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