There are few better feelings than getting behind the wheel of your brand new car and taking it out for a spin. 

The smooth acceleration, the slick gear changes, the sound of the engine – and let’s not forget that fantastic smell. 

But, before you get to that stage, you need to go through the process of finding the right vehicle. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, there were more than 650,000 new car registrations in the first half of 2020 and, if you’re thinking about adding to that number in the near future, there are a few things you need to think about first: 

What do you need? 

This might seem like an obvious question but that’s because it’s the primary consideration. Are you looking for a family car that has plenty of space for the kids? Perhaps you’re looking to treat yourself to a sporty number that excels on the country roads? Maybe you’re happy to dip into the used car market or  and find a model that offers great value for money such as some Hatchback Lease Deals? Everyone’s situation is different, but it’s important to be clear in your mind about exactly what you’re looking for. 

Do your research 

This might not be the most exciting part of buying a car but it’s certainly one of the most important. You need to compare running costs, fuel consumption, boot space, reliability and a number of other factors including tax and insurance fees. The latter is vital and if you’re purchasing a new model you may want to consider gap insurance as an added level of protection to ensure you’re not left out of pocket further down the line. 

Take it for a test drive 

Once you’ve settled on a make and model, it’s worth taking it for a spin before you make a decision on whether to buy. It might look great, but what if it doesn’t feel right when you get behind the wheel? All new cars feel a little unfamiliar at first, but a test drive is the only way to truly know if you’re going to be safe and comfortable when out on the roads. 

Don’t forget to haggle! 

Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, you should always try negotiating for a better deal. You might be surprised at how many vendors are willing to lower their price in order to get a sale, so it pays to be savvy when it comes to talking numbers. There’s a fine line between asking for a bit of leeway and making a derisory offer, but by being fair in your haggling you could make a significant saving.