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