Things to consider when you pick your next vehicle

Looking for something new to drive is exciting – there are all different makes, models and sizes just to begin with! Then you have your mod cons; a heated steering wheel, cup holders, Bluetooth. There’s so many options that it can become difficult to choose what you actually want. So here’s what you should be looking for to narrow down the choice.

What are you using it for?

The most important question is why are you actually getting a new vehicle? Consider what basic things you need from your vehicle to start narrowing down options. For a lot of us, we want a car for practical reasons. Think about how many people you need to be able to fit in the car and whether you need to use car seats for kids. The type of driving you do is also important – you will need a different vehicle for off-road driving than for city driving. Also, consider how much driving you do. If you drive long distances, a good fuel economy will be important.

Have you got a budget?

Most of us will have a rough idea of how much to spend when picking a new vehicle. It’s the hidden costs, however, that you also need to factor in. That big 4x4 might sound great, but it’ll probably need more fuel to run and will cost more to tax and insure. This might be worth it if you drive on a lot of mountain roads and steep hills, but might not be so economical if you just take the children on a school run.

Are you going to rent or buy?

Both have pros and cons, so consider why you need the vehicle in the first place. A rental will mean that you can usually get a nicer vehicle for a better price, and you won’t have the hassle of the upkeep of your own vehicle. We suggest our contract hire if you are a business, which will allow you to use a van as you need it without the worry of depreciation and disposal. Buying your vehicle means you can customise your car as you like, so you may have a wider option. However, it will mean keeping up with the costs of repairs.

Electric or petrol?

This is increasingly becoming an important decision. At the minute, there are pros and cons to an electric vehicle – it’s better for the environment, but not all areas have enough charging points for it to be practical. However, the electric car industry is continuing to grow and the charging points are becoming more available, so it’s something to consider.