Tips for buying a new car… Stress-free! Visit Torque Toyota at Albion or North Lakes

March 3, 2020

Perhaps your family has outgrown your current vehicle, or maybe you’ve just earned yourself a fancy upgrade? Whatever the case, when you’re in the market for a new car it can seem like a minefield – but it doesn’t have to. With a few tips and tricks from the experts, you can be saying a stress-free konnichiwa to your new wheels in no time at all!

Here are our top tips to help make your next car buying experience a breeze.

Do your research

It pays to have a good idea of what make and model you’re after before heading out car hunting. Knowledge is power, and it’s a great way to avoid the dreaded impulse buying. There’s a plethora of information available online via sites such as Product Review, ANCAP and manufacturers’ official websites, or car magazines such as Wheels and Motor.

And if you’re in the market for a used car or you’re trading in your old vehicle, research the recent resale prices and market value for that specific model. At the end of the day, a fair price is the right price for all parties involved.

Establish Wants vs Needs

Work out in advance what is non-negotiable for you in a vehicle, and what would really just be a sweetener. For example, safety features such as anti-lock braking and rear cameras would likely take priority over leather seating or a sunroof.

The good news is that many car manufacturers these days offer a suite of added extras to their standard equipment. Toyota offers luxuries like Bluetooth connectivity and DVD Players including Apple Car Play to many of its modern vehicles.

 Safety, safety and more safety

The ANCAP ratings will give you valuable information about the safety of new cars in the event of a crash, so do your research here before setting your heart on a particular make and model. If you want a safe vehicle (and who doesn’t), don’t settle for less than a 4- or 5-star ANCAP rating.

Know your budget

We’re not just talking the purchase price here. Other important factors to consider when it comes to vehicle affordability include insurance costs, projected running and repair costs, and the value of any associated trade-ins. Do your research in advance to avoid overspending in the long-run.

 Seek fuel efficiency

Not only does a fuel-efficient vehicle help combat those rising petrol prices, it will reduce the environmental impact of your car – making it a winner in our eyes! All new light vehicles sold in Australia are required to display a Fuel Consumption Label on the front windscreen, allowing consumers to reliably compare the performance of different models.

As a general rule, anything listed as 6 litres/100km or more is considered to be pretty good fuel economy. When it hits the market in May, Toyota’s all-new Yaris hybrid will be Toyota Australia’s most fuel-efficient car offering an astounding 3.3 litres/100km.

Have your finance sorted first

You’ve got lots of options when it comes to finance, and knowing where you stand before approaching a dealership or private seller will streamline the process and help you stick to your budget. Whether it be cash, trade-in, dealer financed – it’s worth comparing all options to find the one that best suits your needs.

 Look out for alarm bells

Particularly when shopping for a used car, be wary of alarm bells a vehicle with no log book or service history, and always check the body thoroughly for any potential undisclosed damage or rust.

Torque Toyota offers the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Promise on all our certified Toyota used cars, meaning only the best vehicles are eligible having gone through an exhaustive quality inspection and certified by a Toyota technician. It’s peace of mind and at a competitive price. Plus all our used cars come with a 7-day money back guarantee and no questions asked.

Don’t forget insurance

Don’t make this easy mistake and drive off into the sunset without ensuring your new baby is covered for the unexpected. When it comes time to signing those papers, have your insurance policy ready to go.

Feel free to reach out to our friendly Torque Toyota team at Albion and North Lakes if we can ever be of assistance in your car search, or for any of your Toyota vehicle needs.

We’re always happy to help! Drop in or phone us today.