If the time you have been dreading has snuck up on you then it is time to start shopping for your new family car. This is a process that you may be dreading due to it being time-consuming. However, if your current car is having a lot of trouble and is costing you more than it is worth, then it’s time for an upgrade. There are many factors to consider when it comes to getting a new car. Take a look below to see some of the things you need to think about.

Budget 

One of the first things to consider is how much you have available to spend on your new car. You could look into different finance options if you don’t have the money to hand to pay outright. Cars are not cheap so using a form of finance is a popular choice for people buying a car. You have a couple of options here, you can use the dealership's finance company. You will need to put down a deposit for this, the more you put down the less you will pay each month. Alternatively, you can apply for a personal loan from your bank. You will need to ensure you have the money each month to make the repayments. Failure to pay the money back could result in you losing your car. For both of these options, you will need a pretty strong credit score, without this your application may be declined. 

Fuel Type

What type of fuel intake do you want your car to have? Gone are the days of simply having diesel or petrol. You can now choose between these two along with electric or hybrid. A fully electric car is the best for the environment and the planet so if you are wanting to be eco-friendly then this is your best option. If you are wondering how long your car battery will last, a few manufacturers state that it will last eight years or 100,000 miles. You will need to make sure that your battery is always charged as it will just stop when it runs out. You can get a charger installed at your home and work if needed. 

Ongoing Costs

Something else that you have to think about is the ongoing running costs of your car. It isn’t just the initial cost of the car that you need to pay for. You will also need to refuel it regularly, tax it, purchase car insurance, and carry out regular services and maintenance. Ensuring you have the money available for this means you can keep your car on the road. 

Test Drive

Finally, you don’t want to buy your car from an online site. If you do this you won’t have had a chance to test drive the car. If you go and visit a few dealerships then you will be able to get a feel for the car and check if it is big enough and comfy for all the family. If your children use car seats then you will need to check these actually fit in the car. 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.