If you’re looking to save up for rainy days, buying a brand new car will definitely set you back a few thousands of pounds. However, there are ways to reduce the final bill and still get a shiny new model straight off production lines. We take a look at the available opportunities on the market and how to get the best deals on new cars.
1. The Best Time to Buy a New Car
Just like any other product out there, cars can be seasonal. Buying at the right time is a great way to slash costs and save up. SUVs tend to be more expensive in the winter, whereas convertibles and sports cars are more popular during the summer.
Look up deals at the end of each quarter, before number plate changes or whenever a new model is being launched. Try to avoid weekends or post-payday periods when dealerships get crammed. You won’t be able to bargain hard if the showrooms are full of willing shoppers.
Find out when is the best time to buy a new car here.
2. Find a Cheap Model to Run
It’s common knowledge that some cars are considerably more expensive to run and maintain than others. If you’ve already set your mind on a specific model, perhaps you should consider comparing the running costs with other models. You might just change your mind!
To get the best long-term deals, here are some basics to bare in mind:
Engine Size
Large engines will burn more fuel than smaller ones, so if you want to save up on fuel, choosing a smaller engine is the way to do it. This is particularly useful for those who mostly drive in town during rush hour. Cars like the Ford Fiesta offer a great range of engine capacities, including 1, 1.1 and 1.5 litres.
If you drive more on the motorway, a larger engine is likely to be more efficient as small engines burn more fuel at higher speeds.
Fuel Type
Although Diesel cars are more economic than their Petrol counterparts, they are also more expensive to purchase and fill up with fuel. However, if you’re not taking long, regular journeys to achieve the maximum miles per gallon, a petrol engine is probably a better option.
Gearbox
Manual cars are typically cheaper than automatic ones. Although going for a manual car seems like a no brainer, many automatic vehicles offer better fuel-efficiency. They’re also more convenient for those who drive during rush hour often, as you don’t have to constantly switch between gears while in the queue or at the traffic lights.
Insurance Costs
Insurance for big cars and 4x4s costs more than policies for smaller vehicles. Providers place cars in insurance groups between 1 and 50, based on performance, cost of replacement, safety features and cost of new parts. The Hyundai i10 is a great example of group 1 car, being much cheaper to insure than other makes or models.
You can check the exact group rating of the model you’re thinking to purchase at Thatcham Research.
Road Tax
Road tax is mandatory for anyone driving/parking their vehicle on public roads. The road tax costs vary depending on the amount of CO2 emissions released, fuel type and engine size, so, depending on the model, you may end up paying up to £1000 in the first year. You can check the tax you could be paying on the government’s website.
3. Buy Online
Although some buyers may be reluctant to spend large amounts of money online, shopping on the internet is easier and more convenient. According to the car expert, 97% of those in the market to buy a new car do their research online before purchasing.
As more manufacturers have continued to embrace the online retail model, consumers are now increasingly less likely to visit the showroom thanks to the similar finance options provided, better turnaround time and more discounts available.
More Legal Protection for Online Purchases
Buying online also gives you more legal protection than a physical purchase. You are covered under the 2013 Consumer Contracts Regulations, which covers “distance selling”. This means you have up to 14 days from the moment you took delivery of your car to cancel your purchase. If you were to buy the same car in person from a dealer, you would not have the same right.
4. Get the Best Online Deals on New Cars
Nationwide Cars provides the latest cheap car deals and brand new cars for sale. From Ford and Toyota, to the latest German releases such as Audi, Mercedes and BMW, our website features great discounts on all our vehicles. For those on a strict budget, we also provide various monthly payment solutions, including Hire Purchase Finance and PCP car finance.
We will update you during every step of the purchase with the progress of your order. Our friendly team is always available to talk and advise on the best new car discount offers we have available, so please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0844 332 0141.
