10 Mistakes Lots of People Make When Buying a New Car

According to statistics, most drivers change their car every 6 years, which is quite a long time. We hope to have a great time with our "iron friends". We also want to reduce the need to fix it.

Bright Side considers the car to be one of the greatest inventions. That's why we've rounded up the 10 best mistakes to avoid when buying a car.

1. Don't think about resale value.

One day you may decide to sell your car. That's why you need to consider some important features. First, it depends on the car brand: some brands are more or less popular with drivers. Second, you need to consider the vehicle specification and engine. Third, don't forget its color. A white, black, or silver car is easier to sell than a brightly colored car.

2. Car maintenance can be expensive.

Many people only think about price. They do not account for additional technical services, insurance, or other fees. These fees increase each year and may not match your salary. In order for your car to not be a problem for your family, you have to think carefully about everything.

3. You pay for optional items.

Before buying a car, you should think about what you really need because most add-ons are so expensive that we won't even use them.

For example, some drivers do not smoke in their cars. In this case, they don't need an ashtray. Additional embalming treatment is also useless because the car is already embalmed. But all safety gear is essential, so choose carefully.

4. You buy a brand new car.

Try not to buy a new car. For the first 3 years, a company collects information on all issues, defects, and improvements to future vehicles to make them more reliable. The best choice is a car model no more than 3 years old and already well-known.

5. You buy a car that is too big or too small.

If you're looking to buy a car, don't just consider your personal preferences, try to predict how often you'll drive, how many passengers you'll have, etc.

For example, if you only need a car to drive around town, consider a sedan that doesn't use a lot of fuel. If you have a large family and travel a lot, opt for a spacious minivan or hatchback. SUVs are useful for those who drive a lot off-road.

6. You can't choose between the prestige of the car and technical characteristics.

If you can afford it, it's best to buy a premium car. In other cases, it is better to focus on technical features, price, and reliability.

7. Don't scan the car.

When choosing a car, don't just take the salesperson's word for it. Although they are professionals, they are interested in selling cars to increase profits and earn commissions. Gather as much information as possible, consult an independent expert and test drive the car of your choice. Check everything to help yourself make the right decision.

8. You miss out on useful offers and discounts.

The best time to buy a car starts in December and peaks in March. There are plenty of discounts and offers from car dealerships during this period. There's also a year-end bonus: Dealers work hard to get rid of previous year's models in order to be able to negotiate lower prices more easily.

9. Don't try to lower the price.

Try calling or emailing different dealers saying you have a better deal and asking if they can beat it. Competition among dealerships is fierce, and some drivers say the approach has helped them save some money.

10. You are in a hurry.

Don't be too anxious to buy a car. Remember that making premature decisions may make you regret them in the long run. Take enough time to gather information, consult an expert, and weigh the pros and cons.

If you want to get a better look at a specific model without pushy salespeople, visit a car dealership after hours. All these tips will help you make the right decision.