With the variety of offers on the market, choosing the best car is often complicated. Whether it’s the price, the model, or the quality—whatever the reason for buying a car, some essential criteria need to be considered. Otherwise, the euphoria of the start may give way to disappointment or even regret after a few weeks of use. Here is the information you need to know before buying.

New or Used Car?

In fact, the choice between a new and a used car depends mainly on your budget. But what is the difference between the two? First of all, a new vehicle allows you to have access to the latest innovations and a wide choice of colors and options. You are also sure to be driving a car that has never been driven before. There is also no risk that the vehicle has been poorly maintained.

Moreover, the new vehicle is covered by a “manufacturer’s warranty” insurance from the moment of purchase. However, the price of a new car is a bit higher than a used car, even if they are of the same model. Despite this, sellers regularly offer promotions, especially towards the end of the month, allowing buyers to benefit from specific discounts. So, consider making your purchase to take advantage of them during this time.

Unlike buying a new vehicle, your choice is limited when buying a used model. It is more interesting for those who love the latest models or collector’s cars. But beware of unpleasant surprises. You may encounter mechanical problems and hidden defects, resulting in additional costs. So, even if the new vehicle seems more expensive at the acquisition, it is much more advantageous to the maintenance. On the other hand, a used car will have a higher maintenance cost.

Diesel or Gasoline?

This is a question you should ask yourself before buying a new car, and the answer depends on the number of kilometers you drive annually. If the latter is less than 15,000 km, it is better to opt for a gasoline vehicle because diesel is challenging to amortize. You should know that a diesel car is up to 10 to 15% more expensive to insure than a gasoline car. It is also costly in terms of maintenance and spare parts.

Define Your Needs

Choosing a car depends largely on how you will use it. If you are going to use it mainly in an urban environment, a city car is recommended. But if you’re going to use it in a rural setting, go for the sedan, station wagon, or SUV/crossover. These are all vehicles that benefit you from both solidity and comfort. Indeed, all brands offer a complete range of comfort and quality, from the small city car to the spacious crossover.

Before buying a car, think about all the options your vehicle should be equipped with to combine comfort and safety. Note that a modern car must be equipped with manual or automatic air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and cruise control. It must also have a central locking system, GPS, a reversing radar, an emergency braking aid, a light and rain sensor, and an electric sunroof.