With so much variety out there, it can be tricky to decide exactly which best car is right for you. We’ve got loads of choice here at Prestige Cars Kent, too, with cars from all types of manufacturers available to drive away today.
But do you ever wonder: ‘which car should I buy?’ and how can you make the process of deciding a little easier? We’re going to go through some of the easy steps towards buying your next car in this article.
Budget
The easiest start to your car-buying journey is to set a budget. In doing so, you ensure that you’re not surprised or disappointed later on, and it’ll give you a better idea of what you’ll be able to buy right at the start. Remember, too, that it’s a good idea to bundle up those usual car-related expenses into one cost, so think of servicing, MOTs and repairs as well as the initial cost of purchasing the car in the first place.
If you’re looking for a way to spread the cost of a new car, then remember that we offer finance packages here at Prestige Cars Kent. With finance, you’re able to split the cost of the car into smaller monthly payments, and we have a variety of different options available to you depending on your situation or need.
Space
Deciding on how much space you need is also a great way to shape your car-buying journey. If you’re a busy family, then you might need a car with a large boot and easy access to the rear seats. One of the best ways to find out is to see for yourself - so get in touch to organise a test drive today and see what our cars can offer.
If you’re a dog owner, then it might be worth thinking about how your four-legged friend could get into the boot or rear seats of the car, and consider whether your usual luggage, such as shopping bags or suitcases, would be an easy fit inside any vehicle you’re looking at.
Type of driving
Focusing on the type of driving that you usually do can also help to guide you in the right direction when shopping for a new car. For instance, if you’re often driving around town, through narrow rural roads or in more urban areas, then you may want a smaller car which is easier to position and simpler to park.
In contrast, if you’re often on a motorway, then you might find that a lower, saloon-type vehicle could suit as they’re usually a little more refined and are quieter at greater speeds. Finding yourself taking larger groups or a big family to multiple clubs or groups? A seven-seater MPV could be ideal.
Fuel type
We’ve also got fuel type to consider. Many of the vehicles that we have here at Prestige Cars Kent are powered by petrol, which remains one of the most popular fuel types across both used and new markets today. Petrol engines offer a lot of plus-points; they provide decent efficiency, are traditionally easy to maintain and give good throttle response. Then there’s diesel, which, despite some negative press in recent years, continues to be a great fit for certain drivers. Diesel engines are at their most efficient when operating at a relatively high, consistent speed, which makes them ideal for those frequently on the motorway. They’re also relatively reliable and quite robust, too.
Then there are hybrid vehicles, which have grown in popularity over recent years. ‘Mild’ hybrids offer the smallest level of electrification and use a very compact battery and electric motor to take some of the strain off the petrol or diesel engine, helping to boost efficiency. However, they can’t run on electric-only power for any meaningful amount of time, though they do bring a driving experience that is very similar to a conventional combustion-engined vehicle.
‘Self-charging’ hybrids get a larger battery and electric motor, which means that they can drive on electric-only power for short distances and at slow speeds. However, they’re able to bring very good efficiency and will prove better on fuel than a standard petrol or diesel.
‘Plug-in’ hybrids, as the name suggests, can be plugged into the mains to charge up. Because of this ability, they have far larger batteries which unlock a longer electric-only range than a ‘self-charging’ hybrid. They’re great for drivers who mainly travel around town, as you can travel using battery power for much of the time without having to use the combustion engine.
We’ve then got electric, which has grown from strength to strength. Some of the electric vehicles that we have to offer here at Prestige Cars Kent can deliver well over 200 miles of range and, if you’re able to access cheap home electricity rates, could be fully charged for a fraction of the cost of a full tank of petrol or diesel. They’ve got great performance, too, and offer lower running costs when it comes to servicing and maintenance.
Here at Prestige Cars Kent, we’ve got the best car to suit all types of buyers. If you’re still unsure on ‘which car should I buy?’, then get in touch or browse our current range of vehicles to find one that fits the bill.