When the time comes to buying a new car, we all want to know the latest tips and tricks. But what if some of those tips are out of date, or even worse, completely wrong?
To help you save both time and money, here are some outdated car buying tips that are best left in the past.
1. Warranties Are a Scam
If you’re sceptical about warranties, it’s worth taking a closer look before dismissing them altogether.
One of the most useful car-buying tips is to understand exactly what a warranty does and doesn’t cover. A good warranty can help protect you from unexpected repair costs and provide additional peace of mind after purchase.
If you’re buying from a dealer, make sure you ask plenty of questions about any warranty included with the vehicle. Understanding the terms and exclusions can help you make a more informed decision.
For information and guidance on warranties and maintenance, check out our maintenance guidance hub.
2. The Best Deals Are Always Online
The internet has undoubtedly made it easier to compare vehicles and prices, but it’s only one part of the buying process.
Factors such as finance options, part-exchange values, optional extras, and aftersales support can all influence the overall deal you’re getting. In some cases, speaking directly with a dealer may help you negotiate a better package than what’s initially advertised online.
Using both online research and in-person discussions often provides the best results.
3. Don’t Negotiate in Person
Many buyers assume that negotiation is best avoided, especially when dealing with experienced sales staff.
In reality, being prepared and confident can help you secure a better deal. If you’ve researched market values and understand what you’re looking for, you’ll be in a stronger position to discuss pricing and extras.
Remember, if a deal doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always walk away and continue your search elsewhere.
4. Don’t Trust the Dealer’s Inspection Process
While no inspection process is perfect, reputable dealers typically carry out thorough vehicle checks before offering a car for sale.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t perform your own checks or ask questions about the vehicle’s history and condition. However, assuming every inspection is unreliable is outdated advice.
The best approach is to review the information provided, inspect the vehicle yourself, and make an informed judgement.
5. Stay Away From Red Cars
For years, many motorists believed red cars were more expensive to insure simply because of their colour.
In reality, insurance premiums are generally calculated using factors such as the vehicle model, engine size, value, repair costs, location, and driver profile rather than paint colour alone.
This long-standing myth has led some buyers to overlook perfectly good vehicles. Keeping an open mind when choosing colour could help you find a better deal.
For more information on colours, you can find out what are the most popular car colours in the UK here.
Further Reading
If you’re researching your next vehicle purchase, you may also find these guides useful:
Thinking About Replacing Your Current Car?
Before purchasing your next vehicle, it can be helpful to understand what your current car is worth.
Get a free online valuation today with our online valuation tool.
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