Tips on how to choose a car

Among car enthusiasts, there is an opinion that buying a used car entails an inevitable loss of money and personal time, and the purchase of a new car - a loss of initial value and significant investments. Of course, a new vehicle breaks down less often and often looks better. At the same time, its price is much higher than that of a used one, which forces many motorists to choose vehicles with mileage.

How to choose a car

Before choosing a car of the brand you like, you should compare the pros and cons of buying a new or used model. For example, the main advantages of a new vehicle will be:

• reliability - subject to timely inspection and careful operation, breakdowns, if they do occur, are far from immediate and not frequent. All structural elements and spare parts are new, original, assembly is professional and factory;
• guarantee - if one of the parts turns out to be defective, it will be replaced or repaired for free;
• transparent costs - it is not difficult to calculate in advance all the necessary costs (taxes, fees, surcharge for additional equipment);
• transparent agreement - when buying a car from an official dealer, you are protected from the possibility of buying a stolen or pawned car. The owner is left with a full package of documents. Also, the manager will tell you how to choose a car among the cars presented in the showroom that is just right for you;
• freedom of self-expression - complete the salon with any devices, modify its design for yourself;
• the opportunity to purchase on credit or leasing inexpensively, if there are not enough own funds for the full cost yet.

Disadvantages remain the high starting price, maintenance costs, purchase of insurance, and manufacturers' cautious attitude towards tuning. At the same time, choosing and buying a used car has the following advantages:

• the ability to initially choose an expensive vehicle with a rich configuration, but at an acceptable cost;
• savings on additional options - as a rule, the previous owner has already installed absolutely everything needed in the salon, and if something is not, then you can use this reason for bargaining;
• no need for break-in;
• some finance companies and banks can also provide installment or leasing for used cars.

Disadvantages consist most often in the negligent attitude or inattention of the buyer. For example, even if you know how to choose a car, do not forget about:

• risks - be sure to check the car on all available bases before giving money. It will be very painful after the purchase to find out that your purchase is the subject of a dispute between the parties, stolen or under arrest;
• frequent malfunctions - old machines break down much more often than new ones and this is a fact. In addition, they tend to fail suddenly. Be sure to understand the weak points of the model you want to buy;
• repair costs - frequent breakdowns lead to constant costs. But more expensive cars initially require more expensive repairs;
• higher cost of insurance against a new car.

The determining factor for this or that choice is the awareness of the future car owner about the world of technology. If you have experienced acquaintances who have eaten a dog at car repairs or you yourself are well versed in the matter, buying a used car does not promise anything unpredictable. It is definitely better for beginners to choose a new vehicle from a showroom that has proven itself well.

How to choose a new car

It is not easy to find a person who, when asked the question: "Which car is better to buy, used or new?" will answer that he always dreamed of a car with mileage. The vast majority of motorists see themselves exclusively behind the wheel of new, shiny iron horses that have just come off the assembly line. To make the right choice and not be disappointed, decide on:

• the purpose of the purchase – other selection criteria depend on this, how much and where to drive, whom and what to transport;
• manufacturer (Ukrainian auto industry or foreign) - yesterday's driving school graduates choose inexpensive budget options, which are not such a pity in any case. Experienced drivers prefer foreign cars because they are better equipped, better assembled, and have a longer service life;
• dimensions - townspeople, especially residents of megacities, choose compact, nimble hatchbacks that are easier to park anywhere. Family motorists prefer station wagons with a long wheelbase. SUVs are most often acquired through status, because on tight city streets their exceptional qualities are useless;
• gearbox - automatic is more convenient in the city, mechanics - off-road and with an extreme driving style. Choose which is better mechanics or automatic;
• engine volume - depends on the purpose of purchase; drive - four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive are suitable for roads with poor surface;
• brand and color - decisions are made individually, without haste and in a calm environment. The only thing is to remember that the shade of the coating can actually differ significantly from the catalog photo. Also, in the case of used cars, it is better that it has not been repainted, since no one will give reliable information about the quality of the updated paint coating.

Choose an official dealer from your region on the manufacturer's website, analyze the prices and call the salon, after your arrival take a test drive. And now the purchase of a car is approaching, advice from the experienced: check the appearance, documents, warranty card, licenses and certificates, as well as documents for equipment installed in the cabin from third-party manufacturers. Carefully check and verify all documents yourself.

Tips for choosing a used car

According to statistics, 18% of cars with mileage for sale have twisted mileage, and about 48% of cars have been involved in traffic accidents. In order not to fall into the trap of fraudsters, you need to know how to properly buy a used car in Ukraine. Of course, the most reliable cars can serve for decades, but sometimes even a very decent-looking car should not be bought in any case.

Experts advise to look for the right option from dealers or direct owners, first hand. In the first case, you will find a quality option faster and easier, sign the agreement without delay and get a guarantee. If every hryvnia is expensive, there is no other choice but to buy a car from the previous owner. Most likely, it will be cheaper than in the salon, but there is a danger of running into a dishonest seller. Instead, if you approach the choice carefully and with patience, you can find a great model from the first owner who maintained it with quality materials and repaired it only at certified service stations.

You should start your search on the Internet by entering the correct search parameters, namely: brand, model, year of manufacture. The results will show a range of prices, which can be very wide, because the condition of the machines is also different. It is advisable to reject the cheapest (possible problems with documents or technical condition) and the most expensive (the price is often not justified) offers, and focus on the middle price segment. Study the information about the seller, if it is not there - close the ad.

Match the year of manufacture with the mileage. On average, an old car drives 10,000-20,000 km per year if it is used by a family. A seven-year-old foreign car with a three-year mileage should alert you. Carefully compare the description with the photo (preferably more than one). If there is nothing alarming about the photo and text, call the seller to:

• find out the year of purchase - if the car is sold almost immediately after purchase, this may indicate significant problems;
• ask about the service history - some car owners keep documents from the car service and receipts after buying spare parts;
• clarify the mileage - it is quite possible that the numbers on the website are indicated in miles or simply confused;
• find out about the date of the last repair or technical inspection;
• notify the owner of the desire to check the car before purchase with the help of an expert or at a service station.

At the first visual inspection, pay attention to the driver's seat, steering wheel and rubber pads on the pedals. These places are usually the first to wear out. After that, be sure to:

• check the operation of the engine - both when it is running and when it has just been started. The motor should not knock, smoke, rattle;
• inspect the body - this especially applies to cars with a frame structure (SUVs), because each frame has its own number (chassis number). The numbers must match in all documents, don't be lazy to check;
• inspect the underhood space with a flashlight - to notice oil leaks, damage to the upholstery, fogging of the crankcase. Ask about the condition of the wiring;
• carefully study the documents - make sure that the legal history of the iron horse you liked is crystal clear.

In addition to excellent or good condition, an important criterion for choosing a used car is the availability of service. You can collect the necessary amount and buy a very rare and expensive model that has already been discontinued. The dream will come true, but one day the day will inevitably come when the car will have to be repaired, and where to do it, where to get spare parts, which craftsmen will be able to perform the necessary manipulations?
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Сurrent, in the future, there is a huge number of offers in this segment of the car market in Ukraine. Far from all of them deserve even fleeting attention, so when buying a vehicle, thoroughly check and delve into every detail. It is better to be famous for being boring than to be penniless.

FAQ

• Which car to choose in 2022?

Japanese brands Nissan, Subaru, Honda, and Toyota are recognized as the best cars in 2022. They are followed by models of the Korean KIA concern.

Toyota Corolla is considered the most popular car in the world. In addition to sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks are in great demand.

• What is important to know when choosing a car?

Since you are choosing a car "for yourself", answer the following questions: why do you need a car, what amount are you willing to spend, what type of body is required, how many passengers and cargo are you planning to carry, and which gearbox?

In addition, class and characteristics, manufacturer, type of drive, engine volume, safety systems and additional options are important.

• Which car mileage is considered greater?

Usually, a significant mileage is from 50,000 to 100,000 km. But for different car models, this plug may change due to the fact that some cars are more reliable.