New car

Seven things to consider before buying a car

line of cars shown close up from the side where you can mostly just see bonnets

Buying a car is an important decision. If you need more seats, better fuel efficiency, or just a little run around – the cost alone makes it a big life event.

There’s a lot to consider before buying a car. So, we’ve done some of the thinking for you and come up with some key things to keep in mind.

Let’s get started.

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Buying a new car for the 72-reg plate change – what you need to know

72-reg plate change
Getting to this point is more difficult that it was a few years ago (Picuture iStock/Clerkenwell)

It’s time for the 72-reg plate change. Traditionally, September has been one of the two months (along with March) when car sales peak. And the more new cars sold, the more used models are freed up for buyers to get their hands on.

But since the dark days of the pandemic, the supply of new cars has slowed dramatically. The knock-on is a shortage of used cars with the models that are available costing more. We look at how to get a good buy for the 72-reg plate change.

Go for existing stock

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Expert advice: how to make sure you don’t void your car warranty

car warranty
A warranty should give extra protection to your car but they’re easy to void (Picture: iStock/Rido Franz)

Buy a new car and by law it must come with a warranty. And increasingly, if you buy a used car, particularly if it’s manufacturer approved, it’ll also have a car warranty.

These guarantees vary in length from between seven and three years if it’s a brand-new car; between one year and three months if it’s a used car.

But they come with a strict set of terms and conditions. Drivers must abide by these if the warranty is to remain valid throughout its term. Here are five things you should steer clear of if you want to maintain your car warranty.

Keep your car maintained

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Why December is the best month for buying a car

Buying a car

Selling cars can be a thankless task in the middle of winter

It’s the end of the year and a brilliant time for buying a car. Whether you’re looking to buy new or used, it’s the period in the year when car dealers are under the most pressure to make sales. Which is great news for buyers. Here’s why, if you’re considering a car purchase, December is the best time to head down to the dealership.

Why is Christmas such a good time to buy a car?

Think about it. Buying a car is probably the last thing you want to do. You’ve got presents to buy, holiday to take, don’t forget forking out for the other half’s Christmas present, and then there’s paying to feed the 5000 on the big day itself. You’re not alone. Frequently at this time of year, the inside of a car dealership can feel like someone’s forgotten to unlock the door. If you go in willing to do business, any half-awake sales exec will snatch your hand off.
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