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  • WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR
  • 30 November 2017

    WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR

    Hutchings' steps on how to buy the right car for Bridgend, Pontypridd and Swansea car buyers.

Buying a new car from a dealer can be both exciting and daunting, consideration around price, finance, potential repairs, as well as colour and style all have to be weighed up. At Hutchings we understand that for many drivers it can be hard to work out who is best to advise on buying a car, and often where to start can be overwhelming.

Based on our years of helping customers find the right car for them, the team at Hutchings have created this handy step-by-step guide on what you need to know when buying a new car.

 

Find your car style

So, first things first, what do you need the car to do for you. And we don’t mean just getting you from A to B. Nowadays cars are shaped around lifestyle, and aiming to make life as easy and as fun as possible. From hot in the market SUVs, through to hatchbacks, estates, superminis and city cars; it’s important to find a car that meets your needs and style.

When deciding what car to buy, keep in mind what size and shape of car you are after, but be prepared to dive into other categories. Need a car for city driving? Why not opt for a smaller car that you can manoeuvre through tight streets and park easily like a Hyundai i10. If you are the taxi of mum and dad, then something with plenty of space and a good boot is a sensible option, such as the Vauxhall Crossland X. There's always time for the convertible or sporty 3 door once the kids are gone!

 

Budget

You may have a figure in mind already but don’t forget it’s not just about how much you can afford to spend.  

Before committing to buying anything, remember; research is key. Fuel efficiency of the car impacts your fuel costs per month. Car tax and insurance for the model you have in mind will also play an important factor too. This will also help work out what’s available to you within your initial budget range. It’s not just all about whether it’s new or used.

Have you also thought about taking up a finance deal, or would you simply prefer to buy the car outright? From PCP to PCH there are lots of different finance agreements available, so spend a little time researching what each of them means to see what is right for you. Then there’s what to do with your old motor, will you part exchange it? Or sell it for parts? Shop around to see who will give you a fair price. Don’t forget to haggle. You don’t get if you don’t ask.

We know how tempting it can be to stretch your budget that bit further when buying a new car, but have you considered all the extra costs? Some models will cost significantly more to insure than others, depending on engine size. For younger drivers, a black box may help lower your premiums, encouraging safer driving too.

 

Future proof your choice

Of course nobody knows what is around the corner but if you’re settling down for a family, it’s probably unwise to buy a soft top or small motor. Whilst your dream car may look the part and be everything you want, does it have everything that you need? Style comes in all shapes and sizes. If you have small children, a compact SUV like the Vauxhall Mokka X is a good bet, as the raised ride height makes getting kids and their seats into the car much easier. If you need your car to have certain features, such as sat-nav, parking sensors and leather seats, try to go for a trim level that includes them all together, as this is usually better value than adding items individually as options.

Test drive as many cars as you like, as much as you like. Never make a purchase just on impulse. Feel free to get used to the feel and handling of different cars. No two cars are the same, and different engine and gearbox combinations can completely alter the way a car drives, as can options like sports suspension and large alloy wheels.

Buying for the family? Take your partner and kids along to see what they think. They may notice things you hadn’t considered such as storage space or uncomfortable rear seats. Do you carry large items regularly? Take along your pushchair or golf clubs to really get an idea of what you can fit.

We know how much of an exciting time it can be finding your new motor. If you can stay level-headed throughout your purchase, you’ll really enjoy the fruits of your labour not only through the first few weeks of life with your new car, but for the next few years. Keep in mind practicality in size and requirements, budgets and running costs. But ultimately, this is where the real fun comes in; booking a test drive with us to find your perfect car to enjoy a date with your next possible car companion.

For more information contact the team at Hutchings today. 

Added: 30 November 2017

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  • John F. Hutchings Ltd t/a Hutchings Vauxhall, Severn Road, Treforest Ind Est, Pontypridd, CF37 5SP - VAT number 289076316 - Company number 1258159
    J F Hutchings Ltd t/a Hutchings Hyundai, Severn Road, Treforest Ind Est, Pontypridd, CF37 5YH - VAT number 151 9726 96 - Company number 08323590


    John F. Hutchings Limited is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows John F. Hutchings Limited to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

    We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes Vauxhall Finance. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to Vauxhall Finance, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to be make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and Vauxhall Finance also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.

    J F Hutchings Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows J F Hutchings Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

    We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes Hyundai Finance. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to Hyundai Finance, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to be make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and Hyundai Finance also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.

    Regulated Complaints Post: Automotive Compliance Ltd, The Factory, 44 Alfred Street, Gloucester, GL1 4DD Telephone: 01452671560 E-mail: complaints@automotivecompliance.co.uk If we cannot resolve your complaint within 8 weeks, you may refer your dispute to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This service is free to use. Their consumer helpline is available on 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123 or you can visit their website at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk