Guide to buying your first car

Whether it’s a compact, zooty little number with lots of spunk, or something tough and rugged that allows you to channel your inner Chuck Norris, with so many vehicle models on the market today, choosing a new car can sometimes prove quite overwhelming.

Musa Wilkinson, marketing and communication manager for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the world’s eighth largest automobile manufacturer, says that although choosing a new car is always exciting – particularly if it’s the first set of wheels that you will be calling your own – it should not be an impulse decision that one might live to regret.

Instead, he suggests taking the time to do research to ensure your new four-wheeled traversing companion is the right fit for you.

“Investing in a vehicle is probably one of the most important life decisions you will ever make,” says Wilkinson.

“Ask any veteran car owner to list the cars they have previously owned over the years, and most will instantly recall which they considered good or bad purchases. “To ensure that buying a car is memorable for all the right reasons, gathering enough information to make the right choice that suits your individual needs is essential.

“Here it really comes down to conducting a thorough needs analysis and being realistic about what you can afford,” he adds.

However, for Wilkinson, that being said, buying a new car should not only be about ticking all the right boxes in terms of practicality and price, but new buyers should also allow themselves to have a little fun in the process.

Here are Wilkinson’s top tips when it comes to choosing a new car:

Be realistic, Rockefeller

Make sure your wants don’t outweigh your means.

Remember the cost of a new vehicle extends past the initial purchase price, and the cost of fuel and long-term maintenance also need to be factored into the purchase decision.

Find out about the fuel consumption in order to determine how economical it is, as well as gain a better perspective on how much you will be spending on petrol a month based on your travelling requirements.

Also, find out the various service plans on offer.

It’s not just about getting more bang for your buck

Always be wary of seemingly bargain deals, especially if you are looking at buying a used vehicle.

What you see is not always what you get, and it’s therefore important to be thorough in your examination.

If you don’t know much about cars, take someone along who does and get them to ask the necessary questions and take the vehicle for a test drive.

Novice buyers may get spoken into making a decision based on price when the vehicle is really not a match for their needs.

Be you and proud of it

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to cars and fortunately, there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing both the make and model of the vehicle.

With an array of colours, interiors, sound systems, accessories and enhancements to choose from, the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing and accessorising a new or pre-owned vehicle.

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