Buying a new car can be a stressful process. How do I know what model I want? Do I buy a leased, new or used car? Would monthly car rental be a better option? These are just some of the questions you might be asking yourself when considering your next vehicle. Here are the top five things to consider when buying a new car.

#1 Brand New Car Or Used Car?

Buying a brand new car will depend on a number of factors, including how often you use the car, your price range, and whether you’ll need it for long journeys. A used car might seem like a great idea if you’re on a budget, but purchasing a car with high mileage might end up more expensive later down the line. If you can afford a lease, this is a great middle ground as you can purchase a new car without having to pay a fortune upfront.

#2 Have You Done Your Research?

Before investing in a new vehicle, it’s essential that you do your research on price, model types and their roadworthiness. A car shopping expert like Edmunds is a great site to visit, as they have a team of car experts that drive and review vehicles so you can see which ones are the best for you. They also offer free appraisals so you can see what options you have to trade in your existing vehicle, as well as price comparisons on car listings near you. Also, consider that if you buy a car online, you will likely need to pick it up or pay for the vehicle to be shipped.

#3 How Often Will You Drive It?

How often do you drive your car? If your car is going to sit in your driveway for days at a time, there’s no point in breaking the bank on an expensive model you’ll never use. It’s also true if you’re looking at used cars, as if they aren’t used it’s highly likely the battery will run down, resulting in repairs to the vehicle. On the other hand, if you’re using it to travel for work, you’ll want to ensure you have a comfortable and reliable model to take you from A to B every day.

Your comfort is of utmost priority when buying a new car. Regardless of how often you take the vehicle out for a drive, it’s best that you’re comfortable and at ease when you do so. It’s not just about the features that come with the car but also the general cleanliness and the materials used in the car’s interiors. Spend some time making sure that you are more than okay with your car seat and its upholstery. You can ask your car dealer to retrofit the interiors if you prefer a different kind of material or get custom-fit seat covers from third-party providers.

#4 What About Sustainable Options?

When buying a new car it is a great time to consider sustainable options. Hybrid or electric models might seem more expensive at the outset but are a lot cheaper to run over time. If you aren’t ready to buy a hybrid or an electric, why not consider which used or new cars are more sustainable? You can still start to improve your carbon footprint, even if you can’t afford the upfront costs of an electric or hybrid vehicle. Additionally, as more commercial spaces are upgrading EV chargers within their settings, the infrastructure is becoming more supportive of sustainable driving options. This makes it easier for those who do opt for electric vehicles to find convenient charging stations, reducing the overall costs and making the transition to greener transportation more accessible for everyone.

5# What Do I Need It For?

This question is going to have a huge bearing on your car purchase. If you need it for lots of city driving, a compact vehicle might be better. If you will be mainly using it for shopping trips, you’ll need lots of boot space. For long drives, a cruiser might be more fuel efficient. Family vehicle? Consider the safety rating and how many seats it has. Define what you’ll be using it the most for before your purchase.

If you answer these five questions before you buy a new car, you should leave with the vehicle you need. Happy shopping, and let us know how you get on.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.