligibility criteria. All applications are subject to approval. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply.