What I need to know before buying a car?

Every little while a relative, friend, friend of friend or stranger almost makes me the same question: What car should I buy? I think a complex decision for which there is no magic advice that solves the doubts in five minutes. When my partner expects an immediate response, my response is summarized and incomplete "compare several before choosing."
But the issue really gives to pretty, so let's try to make a small guide with tips for those thinking of buying a car, trying to cover the more technical aspects from the more psychological, not to mention basic economic councils.
There is no perfect car in general. But there is the perfect choice for a person and a particular time. If you're considering buying a car, or know someone who is in that process, read the following guide can help you decide better. Or, at least, to realize that your decision is wrong and prepare for the consequences.
This guide is targeted at 90% of buyers looking for an economy car, medium or medium-high. If you are after a Lamborghini (and you really are sure that you can afford), you may not need to solve the problems of the talk here.




We start with the first chapter of our guide to buying a car. First of all, you should be aware that you're probably at the second most important purchase decision, after a home.
We're not talking about dinner tonight or pants, we are talking about 4000 or 2000 dinner trousers. It is more advisable to err on the purchase of clothing for your whole life rather than buying a car. Seen this way, we should think twice before deciding.
We will not let our impulsivity blind us and see cars instead of rain (as in the photo). As a first step, we will be honest with ourselves when judging the situation. If we do not, nothing better than having a friend to give us a hand.
Let's start with this idea consider if you round the head for months, but in recent days it has become stronger and not let you sleep, you will bring you happiness or just going to become a slave to your purchases.
First let's define what is, in my humble opinion, need a car. Until 1886 (really until much later), people lived without cars, but we will not go to those extremes. Moreover, we will not think that because all our circle of friends we have a car we should have it.
The clear case would be if you live in a remote area with no public transportation, or if the number of hours it takes to use it impossible to turn to work without spending your whole life. From there, the need is by degrees, and really is determined by what you intend to spend: would you rather buy a car or have that money for other things?
For you, who are young: Is your first car?
This is particularly aimed at young people who are considering buying their first car. My advice is that you calculate the things you could do with the money the car, including things you consider impossible and, why not, pay you a taxi when you need it. Delaying the purchase of your first car can be a good option, especially if you have alternatives like the car of your parents or your friends. No journal is live, you can always pay for gas full travel.
It is not a trivial issue. A car gives you a lot of freedom and ability to do things. But the money you save, too. Think maybe you can fulfill every whim that now you can not do, like going to Tokyo a week, dinner at Ferran Adria's restaurant, and numerous other little quirks.
The price of the cheapest car you can think of, fuel, servicing, repairs, tolls and maintenance is more expensive per year than all that, even taking into account what you spend on public transport. At least it's an after-thought.
Who does not believe it, a simpler example. Suppose the option of putting your car tires (purely aesthetic) is 1000 dollars  But you should also finance, so it will increase considerably. Would you rather invest that money in the aesthetics of the car or yours?
Really, I need a car
If you have passed your process of introspection, let's move on. We have before us a process of trial and error, and models to pose cases. But first, two big questions we should be asking: car new or second hand? Petrol or diesel?


If you spend all day on the road for work, or take the car for a daily fixed displacement, diesel is a good choice. If you buy it because "maybe for work", or "maybe I do long trips", forget it.
Although it is difficult to establish a figure, one speaks of 30,000 miles per year to recoup a diesel. Ideally you do your own accounts, taking into account the price of fuel consumption, the price difference between cars, etc..
Then briefly summarized ideas that need to assess the calculations:
Although difficult to predict, the price of diesel is likely to continue rising at a faster rate than gasoline.
The repairs and maintenance of diesel engines are usually more expensive
To calculate the real difference, do not fall into the trap of buying the initial prices, financing compared with the same ratio. If there are 2,000 dollars difference and you pay gasoline to 5 years, the difference is that the bank will pay 2,000 dollars for 5 years without paying anything, and then pay the 2,000 in a year or two. If you raise the fee for diesel, you're cheating, you could also increase for gasoline.
In case of a tie, consider reaching an age of "lean". If you have a car petrol, you can choose not to move and not spend on gasoline. If you have a diesel car, the premium you have to pay like it dont tell the bank that you are not using the car.
In favor of diesel, I must say that homologated consumption usually more similar to real in diesel than in gasoline. I mean, sure you consume diesel "something more" than what the manufacturer says, but the gasoline you consume "much more" than it says. This is due to the methodology of calculation of consumption and the characteristics of each type of motor.
This is not trying to scare anyone who wants to buy a diesel. I try to convince those who mistakenly think they are going to save, there are many factors to be assessed.
Moreover, compared to driving pleasure, I must say that is very subjective. Many fans argue Motor gasoline engines as the only pure, but some people prefer to drive a diesel. While economic factors are objective, that is a decision each unique, entirely subjective. Get advice about prices, but nobody tell you what you like, that only you know.


Impulse purchases are never the best. Ideally, when buying a car is to plan things in advance. If you have an old car, wait for break of anything can be bad idea, because you can not sell it and you will be embarrassed if you need a new one.
If you have a very old car (by which I will not give anything) and you can spend a month without a car, you have it easier. You can wait for break and then start searching. Leaving the extreme case, it is best that you give yourself time to decide the right time and wait.
While the decision of what car buying should be taken with time, start saving for it is something we should do long before. If you start saving for the car two years before buying it, the benefit is twofold: first you save the interests of the entrance, and on the other you have that money grow in a bank deposit. It is difficult to afford a car without a credit, but try it as small as possible.
"Balance your needs with your wealth and you will not be poor or rich, but just lucky." My advice is to try to maximize the input you give to the car, so that this involves a 50% (or more) of the total price of the car.
If you look impossible, try to buy a cheaper car and save for the next. If you think about it, is how to maximize what you get for your money, because what you repay the bank never upgrade your car, is money "lost".
Choosing the model
After everything we've seen, it's time to see what car we need. Internet has become the main source of information for those who buy a car, not what we say, what experts say shopping.
You probably already have a head coach. To make a long both special and stick only to the purchase decision process and we will assume that you know the characteristics of the segments, but we will make a short summary with a couple of examples for anyone to miss:
Small cars: Peugeot 107, Kia Picanto, Renault Twingo
Utilities: Seat Ibiza, Fiat Grande Punto, Ford Fiesta
Compact: Renault Megane, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf
Saloons: Renault Laguna, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat
MPV (MPV): Here we can distinguish between large (eg Renault Space) and small (eg Renault Scenic)
SUVs, SUV and Crossover: What is the difference between SUV, SUV, crossover and SUV?
Sports coupes and for the purposes of purchase, these would be specific, not a compact coupe versions eg.
Rafters: Take a look at our special rafters.
We could say that the first four are general types, and the last four grappling specific needs (and are also more expensive).
What I need, what I want
A distinction should be the need of the car (you may need to go to work) with the appeal that you may have for a particular model. You should not justify yourself buying a $ 20,000 car if one half covers your needs. Moreover, you should not believe that you're spending $ 20,000 on a whim.
The plan I recommend is: evaluates how much it can cost you a car that meets your basic needs. From there, you find that it gives you a more expensive one, and whether it is worthwhile or not.
An example: if you ask a girl between 18 and 30 who likes car, the Mini is certainly the most common response. If your need is a utility (say, $ 12,000) and the Mini costs 17,000, the question that must be asked is whether you are willing to pay $5,000 in exchange for having a car that you love. Who does not have that money has easy choice, whoever has it must choose its priority.
Another example: look at the price of a Seat Leon or a Fiat Bravo and compared with that of an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. It is possible that the difference is less than you expect, although you may not feel like paying the difference.
It is a personal matter, but it should be noted that rather than launch into the expensive model without thinking, or stick with the cheap without considering the alternative.
Defining our budget: strict vagueness
The maximum money that we will spend is something we are all clear. But we always ended up spending. My advice is to budget a priori as broad as possible, yet never get out of it. A "strict vagueness". For example, between 13,000 and 20,000 dollars. This allows us to choose the model with best price / quality ratio.
It is possible for a model of $16,000 is a lot better than one of 13,000, but perhaps 20,000 does little compared to 16,000. It happens with everything, but a lot more cars. So it makes no sense to say "I'm going to spend $ 20,000 on a car" and supplement the budget with unnecessary accessories, nor fall short by not spending a bit more.
One final note: Your budget should include the costs of financing. This is very important because it can make financial conditions for one model or another.
The list of candidates
Think of the models that you like. At first, do not discard any that meets your requirements in that price range. You can bring a surprise. At least at first you should have about 5 candidates.
The more flexibility you have, the better. If you like a particular model, and you dream about it for a long time, it will be difficult to change your mind. In any case, take a look at the powers, at least to know how much you're overpaying for having that you like.
On the internet (on sites like ours and the official website of the manufacturers) find all the information you could want a priori. Ask a first approximation of the finish, the engine and the equipment that you give each model. One tip: do not go to a very basic finish. In the next chapter we will explain.
Read up all you can about the models that interest you, and take notes.
Note that most brands offer discounts on their official prices. In Internet are some discount prices we can serve well for reference. Do not remove the models still leave a bit of your budget fork, perhaps the actual price the dealer fit. And if not, you're always in time to remove.


It is time for the latest installment of our guide to buying a car, it's time to go to the dealer. As we discussed, it is best to see the car before you have documented as much as possible about it. Save time looking at options that interest you and avoid possible scams.
Even so, until you see the car in front can not confirm that fits what you want. While it is not necessary that you try it the first time you go to see him, never sign the purchase without trying it. Everything you can tell your friends or Internet is a great compliment, but your personal impression can not be predicted.
When testing it, trying to make a normal trip, nothing to go on a highway to see how much runs. The power and acceleration figures are already measures, focus more on the subjective aspects.
Cars in stock: possibly the best option
In the previous chapter we discussed that very basic versions are usually not the best option. If looking for one of those is because you want to save, but if you have to ask the factory does not make you the discount that you can do for a model that is in stock.
What purchase most people is what has a better price / performance ratio. And no, not because the crowd knows choose. It is because, having more sales, best prices offered and there are units in stock. Hence, the flexibility in some aspects such as color can be very interesting.
Do not confuse a new car in stock (even if enrolled) with others that have been used. Sometimes the name KM 0 is used interchangeably for both. Get the truth about the origin of the car. It is normal for a new car has some miles (10 or 30, for example), but a car with 3,000 miles is not new. We talked about the dangers of these: Is it worth buying a cheap used car?
Discounts, sales and negotiations
Swamp is a topic that many people (including me) dislike us enough. You buy a car, and do not know if you've paid more than $ 1,000 or $ 1,000 less. The variation in prices between dealers and commercial customers makes a priori difficult to compare prices.
For their part, complain that business people "negotiates too" and their margins are very small. Listen to your instincts and go to that offers the best price (not the best discount).
There are brands that have list prices soaring then reduced with discounts also very high. Others just do discounts, and other make or not depending on the month. This is the reason why there is no a priori perfect car, you have to compare them when you're shopping.
Practically, the model did not care, within a certain characteristics. We visited many dealers, and it was amazing to see how everyone was very close: that was a bit more expensive had more standard equipment, but in the end everyone was very tight.
A temporary job can turn an unappetizing car in a big decision. Even financing offers may make'll probably go for one or the other. Some brands they give you funding for a specified period, which can be a discount of more than $1,000 . But if they want to fund, or you want to fund more time, you run out of that discount, which can be a decisive difference.

Do not rush when you decide, take at least a week since we have seen them, and return to them as often as needed. Do not be pressured by sales: to me once offered me a discount (admittedly considerable) for taking the car since that day, without even having seen one in the finish I wanted. I answered that never buy a car sight unseen and tested, and each time it told me $ 200 deducted over priced and quite good. We should not be impulsive, however tempting it is.
Moreover, how friendly we deem the commercial treats we should not influence us for better or worse, the end of the day to let him see for a week and our car for years. For me, the ideal is to inform you about the options and what is the car, not to be mobbed on your purchase. If the car and supply are good, they sell themselves.
I will not get to talk about the famous "bizarre claims" commercials: like "our cars are as good as the more expensive" or "our expensive cars are the only worthwhile". A piece of advice to follow to the letter: Do not trust anything that can not be contrasted with independent sources. Whatever and however innocent it may seem.
This is not a war to establish the brand, but to collaborate. Let them see that you are interested in the car, and let yourself be advised by the best choice that offers if that is really the cheapest, for example in the sense that they take a car that you have in stock benefits both. Therefore, the car that put extras that come with factory usually even more expensive than buying the next finish and bring the series.
On the ideal equipment, we talk almost daily on Autoblog. Use logic, adapt it to your needs and, above all, invest in safety. If your new car does not have power windows in the rear seats, you can always put it on your next car. If you do not have ESP, you might not have a chance to be the next car to fix.
Equipment, engines, safety, aesthetics
Once you have the equipment and prices that best suit what you want, make your own home comparative models. Here are some factors you can consider:
Motor and drive: its power, its elasticity, noise, feelings that you had to try, comfort of their seats, etc.
Facilities: Air conditioning, audio system, automatic lights, interior, trunk, etc.
Security: While some overlap with the equipment, they deserve their own section. It is ideal to have ESP, multiple airbags, and technological aids.. Look not only the stars, compares the exact score between models you value (must be in the same category, for example sedans).
Subjective opinion: The score that you grant aesthetics, quality of materials, setting the size you want, if you love a model or not you notice, etc..
Economic factors:
Total price and financing: calculate what you'll pay in full when you finish paying
Consumption: if the car is more expensive but consumes much less than its rival, you can make from certain annual miles. Check accounts.
Maintain this: question regarding revisions cost, how often have to be done, etc..
Warranty: There is a decisive factor, but if a brand gives little warranty, beware.
Delivery time: It may be indifferent, but if you need to work longer, wait four months to deliver what you is not an option.
Yet this cocktail of data and ideas, values ​​which best fits what you want. The final decision is yours, but hopefully I've helped to raise the issue in a more exhaustive. Once you're clear, you enjoy your new car!

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