What car should you buy next?

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Not sure which car you should buy next? Read our guide.

With numerous brands and a wide array of models to choose from, the process of selecting a car can be quite extensive. Our guide is an excellent starting resource for this decision-making journey.

Contemplating the purchase of a car can be overwhelming when faced with a multitude of options, making it challenging to determine the best choice. The key to selecting the right car lies in understanding your intended use and budget constraints. Whether you’ve narrowed down the body style or are still figuring out the most suitable type of car, considering various factors is essential to ensure it aligns with both your lifestyle and financial plans.

Ultimately, your lifestyle, preferences, and budget are unique to you as a buyer. This guide is designed to assist you in determining your car requirements and creating a checklist for the optimal choice. Additionally, we have compiled comprehensive articles on topics such as car insurance, road tax, warranties, and more, so be sure to explore them for further information.

Considerations for your next car purchase:

• Determine your budget for both the initial purchase and ongoing operating expenses
• Define the intended use of the car
• Assess the required amount of space
• Identify the necessary or desired features
• Decide on the fuel type: petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric

New or used?

Choosing between a new or used car is the initial step in your car-buying journey. While your budget will heavily influence this decision, it’s essential to recognize the advantages of each approach. Opting for a new car provides the assurance of a manufacturer’s warranty, typically lasting at least three years. You also have the opportunity to customize the car to your preferences. However, be mindful that new cars may have a lengthy wait time, and over time, you’re likely to experience more significant depreciation compared to a used car. If considering a new car, our guide on the slowest depreciating cars is a valuable resource.

On the other hand, used cars come with their advantages. Typically, a used car is more budget-friendly than its new counterpart, and the initial depreciation has likely been absorbed by the first owner. An excellent starting point for your search for a used car is on an ‘approved’ used car lot, where vehicles receive additional support from manufacturers, including a thorough pre-sale inspection conducted by specialized technicians.

How do you intend to use the car?

Consider the types of trips you commonly undertake. If your driving is mostly confined to urban areas, fuel efficiency might be less crucial (as cars are often less efficient in stop-and-go traffic), but a smaller car may be preferable for easier parking. Four-wheel drive is typically unnecessary unless regular towing or off-road living is part of your plans.

Similarly, assess your space requirements. Do you need seven seats, or would a more economical five-seat model suffice? Ensure there’s ample room for family or friends in the back, and check if the trunk accommodates your usual cargo. Consider whether a higher ride height would facilitate easier entry and exit. If you have sports equipment like bikes or canoes, roof rails might be advantageous. Asking these questions helps refine your search and ensures you find a car that aligns with your specific needs.

Decide on a style

If you were in the market for a car two or three decades ago, the decision was straightforward. If you had a limited mileage, a hatchback was the choice, an estate was for those with frequent large loads, and everyone else opted for a saloon.

In the present day, SUVs have gained significant popularity due to their elevated driving position and increased interior space. Modern SUVs typically offer reasonable driving performance and are not significantly more fuel-consuming than conventional cars. You might also be familiar with the term ‘crossover,’ originally used to describe a vehicle combining features of two body styles. However, it now commonly refers to cars based on traditional small hatchbacks but featuring the raised ride height or styling elements of SUVs.

The same applies to brands: be ready to contemplate manufacturers that you might have considered overly luxurious in the past, as well as brands that might have been disregarded for appearing too ‘budget’.

Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?

Next, consider the fuel type for your car. While certain vehicles are exclusively available with a petrol engine, most manufacturers provide options for both petrol and diesel engines. Mild-hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models are becoming increasingly prevalent and can be particularly advantageous, especially for urban driving.

As a general guideline, if you drive less than 12,000 miles annually, a diesel engine may not be the most suitable choice. Diesel cars typically have a higher upfront cost compared to their petrol counterparts, and you’d need to cover a substantial mileage to offset the difference in fuel savings. On the flip side, many petrol-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer lower operational costs than their petrol-only equivalents but come with a higher purchase price compared to conventional petrol or diesel models.

Running costs

The allure of pushing your budget to the limit for a new car is strong, especially when monthly repayments seem attractively low, even for more luxurious models. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that running costs, such as high fuel consumption or insurance premiums, are often overlooked during the purchasing process and could lead to regretting your choice of car.

Consider fuel efficiency as a crucial factor. While manufacturers’ official figures have become more accurate with the introduction of the new ‘WLTP’ economy and emissions testing in 2017, it’s essential to be aware that real-world results may vary based on how and where you drive. During a test drive, monitor the trip computer for a more realistic economy figure, and ask the dealer for guidance if needed. If fuel efficiency is a priority, our guide on the most economical cars currently available is a valuable resource.

Additionally, don’t overlook obtaining insurance quotes for any car under consideration, as insurance costs can vary significantly between models. For young drivers, exploring a ‘black box’ insurance policy may be worthwhile, and our guide on the best first cars can offer helpful insights.

Once you’ve bought your car, you’ll need to maintain it and be covered in case of a breakdown. View our plans below:

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