Sooner or later there will be a need to choose a car. In this case, you should start from the goals for which the machine is intended. If it is purchased for family trips and for a long period, then it is better to pay attention to the models presented in car dealerships.
However, in most cases, the choice falls on the used car. Both new and old cars have their pros and cons. Thus, the urgent question is how to choose a machine so that there are no problems with its operation and maintenance in the future.
Features of the secondary market
The main and most important advantage of the models presented in the automotive markets is the low price. However, it is important to remember that this indicator does not play a key role. For example, you can buy an old foreign car at an attractive price. However, subsequently, the costs of its maintenance and repair will block the cost and maintenance of the car from the passenger compartment.
When answering the question of how to choose the right car, it is important to build on the goals of its further operation. Cars from the secondary market are purchased with the expectation that the period of their use will be short. This does not mean that the machine will break down, and it will need to be disposed of. The fact is: by selling such a car, for example, within a year of its acquisition, you will not lose much in the price difference.
People who are wondering how to choose a used car need to be prepared for the fact that during its operation defects that are not found during the initial inspection will surface.
Price range
The opinion is considered traditional that a person who decides to buy a car can afford a model whose price does not exceed his annual income. For example, with a monthly salary of $ 1,500, it is best to opt for a car in the price range up to $ 20,000.
When answering the question of how to choose a used car, it should be borne in mind that the cost of its operation is added to the total cost of the selected model. This is where the difficulties lie in buying a car in the secondary market. The initial price can be very attractive. Adding to it the costs of repairs, fuel consumption and maintenance (every 10,000 km), you will see how the overall price tag equals the salon.
On average, buying a car in the range of $ 15,000 to $ 20,000 causes a decrease in the family budget by about $ 2500 per year. This amount includes insurance, fuel consumption, repairs, maintenance. When answering the question of how to choose a good car in the secondary market, it should be borne in mind that over the year of operation, the total cost of the vehicle will fall by about 25% (with a quiet ride and no serious accidents). Thus, a car should be purchased on the basis of available budgetary funds when calculating the costs of maintenance and running repair of chassis.
Features of the choice of body
The cost of the car to a large extent depends on the type of body. This means that the larger and more spacious the car, the more expensive it will cost. Thus, when answering the question of how to choose a used car, it is important to build on the goals of its operation. If you need it for everyday trips around the city (to work and home), then it is better to purchase a small car. Its main advantages can be considered as follows: low gas consumption, low cost of spare parts and maintenance, simplified parking in urban areas due to modest sizes.
If the family is large, and frequent trips to the country house or village are added to city trips, it makes sense to think about a roomy minivan or station wagon. Such cars can comfortably accommodate a family of four to six people. There is also the opportunity to transport medium-heavy loads.
The question of how to choose a used car is relevant for SUV lovers. Recently, a huge variety of roomy cars has appeared. However, it should be borne in mind that such models are suitable for those who do not often go on asphalt roads. The main advantages of SUVs include their versatility on the roads. As for the minuses, there are more of them: high fuel consumption, low comfort, high cost in the secondary market, achieved through a powerful engine.
Does it make sense to buy a premium car?
Recently, for Russian motorists, the brand of car has been of particular importance. In some cases, it reaches the point of absurdity: buyers do not even consider options for buying cars, for example, Korean-made (KIA, Hyndai). Although in most cases it is these machines that have optimal characteristics with excellent value for money.
When answering the question of which brand of car to choose, we will give special preference to Japanese models. They combine high quality consumables with costly maintenance and optimum safety. These characteristics do not scare future buyers who care about prestige and do not think about the possible costs associated with repairing (for example, after an accident) and annual maintenance.
The main argument in favor of expensive brands is the ability to sell cars at their original cost in the future. This is somewhat true, as reliable vehicles do not really fall in price, even in the secondary market. However, in each particular case, one should proceed from the features of the driving style of the former driver and the timely replacement of the necessary parts of the car.
When answering the question of how to choose a used car without serious expenses, one should take into account the fact that the brand does not play the most important role. This should be taken care of by those who want to combine the high performance and power of the car with exquisite finishes and unique designs. In almost all cases, these people have sufficient means to maintain and maintain the machine in working condition.
Choosing the optimal powertrain
In addition to the body and car brand, the price category is directly affected by engine power. Thus, the answer to the question of how to choose the right car lies in the combination of the optimal size of the vehicle with its power plant. Many people think that one should choose according to the principle "the more the better." In almost all cases, this is not true. Now even small-sized urban-type cars are equipped with powerful engines. This not only does not justify their purpose as a budget car, but also creates additional problems with maintenance (frequent breakdowns and engine overheating).
The first thing you should pay attention to is the type of fuel system. The latter can be either gasoline or diesel. The second option is suitable for those who travel at least 50,000 kilometers in a year. Only in this case, fuel costs will be less than when using gasoline units.
The second indicator is power. For everyday city trips, a motor with a power of 75-120 horsepower is suitable. This will be quite enough for comfortable movement on a free highway. As for more powerful models, it should be noted that such cars are acquired in pursuit of style. Simply put, additional power will not manifest itself in urban conditions (in contrast to the highway).
Considering the question of which car is better to choose, it is important to choose the optimal power indicator of the power unit. This can be done by deciding in advance on the objectives of the operation of the purchased car.
Features of choosing a vehicle in the cabin
In addition to the secondary car market, there is also a dealership market. If the choice fell on the salon, then you should be prepared for the fact that prices will be an order of magnitude higher than when buying a used vehicle. How to choose a car? Keep in mind that the final cost and annual maintenance of the selected model depends on the purposes for which the car will be used. The main advantages of acquiring a car at a car dealership:
- Body integrity. It makes no sense to worry about whether the car was in an accident, because he just got off the assembly line.
- Additional protection for paintwork. It should be noted that a big plus of acquiring a car at a car dealership is an untouched coat of body paint. At the factory, the body is subjected to additional processing, which eliminates the formation of rust after an accident.
- Full service package. The high cost of buying a car also includes work on its annual service at the dealership. Simply put, the manufacturer is responsible for breakdowns during the warranty period.
- Exquisite interior design. You can choose any configuration of the car. Pleasantly pleased with the presence of an electric package, ABS, navigation system, directional stability.
When answering the question of how to choose a car at a car dealership, it should be borne in mind that in most cases the final cost includes insurance, registration of the car in the traffic police and maintenance. Therefore, this option should be considered for those who plan to buy a car for a long period and for family or city trips.
Buying a car for transporting goods
If the main purpose of buying a car is the transportation of goods, some nuances should be taken into account when choosing the right model. First of all, it is recommended to contact one of the transport companies specializing in freight transportation. Perhaps you are lucky, and the staff will give valuable recommendations on the acquisition of a suitable "iron horse". How to choose a car for work? It is important to consider a few more indicators:
- Year of release of the truck. As a rule, the older the car, the more problems will arise with mechanical components.
- Compactness. At the moment, there are many varieties of trucks of both foreign and domestic production on the markets. When choosing the right option, it should be borne in mind that the cost of servicing a foreign truck will be several times higher than the domestic one.
The second stage is the search for a suitable model. If the purchase takes place in Russia, then the best options are GAZelle or ZIL. Both cars are characterized by increased wear resistance, so they are best suited for Russian roads. The key difference between the two is payload. For GAZelles, the maximum figure is 1.5 tons, for ZILs - up to 5 tons.
You still don’t know which car to choose? It should be noted that the presence of satellite alarms can greatly simplify your life if a car with cargo is stolen. This option is not cheap (more than 15 000 p.), But when you install it, you can not worry about the loss of goods.
The dangers of buying a used car
In some cases, it becomes necessary to purchase an inexpensive used car for current needs, which can be sold after some time. In this case, the question arises of how to choose a used car at an affordable price and without serious flaws. For a successful purchase, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- The period during which the car was with the previous owner. If there are significant shortcomings in the body or chassis of the car that require serious financial investment, the owner tries to get rid of the car as quickly as possible.
- Type of data sheet. The presence of notes and glued-in records about the state of the car serves as a signal that the car has passed maintenance more than once, and its characteristics are far from optimal.
- Auto sale form. As a rule, they try to sell broken or defective vehicles by proxy. This means that you will not become the owner of the car, and at one point, the former owner will come and pick up the car, forgetting that you paid someone money.
Considering the question of how to choose a car from the secondary market with impressive mileage, it should be noted that any doubt about the technical characteristics of a car gives you a good opportunity to bargain.
Choosing a car for beautiful ladies
Given the fact that there is no concept of a “female car,” it’s rather difficult to choose an option that meets the requirements and capabilities of the weaker sex. The first thing you need to pay attention to is size. Given the fact that the car will be often used in urban conditions, small dimensions will play into the hands when parking in a dense car lane. In this case, the best option is a Daewoo Matiz or a Ford Focus in a hatchback.
The second characteristic is reliability. Not every woman understands the technical nuances of a car. Therefore, the number of breakdowns should be minimal. Peugeot-407 (hatchback) is suitable for these characteristics.
When answering the question of how to choose a car for a woman, it is important to consider that the gearbox model also plays an important role. It is better that it be automatic. In this case, there will be no problems with buying a gearbox and updating the transmission. However, this option will cost more than a traditional manual transmission machine.
An important value is given to color. In some cases, cars are not chosen according to technical features, but based on the color scheme. The best option depends on the preferences of the woman. The most common colors are blue, silver, red, pink, white.
What color machine to choose? You need to know the preferences of the girl. This is necessary so that a car with excellent equipment and a security system does not go back to the car dealership, as it is not the right color.
Conclusion
It should be noted that buying a car is a responsible occupation. With a large selection of models both in car dealerships and in secondary markets, it is difficult to purchase the model that is optimal for you. The question of how to choose a car for a beginner is relevant for those who have recently completed training in a driving school and want to try their hand at a large highway. In this case, it makes sense to buy an inexpensive model of domestic production for training purposes.
In all other situations, it is necessary to pay attention to the totality of such indicators: year of manufacture, body condition, fuel consumption, power plant capacity, the presence of additional devices (rear view cameras to facilitate parking, satellite alarms).
People who are wondering which car to choose and at the same time not to make a mistake with the model will find it useful to ask familiar auto mechanics and locksmiths the nuances of servicing a particular vehicle. This information will help you choose a car in the optimal price category and with moderate wear of running gears that will not require additional financial investments. This is especially true for cars from the secondary market, as well as for models with mileage in the range from 30 to 80 thousand kilometers.
