The decision to buy a new car is a major one, filled with excitement – and let’s be honest, some anxiety too! It’s not just about the financial commitment, which is considerable, but also about making a choice that fits your needs and lifestyle.
This blog post is your roadmap to finding a car that doesn’t just take you places, but enhances your journey. Let’s steer through the essentials of aligning your choice with your unique needs, so you can find a car that doesn’t just get you where you need to be, but is also a reflection of who you are.
What should you compare or look at when shopping for a car?
When shopping for a car, it’s essential to balance emotion with practicality. Of course, you want a car you love, but it also needs to fit your (and your family’s) day to day needs.
How do you know a good car?
A good car is one that reliably meets your specific needs in terms of performance, comfort, safety, and budget.
What month is best for buying a car?
Historically, December has been a good month for car buying, offering potentially advantageous year-end deals.
Here are our top tips for buying a new car to make sure you get the ideal car for you:
- Identify Your Priorities:
Is safety, fuel efficiency, or luxury your main consideration? Do you travel long distances? Do you have a family that you need to transport safely and in comfort? Do you regularly need to transport equipment and supplies?
- Consider Your Daily Commute:
Think closely about your daily commute requirements. For long drives, fuel efficiency is key, while urban driving demands more focus on safety features, manoeuvrability, and ease of handling. This last point is especially important when comparing ideal cars for new drivers.
- Family-Friendly Features:
For families, features that offer comfort and safety take priority. These include ample space for storage and high safety ratings. Family-oriented features, like a good amount of rear-seat space, UV protected windows, Bluetooth capability, infotainment centres, park-assist and rear-view cameras are all positives when buying a family car.
- Cargo and Storage Needs:
Assess your storage needs, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, keen on DIY, or need to transport equipment. Cars with versatile storage solutions, like fold-flat seats, roof racks, cupholders, multipurpose consoles, and built-in storage compartments, can make like a lot easier.
- Lifestyle-Enhancing Features:
These include adjustable and heated seats, in-vehicle infotainment systems, touchscreen displays, advanced navigation, smartphone integration, and hand-free voice commands. Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are also elements to consider.
- Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact:
If you’re eco-conscious and feel strongly about the environment, pay close attention to fuel efficiency and emissions. Excitingly, trusted models like the Jolion and H6 are now available with cutting-edge hybrid technology through Thorp Haval in South Africa. This not only lowers your carbon footprint, but saves on petrol costs too!
- Test Drive and Research:
Always test drive the car you’re considering buying. Do thorough research online to see what other drivers’ experiences of the vehicle are like. This is particularly important for finding the ideal cars for students who aren’t experienced with different models.
- Budget Considerations:
It’s important to resist the temptation of a really luxurious vehicle if it means putting yourself under financial strain. Establish the ideal car payment to income ratio that you can handle, and then buy a car accordingly. Bear in mind that you’re also going to have further ongoing costs like insurance, fuel, and maintenance that you have to budget for.
Why Haval is the right choice for you!
As we’ve shown in these buying a car in SA tips – choosing the right car from a reputable dealer is almost as important as the car itself. Haval stands out as a stellar choice for several compelling reasons:
- Value for Money: Known for packing a punch in terms of features and technology, Haval cars offer exceptional value for our price point. Whether it’s advanced safety features, cutting-edge infotainment systems, or luxurious interiors, you get premium quality without the premium price tag.
- Innovation, Technology, and Design: Haval has already made its mark with our commitment to ongoing innovation in quality and design. Your Haval vehicle won’t just reliably get you from A to B – it will do so in style, safety, and comfort!
- Performance and Efficiency: Understanding that drivers have diverse needs and preferences, Haval offers a range of engines and transmission types. Power, performance, comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, reliability – Haval has options to suit every driver.
Steering You Towards Your Perfect Match
Remember that the key to finding your ideal car lies in prioritising your needs and lifestyle. The best vehicle for you is one that truly resonates with how you live and go about your daily routines.
Book a test drive with Thorp Haval in Plumstead or Table Bay Mall today, or contact us for expert and personalised advice. Your journey towards finding your ideal car starts here!
