Buying a new vehicle involves more than just “signing on the dotted line.” There are many things to consider, so read on to find out more about eight of them.
1. Can You Afford It?
Yes, you might want the Porsche that goes 0-60 mph in three seconds and holds the skid pad at 1.3 g, but can you afford the $150,000 price tag? Even without that extreme, can you afford the payments, insurance, and fuel costs? If you buy an EV, can you afford to put in the charging station at home?
2. Performance
Do you need to rip and roar down the road in that sportscar? Or, will a little zip and verve be enough for you? Generally, most vehicles have better performance now than they ever have in the past. Choose wisely.
3. Fuel Economy
If you pick a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, then you’ll have to figure in the cost of fuel in your analysis of whether or not you can afford the vehicle. Even vehicles with better-than-average performance have decent fuel economy today.
4. EV or Not?
You can also select an electric vehicle or hybrid. When it comes to those vehicles’ batteries, the current trend is to make them with batteries that last between 12 and 15 years. Some of them can make between 500 and 700 miles before needing recharging.
5. Gadgets
Do you want heated and ventilated seats? What about Wi-Fi hot spots or stereos with 20 or more speakers? Some vehicles come with three digital screens for the front-seat passengers and drop-down screens the size of bedroom televisions for the rear-seat passengers.
6. Safety Features
Most cars today come with driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and even parking assistance. These Level-II autonomous features are as common now as simple cruise control was a dozen years ago. The newest technology includes Level-III autonomous features, which are legal in two states now.
7. Crash Test Ratings
How well do the vehicle’s safety features work? How safe would you be in a crash? The National Transportation and Safety Board publishes its findings regarding all vehicles, so it behooves you to check out each vehicle you consider.
8. Car, SUV, or Truck?
What do you want to accomplish with your new vehicle? For example, you won’t need the ability to haul 20 metric tons around if you’re just going to be driving to and from work or on road trips without a trailer. Conversely, if you need a vehicle with serious off-road chops, then you’re not going to pick a subcompact even if it does get 40 miles per gallon.
These are but eight things to consider when you think about buying a vehicle. There are all sorts of other things to consider, too, such as vehicles that suit your personality or fulfill other practical needs you might have. Seeking the advice of a professional is also a good strategy before you do that “dotted-line signing!”