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, you’re looking at a pre-loved option as your first vehicle, or you need something bigger to accommodate a growing family, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Getting a new car should be an exciting experience – not a stressful one. To take the uncertainty out of the process, we’ve put together a bunch of our top tips to make sure you drive away with exactly what you came for! 

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 OK. If you foster a good relationship with your salesperson they’re going to be more likely to want to work hard to give you what you want. Even if you’re not happy with the deal and decide to go elsewhere – always leave your phone number, they just might surprise you! 

When buying from a private seller, don’t forget to do the same. They’re not always going to be in a position to drop the price, but creating a positive relationship through your interactions can help. If you’re easier to deal with than the other people who’ve come to see the car, chances are the seller might be more inclined to drop the price a little to save themselves some trouble. 

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. Make sure you (or a friend) have a look at all the lights are operational, especially if you’re buying from a private seller too. 

Timing is key

If you don’t need the car straight away, it’s worth waiting to see what special offers are coming up. If there’s a special deal on, don’t jump in on the first day! The salesperson will be keen to make as much money from the deal as possible, as it’s already discounted. If you’re chasing a little extra off or some free inclusions, try heading in during the last week. EOFY is also a great time to buy a car, as salespeople may be trying to budge up their sales in those last few weeks of the financial year! 

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 you settle on the car you want to invest your hard earned money into. 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 find the perfect car and it ticks all the boxes from safety, mileage, features, and all the rest of the things you’re looking for, but it’s a little out of your budget, consider whether a car loan is worth it. When you finally find just the right model for you, you don’t want to miss out, which is where extra financing comes in so you aren’t waiting for months to save up – just to potentially miss out on the car you really want. 

If you need a loan quickly, look no further than Rapid Loans. We pride ourselves on delivering fast and simple car loans, which means once approved, the funds could be in your bank account the same day! We understand that everyone is unique and our car loans are designed to get everyday Australians behind the wheel sooner. With loan amounts from $5,000 up to $50,000 available for eligible borrowers, you can unlock the road ahead. 

This is purely an opinion piece and should not be used as a sole source of guidance.