The way you live and the things you see and do could dramatically change with a car purchase, so it’s important to get it right and understand the key factors involved in buying a car. Here are the main considerations you should take into account.
Buy for your needs
What do you need your new car for? If it is for quick trips around the local area, aim to buy something small and economical. If you plan on making longer journeys, then look for something with a larger engine and plenty of safety features, such as airbags and ABS brakes. Try not to compromise on safety and start making savings with better fuel economy. There are must-haves and non-negotiables that you need to think about. Do you prefer automatic or manual cars? Do you need lots of space, so does a station wagon or sedan suit you best? Some features are nice-to-haves while others prove more functional when it comes to making your journey by road.
Understand your budget
Buying a car can be a costly endeavour and it is important to fully understand all of the different costs involved and stick to what you can afford. Visit our website and use our straightforward car loan calculator to work out what your repayments may look like. You will need to consider the purchase price, stamp duty, insurance and registration. Also, think about the ongoing costs of maintaining a vehicle, including fuel, regular servicing and general maintenance. Knowing these initial and ongoing costs will help you find a car that fits your budget.
Picking a new or used vehicle
An important consideration is whether you want a brand new car or something less shiny, but much-loved nonetheless. Your budget can play a factor in determining the answer and there are pros and cons with both options. New cars can be more expensive but bring with them warrantees and reliability guarantees. Older cars can offer a bargain but may have high mileage or the chance of previous accidents. Linked to this is whether you want to buy from a car dealership or privately. Buying a car from a dealer can provide guarantees that you will not get from a private sale. For example, a dealer must confirm there is no money owing on the car and also whether it has had hail or flood damage. When you buy a car privately, you rely on your own investigation, judgement and knowledge to a large extent.
Choosing the right insurance and finance
As a car rises in price and performance, so does the insurance. Ensure you take these factors into consideration when shopping around for the right cover, particularly if you do not have a substantial income. When it comes to financing your purchase, you might need to apply for a loan. Pay careful attention to fees and charges and loan terms and conditions. At Qudos Bank we’re proud to say that we have a competitive fee car loan and one of the lowest rates on the market. Click here for more information. Buying a car can be a fun, exciting experience however, it can also be overwhelming with many considerations. That’s why it is important to consider these key factors and make sure that your hard-earned cash goes towards something that will keep on running.
If you’d like to talk to us about a car loan, contact us in branch today on 1300 747 747 or visit our website https://www.qudosbank.com.au
The information in this article is of a general nature and does not constitute advice in relation to any product or purchase. It has been produced without taking into consideration your personal financial circumstances, objectives or needs. Prior to making any decision you should conduct your own investigation and analysis of any benefits or costs associated with such. You should seek your own independent legal and financial advice. You should read and consider the relevant Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide before making any decision to purchase a financial product. These documents are available on our website or by calling 1300 747 747. Normal lending criteria apply to credit card applications. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Qudos Mutual Limited trading as Qudos Bank ABN 53 087 650 557 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238305.
