Steps to choose the right car for yourself

While buying a car is a significant achievement, it is also seen as a long-term investment where the buyer should consider the right factors. As there are plenty of options available on the market, quick online research on ‘what kind of car should I get?’ can leave your head spinning with different options. Also, if you go shopping without a clear idea of what you want, the chances of making a wrong purchase are higher. Therefore, one needs to spend some time thinking about their budget, car model, brand, new or used car, and other factors.

Here are 11 steps to choose the best car that suits you and meets your commute needs.

1. ASSESS YOUR NEEDS

For some people, cars are a reflection of their personalities and their social statuses. While for others, the right car is the one that allows them to commute smoothly without having to spend money maintaining it. The choices and requirements may vary from person to person, but it is necessary to evaluate your primary needs for purchasing a good car. Below are a few questions you can ask yourself.

• Do I have to drive on highways, surface streets, or off-road?
• Do I always have a long commute?
• Is fuel economy important to me?
• What features do I want in a car?
• Will I be driving around my family and all my friends in this car?
• Will I be using children’s car seats?
  
  

2. SET YOUR BUDGET

Once you evaluate your needs, it’s time to set your budget. If you are purchasing a vehicle by auto-financing, ideally, your car payments should not go beyond 15% of your monthly income. It is essential to count mortgages, rent, food, tuition and other monthly expenses while buying a car on loan.
Besides, check how you can manage recurring expenses such as Monthly car payments, insurance, fuel, parking and tolls, maintenance and repairs. If possible, reduce your additional expenses to manage your car payments for a few months.
Read More: What Does Car Servicing Include?

3. NEW OR USED CAR

If you are tight on budget and can’t afford a new car, go for a used car. It is a budget-friendly option in the UAE for many car enthusiasts nowadays, as used vehicles offer the best value and have lower depreciation rates than new ones.
If you want to buy a luxury car within your budget, you can get a used car from your favorite brand in the UAE at affordable prices. Make sure you gather all the important documents and check the car’s condition before making a deal.
Read More: Inspection checklist for buying a used car in the UAE

4. IF YOU WANT TO BUY OR LEASE

Leasing or buying both options have advantages and disadvantages. When you lease a car, you pay little or no initial payment. Also, leasing offers lower monthly payments, and most of the repairs will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

On the other hand, if you buy a new car, you have to deal with the higher initial cost, but it is always the best option when considering a long-term investment. Once you clear the loan, you will own a vehicle that you can drive for a long time.

5. CONSIDER OTHER CARS IN THE CLASS

UAE’s huge automotive market always welcomes new technology, trends and innovations that the brands constantly introduce. However, it makes it difficult for car enthusiasts to choose between various car models. So, if you are looking at a particular car, consider a few other models from the same class.
Check their online ratings and reviews before deciding on a class. It will leave you with more options when it is time to purchase.

6. WHICH FEATURES DO I NEED IN A CAR?

You may think of the features you need in your car. Depending on your needs, you can choose from the following features:

• Better fuel efficiency
• Robust car engine
• Drivetrain
• Comfort features
• Technology features
• Driver assistance technology
• Towing capability
  

7. WHAT FEATURES DO I WANT IN A CAR?

Apart from the primary features, you can consider a few add-ons and upgrades. Here is a list:

• Sun or moonroof
• On-board Wi-Fi
• Zoned climate control systems
• Heated seats and steering wheel
• Infotainment systems
• Safety upgrades
• Telematics

8. WEIGH THE COSTS OF OWNERSHIP

One should estimate the long-term ownership costs of the vehicle before purchasing a car, which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. Sometimes vehicles that are cheaper to buy are more expensive to own. Cars with the same price may differ in the depreciation rate, costing more to maintain and insure. However, weighing the ownership costs can help you make a smart decision and save you money over time.

9. FIND CARS FOR SALE

The sure way to choose the best car is to approach dealerships to see inventory and determine if the vehicles have the options you want. This way, you can cover more ground and save money while buying a car. If you don’t get what you want in your area, you can select a greater distance to explore and filter your search to find the vehicle with different options and specific colors.

10. SET UP A TEST DRIVE

Now that you have selected a vehicle that seems the best fit for you, it is time to call a dealership department and schedule a one-day test drive. Test driving a used car in the UAE reveals many things about the vehicle, such as its mileage, fuel efficiency, comfort, condition, and accident history. During the test, ensure to start and drive the vehicle beforehand, and check tech, tires and underneath the car.

11. PICK YOUR CAR

The picture is pretty clear after test-driving your chosen car, but if it’s not, you might need to rethink and drive more cars. It is good to take time instead of making hasty decisions and regretting them later. However, there is not much scope to think twice as modern cars ensure high mileage, increased fuel efficiency and advanced technology, which make any vehicle a great choice.
The above steps can help you to pick the best car model that suits your needs. If you want to look at some options in the used car category, check out our website. Let us know how you find the above tips in the comments.

FAQs

Q. What are the different types of cars in the UAE?
Some popular types of cars are sedans, coupes, crossovers, hatchbacks, convertibles, sports cars, SUVs, vans, minivans, diesel, hybrid/electric and luxury cars. You can choose a vehicle depending on your budget and seating capacity.

Q. What should I do with my old car?
If you are buying a new car and don’t need your existing one, there are a few ways to sell it. You can approach a private dealer, list the car online, advertise the sale, or find a serious buyer and complete a title transfer and a bill of sale. If you want to sell via CARS24, check this out.

Q. What is the most popular and reliable car brand in the UAE?
Some reliable car brands in the UAE are Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Jeep, Audi, and Honda. They come in cheap and readily available parts and offer advanced and innovative technology.