After the March new-plate registration period, the number of part-exchanged models has boosted the choice for buyers.
As car buyers across the country gear up to upgrade their vehicles, searches for “new car deals” have skyrocketed by 30% over the last three months.
With more drivers than ever looking to make a smart purchase, understanding how to secure a great deal has never been more important.
However, many people don’t know how to find the best bargain. Research has found that 46% of new drivers don’t know what they’re looking for when buying a car, from specifications to getting the right price.
If you’re not sure how to get the best deal on the search for your next car, motoring experts at Vertu Motors have provided their five top tips to help you save money.
1. Don’t let insurance premiums and repairs catch you out
When buying a car, the price tag isn’t the only thing you need to consider. Insurance premiums can quickly add up, and models with larger or more powerful engines (such as sports cars) tend to cost significantly more to insure. Opting for smaller, more economical engines (e.g., 1.2 or 1.4 litres) can help keep insurance costs low.
Additionally, some brands may require specialist repairs, which could be pricey if your car breaks down. While luxury cars may catch your eye, they often come with expensive repair bills. Think about the long-term costs before making your decision.
2. Motors with excessive mileage are less fuel-efficient
Any time you buy a car, you should always consider resale value. If you find a model that will sell well on the used car market, for instance, that is a better money-saving investment than a model which typically struggles to drum up buyers.
Along with make and model, check the mileage if you’re trying to save money in the long-term. Mileage is more than a number – it’s an indicator of a car’s condition. If a motor has a high mileage, for example, it’s more likely to experience those wear and tear issues that require a visit to the garage.
A car with 100,000 miles on the meter might be cheaper in the car showroom, but it’s going to cost you a lot in terms of repairs and running costs (cars with excessive mileage are typically less fuel efficient). It will also be tougher to sell on the used car market once you’ve clocked up your own additional mileage.
3. Bright and bold cars lose value faster than other colours
While your car’s colour might reflect your personal style, it can also impact its resale value. Bright colours like lime green or burnt orange are less popular among used car buyers, which means you could struggle to sell your vehicle later without dropping the price.
Lighter colours like white and silver are prone to showing dirt and stains more easily, leading to more frequent cleaning. Opting for darker shades, such as black or navy, can keep your car looking sharp for longer and may even improve its resale potential.
4. Buy the car that best suits your day-to-day – and bin off the extra features
To save as much money as possible on your purchase, you need to think specifically about how you’re actually going to be using the car, rather than how you might use it.
For example, if you need a used car for commuting into a city centre office, you might be better off with a nippy three-door that costs £5k rather than a 4×4 on the market for £10k. After all, you don’t want to be paying extra for all that empty space every time you fill up on fuel!
On the other hand, if you have a family or need to transport loads regularly, it might make sense to invest in a larger, more spacious car. Avoid unnecessary extras that won’t serve your everyday needs, such as fancy tech features or premium finishes, which can drive up the price unnecessarily.
5. Diesel cars are a more economical choice for regular motorway drivers
Fuel costs are one of the biggest ongoing expenses of car ownership, and they vary significantly between models. When comparing cars, check the miles per gallon (mpg) rating for each model. Higher mpg means better fuel efficiency, which translates to fewer trips to refueland lower overall fuel costs.
Diesel cars tend to be more fuel-efficient, especially on long motorway drives. However, if you only use your car for short trips, a petrol engine may be a more economical choice. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, consider an electric car. Though the initial price can be higher, electric vehicles tend to have lower running costs due to cheaper fuel and reduced maintenance needs.
