Getting a new car is an exciting way to start the year, but with so much choice on offer, it can be challenging to know which vehicle to buy or lease. If you’re looking to trade in an old steed, explore the latest releases or upgrade your car to a more luxurious model in 2025, here are some expert tips to help you find the right vehicle.
Price range
Many buyers enter into the search for a new car with a maximum budget in mind. The cost of buying a new or used car varies hugely, from hundreds to millions of dollars. Setting a budget will enable you to narrow your search criteria and avoid falling head over heels for a car you can’t afford. If you have your eyes on a specific model, which is just over your price point, there are ways to make getting your dream vehicle more affordable, including buying nearly new rather than brand-new cars. It’s also worth considering depreciation, as new vehicles start to lose money as soon as you drive off the forecourt.
Searching online is an excellent way to establish prices, compare features and specifications and get an idea of what you can afford. If you have a shortlist based on your budget, you can then visit showrooms, arrange test drives and explore other options, such as buying a used luxury vehicle or taking out a long-term lease.
When you buy a vehicle, no matter whether it’s a runaround or the latest supercar, it’s always beneficial to research market values, compare offers from different dealerships and private vendors, and negotiate. There may be a flat fee with no room for maneuver, but it’s always worth asking. If you submit a lower offer, you can always increase the price. If you agree to pay the asking price at the outset without haggling, there’s no chance to save.
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Outlining your priorities
Every buyer has different priorities when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. The car you need may not always be the wagon you want, particularly if you have children or pets or you’re buying a car that needs to work for your family and your business. Before you start touring showrooms or browsing glossy brochures, it’s wise to outline your priorities. What matters most to you? What are the non-negotiables and where are you prepared to compromise? Here are some key points to consider:
Aesthetics
We often think of luxury cars when choosing the most aesthetically pleasing vehicles, but today, it’s possible to find cars that check all the boxes. Premium brands that are renowned for stunning looks, sporty models and high performance levels also cater to the family market and eco-conscious drivers with an ever-growing range of vehicles available. If aesthetics are important to you and you want to buy or hire a car that will turn heads and make you feel good when you get behind the wheel, it’s best to visit dealerships and showrooms, see the cars in the flesh and research features, upgrades, modifications and extras. Looks are subjective, so your personal style and taste should point you in the right direction.
Functionality
It’s great to have a car that looks incredible, but for many drivers, there has to be a balance between style and substance. If you only have one car, or you need a vehicle that will work for the school run or your business, versatility and functionality are key.
When you’re embarking upon a search for a practical vehicle, it’s best to use your head and heart. Ask yourself what kinds of features would benefit you and what you need in terms of size, trunk space and seat layout. It’s worth considering how you plan to use the vehicle. If work is your primary concern, focus on vehicles that cater to your practical requirements. It may be best to search for specialist vendors if you have vehicles, such as modified trucks and vans in mind, or you’re looking for something like a bale bed for sale. If you’ll use the vehicle primarily for commuting but you need space to store equipment and take the kids to school, look for vehicles that offer space and comfort while providing optimum safety.
Performance
Some people drive to get from A to B and enjoy convenience, freedom and independence, but for others, it’s a passion. If you’re a self-confessed petrolhead, performance is everything. If you’re on the hunt for a vehicle that will set your pulses racing every time you fire up the ignition or you’re interested in the latest upgrades, features or technological advances, zone in on new releases and the vehicles that are hitting the headlines and making waves in the automotive industry. Keep abreast of news by reading blogs and magazines, look for details of events online and research innovations and developments that will influence your next vehicle search.
If performance levels are a priority for you, it’s critical to see how the car drives before you buy. Whether you’re purchasing a used or brand-new car, it’s wise to schedule a test drive so that you can really get a feel for the vehicle and evaluate the driving experience. You can’t get a proper sense of how a car feels or what it can do by reading brochures, watching videos or social media clips or listening to a salesperson reeling off impressive figures.
Safety
New vehicles are safer than ever thanks to a raft of impressive safety features, including traffic alerts, sensors, adaptive cruise control, airbags, blind spot detection, anti-lock brakes and collision warnings. A Swedish study showed that drivers and passengers in new cars are 67% less likely to sustain serious injuries than those traveling in older vehicles. Safety should be a priority for all road users, but it may be particularly important to you if you have children. New family cars tend to be fitted with the latest safety features but you may also be able to upgrade and customize other types of vehicles, including luxury cars and compact hatchbacks.
Cost
Some buyers may have a limitless budget, but for many, the cost of a new or used vehicle will impact the range of options. If the price is a major factor in your search, use filters to set a budget. You can modify the price range to expand or narrow your search, depending on how much you can afford to spend. It’s important to note that if you buy or lease a car on finance, you can spread the cost. Always ensure you can afford the monthly repayments before signing on the dotted line.
The cost of buying a car isn’t the only expense to consider when swapping your vehicle. Running costs are increasing due to high rates of inflation, rises in fuel costs and higher insurance premiums. A UK study revealed the cost of owning a car has soared by over 80% in the last decade. Before you buy a vehicle, it’s useful to calculate running costs. Research insurance policies and providers and compare quotes, figure out a rough estimate of your average fuel costs per month based on current prices, mileage and MPG, and factor in maintenance and service costs.
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Comfort, performance and driving experience: The importance of a test drive
It’s incredibly useful to research vehicles online, read guides and manufacturer brochures and seek expert advice from reputable, experienced dealers, but driving a car can often provide the most valuable information during a vehicle search. If you’ve drawn up a shortlist based on your research, the features you need and your chosen vehicle type, make or model, the next step is to book a test drive. Test drives provide golden opportunities to see how the car drives and assess comfort before you buy. During your test drive, think about how you feel, how the car performs and what it offers in terms of space, style and comfort. You may find that vehicles you loved on paper lose points when you take the wheel in your hands. The cabin may feel cramped or low, the seats might not cater to your needs, or you may find that you just don’t enjoy the drive as much as you hoped.
It’s advisable to test a range of vehicles before you decide what to do. Take your time to compare different makes and models, research modifications and extras if you feel there’s room for improvement and search for the best offers. Try to avoid rushing into making decisions or buying spontaneously without inspecting the vehicle or taking it for a spin.
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Buying a new car at the start of a new year may be an exciting prospect, but how do you narrow down such a vast range of options? It’s not always easy to find the right vehicle. If you’re searching for a new car in 2025, key steps to take include setting a budget, outlining your priorities, researching makes and models, comparing prices and offers and arranging test drives. Take your time to visit showrooms and dealerships, see what’s available and decide which vehicle is best based on the facts and figures and your experiences during the test drives.
