Car Buyer's Guide

Buying a car can be a tough decision as there are a variety of factors to consider. For example, do you choose to buy a new or a used car? How energy efficient is the car you want? And how much will your Car Insurance be?
Our handy car buyer's guide can answer a range of your questions. With a little help from Lloyds TSB, you'll be able to discover more about what to consider when buying a car or how to purchase a car with CarSelect.

Buying a new car

Buying a brand new car can be exciting. You benefit from the latest technology, safety features, comfort and performance, as well as fuel efficiency. You can choose the colour and specification of the car to suit your needs, but remember this can take time as the car will be built and delivered especially for you and cars can take up to three months to arrive.

When buying a new car, remember to:

• Be careful of hidden extras, like delivery charges and number plates.
• Read your warranty carefully.
• Consider service intervals.
• Be aware of the funding options.

New cars can depreciate but if you do your homework before you buy, you can limit the rate of depreciation. Aim to keep your new car for at least three years to spread the cost of the initial depreciation.

New car scrappage scheme 

• Don’t forget to check whether you are eligible for the new car scrappage scheme.  You could receive £2,000 towards a new car or van if you trade in a 10 year old plus vehicle which you have owned for 12 months or more.

Buying a used car

Used cars are becoming increasingly popular and, with so much choice available, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start. Buying the right car for you is important as it’s often a long term investment and a big part of your life.

CarSelect and Lloyds TSB can help you buy used cars. We’ve put together a number of helpful hints to bear in mind when buying a used car, such as:

• Set a budget and don’t forget to include insurance and tax.
• Never view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night.
• Test drive the car before you buy.
• Check the car's service history.
• Ensure the vehicle suits your needs, consider the engine size, interior space and load facilities.
• Don’t be pressured into buying if you’re not completely happy.

Buying cars from a dealer

Buying a car from a reputable dealer offers you legal protection and reassurance in case anything goes wrong. Dealers are governed by legislation that ensures that their cars are roadworthy. They can also offer a warranty, as well as a part-exchange facility, finance, service and MOT.

Useful tips to remember when buying cars from a dealer include:

• A dealer with a good reputation will want to maintain it.
• Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they can recommend a reputable dealer. 
• Always check the warranty. Know what’s covered, what’s not and how much it will cost you.

Part Exchange

Dealers can also part-exchange your old car to offset the price of your new one. Before you enter the Dealer’s showroom, make sure that you have all the relevant information available, including:

Useful tips to remember when buying cars from a dealer include:

• The car's mileage.
• Age and year of registration.
• Service History.
• Number of previous owners.
• The dealership will also consider the condition of your vehicle in the valuation.

Buying cars at auction

If you’re comfortable with the inner workings of an engine and up to date with current price trends, then buying cars at auction is the right place for you. However, for an inexperienced car buyer, buying at an auction can be risky unless you know about cars or take someone that does with you.

Some tips to remember are:

• Go to an auction and watch how they work before you buy.
• Know your prices and models.
• Stick to your budget.
• Listen carefully to everything the Auctioneer says. He/she will give you vital information about the car.
• Auctions are fast paced and hectic so the less distractions the better.
• Be wary of a car that does not have warranted mileage.
• Look for cars with a service history.
• Read the terms and conditions of sale carefully as there can be extra costs involved in the purchase.

Buying cars privately or online

Websites are a great source of information and can help when comparing prices, but they can also be a hiding place for dishonest sellers. Therefore, buying cars privately or online can be risky, so make sure you follow a few simple guidelines to safeguard your purchase.

• Never buy a car without seeing it first
• Meet at the seller’s home or business premises, in daylight.
• Check the seller’s address is the same as the one on the V5C registration document.
• Run the car through a HPI Check before you buy privately.
• Have the car checked by a mechanic.
• You have no rights or recourse when you privately buy online so make sure you check the car out thoroughly before you buy.
• Never hand over money until you are completely happy and have made delivery arrangements.
• If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Ask what the mileage of the car is and beware of vehicles that have low mileage for their age.

A car buyer's guide to greener driving

In today’s environmentally aware society, more consumers are making a considered choice to buy 'green'. With a range of environmentally friendly cars on the market, you can reduce your carbon footprint by driving a hybrid or electric vehicle or by running your car on a biofuel or LPG. An environmentally friendly car may cost you more initially, but choosing a car that produces fewer toxic emissions and uses less fuel will be cheaper to run.

When buying a 'green' car consider: 
Choosing the smallest car to fit your needs. Smaller cars can be more fuel efficient.

• Road tax is based on the fuel type and the amount of CO2 your car emits.
• Some alternative-fuel cars get a discount on the London Congestion Charge. 
• Most motoring magazines have green league tables that list the most economical and eco-friendly cars.
• You can find more information about 'green' cars at www.dft.gov.uk 

Hybrid cars and electric vehicles

Hybrid cars have both an electric motor and a petrol engine. They are good for city motoring and are cleaner than petrol or diesel.

Electric vehicles are by far the cleanest ‘green’ car choice as they are fuelled by electricity alone. They are good for city driving but not suited to long distances.

Which fuel should I choose for my car?  
Most cars on the road today run on either petrol or diesel but the trend is changing with the increased availability of alternative fuels, like biofuels and LPG. Petrol and diesel are easy and convenient to find whereas alternative fuels are not as readily available yet.

Guide to biofuels and LPG 

Biofuels are made from plant material and recycled food products. The two main biofuel products available are biodiesel and bioethanol. Older car models may be converted. However, biofuel service stations are not widely available yet so it’s worth checking if there is one in your area before you decide to convert your car.

LPG is also called Autogas in the UK. LPG gives out less CO2 and toxic emissions than both diesel and petrol cars. Older model cars can be converted to run on LPG but you should only use a qualified LPG installer.

How to be fuel-efficient

Here's some handy tips for car buyers on how to be fuel efficient.

• The less fuel you use, the less you pollute.
• Manual cars generally use less fuel than automatics.
• LPG and diesel give out less CO2 than petrol cars.
• LPG and petrol cars give out less toxic emissions than diesels.
• The way you drive your car can affect the amount of fuel you use.

Car buyers should know what they want 

Avoid impulse buying and know what you want before you visit the car showroom. You need to choose the right car for you, considering your personal preferences as well as your passenger load carrying needs and the type of lifestyle you lead. It can be useful to make a checklist of what you are looking for before you start

Family Car, MPV or City Runabout? 

What you want to use your car for determines how big or small it is. Decide on the size before you start looking. Consider the following questions:

• Do you need a car that will fit the whole family?
• Do you need space for pets, like dogs?
• Are you planning to use it for long distance travel / work?
• Do you want an economical city run-about?
• Don’t forget to take into account the size of your garage and/or driveway.

Consider the car's make and model

Weigh up the pros and cons before you make a decision. Always prioritise quality over flashy gadgets. A well-made car comes with a good reputation. Be sure to:

• Buy a make and model that doesn’t cost a lot to repair.
• Buy the latest model shape if you can.

Before you buy find out how much basic repairs and servicing will cost:

• Get a Car Insurance quote   
• Find out how much a service costs.
• Price four replacement tyres.

Car parts and service

Car buyers should remember to:

• Shop around for spare parts. Specialists can be cheaper.
• Compare prices for exhausts, tyres, windscreens and batteries.
• Buy synthetic oil - it costs more but protects your engine for longer.

Car buyers should also ensure they pick the right colour. Colour is an important issue to consider when buying a car. Picking the wrong colour could make your car harder to sell. Try to avoid fashionable colours too; as time goes by and new fashion trends come in, the colour could depreciate the value of your car.

Avoid:

• Pale colours and pastels like cream and lilac.
• Bright colours like lime green and hot pink.
• Sober colours like brown.

A car buyer's guide to negotiating

Negotiating with a private seller

• Many car sellers allow for bargaining when they set the price so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
• Prepare yourself beforehand. Go in with the attitude of getting the best possible deal.
• Start low and work your way up to the price you want to pay.
• Do your homework first. Compare prices online, in trade magazines and in the classifieds.
• Take into account mileage, condition, colour, history and number of owners.
• Don’t get emotional. It’s a business deal and if you don’t get what you want, walk away.
• Be polite but assertive. Avoid hostility.
• Take your time – don’t rush.

Negotiating with a dealer

• To a dealer, negotiation is business so don’t get confused by warranties, extras, insurance, part-exchange prices and road tax: there is always room for negotiation.
• Prepare yourself beforehand. Go in with the attitude of getting the best possible deal.
• Show the dealer that you have done your homework by looking at other cars.
• Dealers are used to negotiating so don’t worry if you come in low, he/she won’t be offended.
• If you are part-exchanging, make sure you a clear on exactly how much the part-exchange is and how much the new car is.
• Be confident when you negotiate - even if you don’t feel it.

Test Driving tips for Car Buyers

When you're in the process of buying a car, always insist on driving when you take a car out. You should also:

• Check that the insurance, MOT and Road Tax are up to date.
• Try to take the car out on different types of road.
• Check you have a good all round visibility, without blind spots.
• Carry your driving license as many dealerships will ask to see this.
• Ensure you are comfortable and have adjusted the seats and mirrors to suit your driving position.
• Make sure everyone who will be using the car has the opportunity to test drive.
• Make yourself familiar with the controls before setting off.
• Drive the model you are interested in rather than alternatives that may be offered.

Where to buy cars  

There are many options available today when buying a car. You can buy from a Dealer, privately through the classifieds, online or at an auction. When choosing which options suits you, remember:

• Always be prepared; do your research.
• Know what you want.
• Know your budget.
• If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Buying cars with CarSelect

CarSelect offer a wide range of deals on new and premium used cars. Start your new car search or used car search today.

Once you've bought the car you want, you also need to consider car insurance.
 Find out more about our Car Insurance cover.