Motor dealers | Information to consider when buying a vehicle

Buying a new car can be an enjoyable and interesting experience. It all depends on how you go about it. Keep in mind that this will probably be the second most expensive item you buy. For most people, only a house is a more expensive unit purchase. It's worth putting in a few hours of time to acquire the knowledge you need to make the right decision . The first task is to choose the vehicle that's right for you. Define your needs before you start looking at the various models on offer. By doing this you immediately cut down the number of vehicles that will need in-depth analysis.

Think these questions over before making a decision.

Is this the only car in the family? Will it have to hold half a netball team on Saturday mornings? Does it need to travel off-road for the annual holiday? Which is more important -fuel economy or carrying capacity? What you eventually come up with will be a vehicle that is a combination of features. It could be a seven-seater 4WD that can travel off-road and tow aboat. Or it could be a two-seater minivan that costs next to nothing to run and is useful for carrying pot plants home from the nursery .
Be realistic. Some combinations, such as a seven-seater that runs on the smell of an oily rag, just aren't available. But do be as thorough and detailed as you can work out how much you can afford to pay. There's no point looking at a Rolls-Royce if your budget can best accommodate a vehicle costing $15,000 all-up.

Sources of information on you next vehicle.

Then start the search at your local newsagent. There are monthly motoring magazines as well as specialised compilations of road tests and listings of all models currently on the market. Check our on-line car comparison icon . As well you'll find motoring reports in your daily and most local newspapers. Some categories, such as 4-wheel drives, even have their own monthly magazines and road test pictorials. All these publications are invaluable sources of information from motoring experts who conduct vehicle tests for a living. You'll also get an idea of prices, although these can vary widely depending upon a number of factors. The aim of this part of the buying procedure is to prepare a short list of models to check out in greater detail. Then it's off to the dealers who carry the models on your short list. 

Arriving at the dealer and taking the test drive.

The test drive is where you get the "feel" of a car. Give it a good try out, over as many types of road as you can, paying careful attention to how comfortable you are in the driving position and how the vehicle's handling matches your driving ability. Before you leave the showroom pick up a copy of the maker's literature about the vehicle you're interested in. The more you know the better-equippped you'll be to make the right final decision. Test drive every model on your short list and ask the salespeople any questions you like. Work out the price for each vehicle with the accessories you want, and if you have a trade-in get a valuation on it from each dealer.

The pause to consider. 

Go home and think about everything you've learned. Eventually you'll come up with a conclusion about which vehicle is right for you. Now, to get the best price.

Selecting a motor dealer.


It's always a good idea to approach two or three dealers for their best offer. Your product knowledge will actually make it easier for them to come up with a package that meets your needs. When you've got one dealer's figure, it never hurts to go back to that dealership when you've tried one or two others. Let them know you've done your homework and are at the stage where you're down to dollars and cents. This will save time for everybody, and it's quite alright to ask for the figure in writing.

Remember that what you want to know is the absolute, final price of the car that what you want to know is the absolute, final price of the car after allowing for your trade-in and including ancillary costs such as registration, stamp duty, and dealer charges.

Financing Information.

By all means try your bank, building society or credit union for finance. But don't forget to give the dealer a chance to come up with the best terms. You could be in for a pleasant surprise! At the end of this process you'll finish up with the make and model that's exactly what you want and need, and at a price you can afford. You'll also have learned a lot and can take satisfaction in knowing that you've made the right decision.

Very important point to consider.

Prepare for the end of each year financial commitments,you will need enough money saved to pay you registration,your insurance and if car is on finance your monthly repayment (plus rent if applicable),many owners do not prepare dont be one.

Finally, always deal with a MTA dealer. It's the way to ensure that you enjoy the experience of buying a new car,