| In addition to shedding the excess pounds | | | | When test-driving a potential new car, keep |
| gained over the festive period, many decide | | | | in mind how it compares to your current one. |
| to use the beginning of the calendar year to | | | | Test-drive the car for as long as is |
| engage in some much-needed spring cleaning. | | | | necessary and try to drive on a bumpy road, |
| Apart from replacing household appliances and | | | | and, if it's possible, take it onto the |
| getting rid of unwanted gifts, many decide to | | | | highway. If the car has an automatic |
| start the New Year by buying a new car. But | | | | transmission, pay particular attention to it, |
| before you rush off to the nearest | | | | as it is relatively easy to break and |
| dealership, there are a few practical | | | | relatively expensive to repair. If possible, |
| concerns that must be evaluated before | | | | also try to test-drive another car of the |
| undertaking such an endeavour. | | | | same model for comparison. |
| | | | |
| First, assess your needs as a car user. | | | | When it comes to where to buy a new car, |
| Changes to your household might have | | | | consumers are simply spoilt for choice. In |
| influenced your decision to look for a larger | | | | addition to franchised dealers and car |
| or smaller car, so think about how this will | | | | supermarkets, online car classifieds have |
| alter your needs. For example, if your | | | | become increasingly popular. If you do decide |
| current car has a larger boot and enough | | | | to use the latter, make sure to do your |
| seats for children that have now grown up and | | | | research properly before parting with any |
| left the home, a smaller car and a smaller | | | | money for the car. Also be sure to get all |
| boot may be in order. | | | | the necessary paperwork with your purchase, |
| | | | such as a receipt as proof of purchase, a |
| Second, consider the engine and fuel | | | | copy of the warranty, the service book and |
| efficiency. How much distance do you cover on | | | | the logbook. |
| a regular basis? If you are planning to do | | | | |
| more than just travelling to and back from | | | | Remember that buying a car is one of the most |
| work with the odd weekend trip, it could be | | | | important decisions of any household and you |
| better to opt for a diesel engine. Diesel | | | | should never part with your money without |
| engines have a higher fuel efficiency | | | | complete peace of mind. Bearing the |
| compared to standard petrol engines and are | | | | aforementioned points in mind should ensure |
| better for the environment due to lower CO2 | | | | that you won't be looking for a new car next |
| emissions. | | | | year too. |
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