Your Needs

When it comes to choosing the vehicle that's right for you, nothing affects the decision-making process like emotion. You know what you need, and you probably know your financial limits, but passing by your “dream car” can be difficult.

It's simple. You need personal transport, and your vehicle has to meet your particular set of circumstances. These buying criteria will help you narrow down the choices, quantifying everything from the number of seats to the car's onroad/offroad ability and engine size. However, you have to be honest with yourself. We all want to enjoy our car, and we want to feel good driving it. But, practicality should outweigh emotion when possible. Ask yourself these questions…

What am I carrying?
Will the vehicle be a first or second car? Will it be charged with transporting you all over town, or simply to work? Will there be family and friends who'll be joining you? Will you need only two seats? Four? Maybe even eight?

Don't forget the luggage just because it doesn't have a voice. Whether bags to the airport or supplies to the beach, the loads you carry will dictate the type of car that's practical for you.

Power or economy?
This one's almost a straight trade-off: the more power you have the more fuel you'll burn and the more money the car will cost per mile.

What terrain will I conquer?
It's no secret that the majority of 4WDs are bought more for their 'command' driving position and carrying capacity. Evidence suggests less than one in 10 go offroad with any regularity. So do you need to be lugging such a big vehicle around and paying for the extra fuel, wear on tires, etc?

There are alternatives: What about a passenger car wagon or the newly referred to sport utility van (instead of vehicle)? Sometimes size has benefits, the most obvious example is for towing applications. And, of course, some people actually do go offroad in their 4WDs.

Which brand for me?
Brand loyalties run deep, and shouldn't be ignored at purchase time, but not all models under the same brand come from the same source. If you've had a good ownership experience with a brand once, chances are it'll happen the next time, but don't depend on it. The same goes for bad experiences. The company may have since changed its methods and products.

Don't let brand loyalties swindle you out of thousands of dollars.

Then, of course, there's resale values – how much a vehicle is worth when the time comes to sell.

Here are a few simple points you should consider before deciding on your next vehicle.

1. PRACTICAL: Can it do what you need it to do?
2. SUITABLE: Does it meet your transport needs?
3. AFFORDABLE: Can you afford to buy and insure it?

These points are also worth considering:

1. If it has to live on the street, is it a high theft or vandalism risk?
2. Are parts readily available and affordable?
   
3. Can you afford the repair costs? Does it require specialist servicing?
4. Can you afford a change in insurance premium, if applicable?
5. Can you live with the fuel economy?
6. Is it safe? Check out various safety websites if crash safety is important.

Article by Joe Kenwright and CarPoint.com.au