How to choose a car based on the budget and tasks: manual with examples
Tips Purchases / / December 19, 2019
Recipe correct choice is simple: use only common sense. The more terms you added to the formula you choose, the more accurate it will be.
On what parameters should look first:
- the size and shape of the body;
- engine power;
- equipment and options;
- a new car or mileage;
- price.
But all this you will compare later. The main thing now - to understand why you need a car.
Formulate the problem: what, with whom, where, when
To make the right choice from a variety of options, ask yourself what you intend to transport, where, with whom and when to go. The correct answers to these questions will prompt, what kind of car you need.
Body
If you plan to use the car to travel to work alone or with one or two-passenger compact sedan will be a very good choice. The smaller the car, the easier it is to find him a place to park and maneuver in the crush.
Regular trips to the cottage on weekends - that is a different case. Children, relatives, things seedlings grown in spring and harvest in the autumn - that's what you have to carry. A large rear door hatchback or wagon load and allows to carry even a small fridge if necessary.
Of course, cars with these bodies are more expensive than the sedan, but these costs are justified.
Engine power
Contrary to popular belief, the engine power by itself has little effect on fuel consumption. Suffice it to compare its value on vehicles that differ only in the engine - it will be almost the same.
The city, with its dense and slow motion motor power does not matter. Another thing - an empty suburban and high-speed highway. Here additional horsepower can still be useful for fast and dynamic driving.
As for fuel consumption, it is more dependent on the vehicle mass, its technical condition, load and driving style.
Options and Options
Comfort and "excesses" are always worth the extra money. Weigh their financial capabilities and consider whether it would be too much for you to pay electric windows, heated mirrors, air conditioning and the other is not always necessary device. Compare the cost of the car in minimal configuration and desired. Perhaps, it is wiser not to overpay and turn the handle window lifter yourself?
The choice of transmission is subordinate to the same arguments. Automatic is definitely more convenient. Especially in urban traffic. If you have more amount of money to buy a car with the box - perfect. If money is lacking - a car with a manual drive will not worse.
New or Pre-Owned
Two-three-year car with low mileage stands at 20-25% less than the exact same new. Another advantage of this option is that all possible factory defects have appeared and eliminated by the first owner. You get run-and-tested in the machine.
If you want to take possession of a brand new thing, and to fully enjoy her wonderful smell, for this pleasure will have to pay.
Another argument in favor of a new car - buying a car for a long time. If you plan to travel by car as long as possible, a new car this purpose corresponds to more than second-hand.
Evaluate the cost of owning and operating
Buy a car - only half the battle. Its operation and even simple possession of it require systematic expenses.
The costs depend on the run
These costs are the greater, the more often and longer you go by car. This includes the cost of gasoline and lubricants, regular maintenance and replacement of parts subject to wear: brake pads and discs, tires, wipers and so on.
regular cost
This includes road tax, CTP and the cost of passing inspection. These payments are made annually. Their value depends on the power of the engine (tax), place of registration of the car owner (CTP) and certain other circumstances. Their size is almost impossible to influence.
Choosing a car with the minimum engine power will give you only a small reduction in the amount of tax.
Taxes and other obligatory payments in the total car expenses constitute a very small part. Be aware of them, but do not give them too much importance.
Repairs
The modern car - a very reliable and durable product. But, like any technology, may from time to time require repair.
The more expensive, more complicated and more prestigious cars, the more will have to pay for the repairs.
Additional features save gives ownership of the domestic car. If you have the necessary tools and skills, it is really a lot of maintenance operation to take over. In addition, domestic cars easily repaired "in the garage with his uncle Vasya". While very specific foreign equipment is repaired only by authorized and very not cheap service centers.
Talking about the repair, do not forget about one more difference between domestic brands and foreign-made cars: parts for VAZ and GAZ, as a rule, in the stores out of stock, and parts for foreign cars need to order and wait a few days. Because of this, car repair may be delayed.
Choose your perfect car
Now, when you ask yourself a number of questions about your automotive needs and gave them the most honest and specific answers, gather them in one picture and draw the image of your perfect car.
It is important to stay within the boundaries of common sense and do not require the impossible machine. All situations in life you will not be able to provide.
EXAMPLE 1
You need a car to travel to the country and one or two times a year on vacation with his family of four. The car should be enough space for things. Since you intend to go to the sea in the summer, a prerequisite comfortable trip will be air-conditioned. The remaining options are not fundamental. The optimal solution to your problem - a spacious air-conditioned touring one of the mass brands.
EXAMPLE 2
If you need a vehicle for systematic visits to the city alone, looking for a compact machine with electric power steering: an indispensable unit for maneuvering in crowded urban and light parking.
When you know what should be a machine, you know the budget of this purchase, choose the appropriate model is not difficult.
helpful hints
- On all sides you will hear tips, advice and evaluation. Consider only those that are supported by facts.
- Absolute deficiencies are rare. Much more often any feature or characteristic of the vehicle in the same situation is an advantage, but in the other - a disadvantage. For example, a small car - a cramped interior and at the same time low fuel consumption. What is more important to you?
- Do not be afraid to make a mistake. The car - it's not forever. Your next choice will be the wiser.
see also
- How to save on gasoline and car maintenance →
- 6 ways to calculate an announcement from auto middleman →
- How to sell a car: a comprehensive guide →