If you’re currently considering the purchase of a new car then you may or may not know that there are a great number of factors you should be deliberating over before you come to a final decision.

These days it is not as simple as taking a trip down to your local garage and having a quick browse before handing over the cash for a model you like the look of. You need to be fully aware of all the facts and put some time into your research to ensure that you end up with the right model for you. This applies to both new and used car buyers, whether you’re in the market for a Volkswagen Beetle or a Monster truck.

To help you in your search, here are some of the most important factors to consider.

 

Reliability

Some manufacturers produce vehicles which are a lot more reliable than others. For example if you are after a small family car and you choose something like a Renault Clio because it represents good value for money, you might want to read up on how reliable it is. A company like Audi has an excellent reputation for reliability so choosing an A1 could save you money in MOT and servicing further down the line even if the initial outlay is greater.

 

Performance

How important is performance to you? Do you want a car which just gets you from A to B, or do you want one which gets you there in style. You might find that a Kia Picanto will be very cheap to purchase, but is incredibly sluggish in its acceleration. On the other hand you could pay a little more for something like a Ford Fiesta with a larger engine which will be nippy around town and fun to drive.

 

Fuel Economy

Fuel prices are currently at an all-time high in the UK, and show no signs of falling, so it is important to find a vehicle which gives you your money’s worth out of a full tank. You might want to consider smaller cars and think about opting for a diesel engine.

 

CO2 Emissions

We all have a responsibility to protect and look after the environment in which we live. Sports cars and 4x4s generally have very large engines which emit a lot of CO2 per kilometre, so think about this before you buy one. Moreover, your road tax payments are determined through this and will be lower if you choose a greener car.

 

Price Matters

This might seem obvious, but consider the price of a vehicle before you buy it and whether it is good value. Another thing to remember is that if you opt for a car which is more expensive to buy initially, then your other costs will undoubtedly be more too – insurance, replacement car spares etc.