Skilled Migrant Professionals Spring 2016 | Page 28

Settlement

Which Vehicle Is
Right For You?
Six factors to consider
before buying a car
PURCHASING A VEHICLE can be an exciting, yet challenging task if you
don’t take the opportunity to evaluate and separate your wants and needs. If
you’re considering buying a car, keep reading to learn how you can avoid buyer’s remorse and ensure that you end up with the right vehicle for you.

By Dave
Kamara,
BHP
BillitonSpecialist
Hygiene

1. Know your needs

2. Do you drive a lot?

3. Where do you drive?

Before you look at style, colour or extras,
it’s important to establish what you require
out of your vehicle. First, determine how many passengers you will be transporting regularly. For example, if you drive alone most
of the time and value a comfortable driving
experience, a mid-size sedan might be your
best bet. Have a large family? Consider a
minivan. Need a tow? Look at a truck or SUV
and check their maximum towing capabilities
to ensure it fits your needs.

If you do a lot of driving and want to save
on gas, be sure to look at vehicles with smaller four-cylinder engines. Many mid-size sedans and compact crossovers offer four-cylinder options, and they deliver excellent
real-world fuel economy. Don’t forget to consider alternative engine powertrains as well,
such as diesels and hybrids.

You should also factor in the type of driving you normally do. If you do a lot of city
driving in an urban environment, a compact
car or crossover might be your vehicle of
choice, due to their smaller dimensions and
manoeuvrability. Will you be encountering
heavy traffic conditions? Larger vehicles are
cumbersome to navigate through traffic and
their extra weight requires a lot more fuel
to accelerate and stop repeatedly at slower
speeds.

4. Safety first

5. The extras

6. Know your limit

Above all, it’s important to ensure that
your vehicle has a high safety rating and is
equipped with the most safety features your
budget can permit. Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, as well as side and
curtain airbags, are critical options to have.
These features will aid accident avoidance, as
well as protect you and your passengers in
the event of a collision.

With plenty of high-tech features available
on all new vehicles these days, picking the
trim level and options can quickly see your
purchase spiral out of control. To reduce
these costs, consider what you can do without and which options you would appreciate
most on a regular basis. These can include
heated seats, a heated steering wheel, air
conditioning, power moonroof, Bluetooth
hands-free calling, and a high-quality audio
system.

For many of you, buying a vehicle is the
second-biggest purchase you will make after your home. So, it is important to evaluate your personal financial situation before
signing on the dotted line. Consider leasing
a car if possible, or purchasing a pre-owned
vehicle – make sure you have it inspected by
a mechanic before committing.

With any vehicle, new or used, it is beneficial to take your time, shop around and visit different dealerships to negotiate the best deal possible.
Keep an out for low financing rates, manufacturers rebates and promotions as well. Purchasing a vehicle can be a fun and exciting experience, but
just remember to think and rethink your needs and wants to help prevent any buyer’s remorse in the future.

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www.smpmagazine.com.au | Spring 2016