How to Choose the Perfect Car

A car is a big investment, so you’ll want to make sure you get it right. Whether you already have an idea of what you are looking for, or you don’t have a clue where to start, there are a number of things that you should take into consideration before you make a final decision.

Price

One of the first things that you should do before you start looking for your perfect car is determine your budget. If you want to purchase the vehicle upfront, figure out how much you will be prepared to save up for it, and if will be buying on finance, work out how much you will be able to spare per month, so that you have a good idea of the finance plans you can afford.

When you are deciding your budget, you should account for not only the price of the car, but also running costs. Make sure you include fuel, tax and insurance costs in your calculations. 

Body Style and Features

Next, think about what you will be using your car for. Will it be for commuting or long-distance travel? Will you be using it for school runs? If this is the case, you will need plenty of passenger space for child seats and you may want to prioritise certain safety features, like child locks.

If you live in a busy city, you may want a small, agile hatchback, which is easy to manoeuvre and park, whereas if you live in the countryside, you might want a vehicle that can handle trickier terrain, like a 4x4. 

Fuel

Diesel has not got the best reputation at the moment, but it is only a portion of older diesel vehicles which are causing the problem. Diesels can offer better economy, although in most cases, you will have to cover a lot of miles every year to get your money’s worth, so unless you regularly spend time on the motorway, this fuel type might not be for you.

If you are an advocate of protecting the environment, you may want to consider an electric or hybrid vehicle. Electricity is cheaper than petrol, but these cars have limited range and expensive batteries.

Speed

If a car for you is merely a tool which allows you to get from A to B, speed and acceleration are probably not going to be your priorities. Similarly, if you want to keep running costs cheap, slower cars are generally more fuel efficient. However, if you drive for pleasure, you may decide that the thrill of a fast car outweighs the cost.

Taking all of these factors into consideration should help you form a clearer idea of what you are after. Now, you are ready to start your search. Head to the Hilton Garage showroom in Derby and explore our range of quality used cars with your checklist at the ready. If you browse our range on our website, you will be able to filter your preferences by price, body style, transmission, fuel type, trim and colour, so it’s easy to find the right car for you.