10 Things to Keep in Mind When Comparing Two Cars

When in the market to buy a new car, there are many things to keep in mind. Besides the initial cost of a vehicle, you’ve to consider the hidden fees as well. From a price range that fits your budget and needs particular add-ons that can make driving fun, you need to consider multiple things. You might’ve shortlisted a few models but are still confused about which one to go for.

But thankfully, you can compare the models to come to a decision!

Here we’ve listed the most critical factors you need to think about when comparing two cars:

Maintenance Cost

You consider the maintenance cost when buying a new smartphone, then why not cars? It is a vital area to take into account as some vehicles require regular and expensive maintenance. You can easily compare this cost by getting in touch with your local dealer who knows different cars. He’ll educate you about the newly launched models and even the old ones that fit your preferences.

Remember to look for a brand that offers free car service during the starting years of ownership. Also, stay in touch with some car bumper manufacturers to make your car look as good as new for a very long time.

Cost of Depreciation

When confused about which car to go for out of the two you’ve finalized, pay close attention to the depreciation cost. You might’ve heard that international cars depreciate less compared to domestic vehicles, but in some cases, the difference in prices can be staggering.

For instance, while one model retains 60% of its original value in three years, another model retains only about 55% value. This example shows that you’ll have to pay more depreciation in the second case for three years than the first one. So, consider looking at this angle to notice significant differences between cars.

Safety Features

Safety plays a critical role in comparing new cars. It should not be considered just for the boasting purpose, but also for a safe journey. If you ride a vehicle that does not have adequate safety features, you’re putting your life at risk every time.

Look for a model with standard safety features such as airbags, ISOfix sear for children, ABS with EBD, camera, parking sensors, etc.

Reliability Ratings

Everyone wishes that their car would last a lifetime when looking at it for the first time. But for that to happen, you need to check its reliability ratings because it’d be too heartbreaking to settle for a vehicle on which you spent loads of money, but it’s giving you a hard time every day.

If you settle for a car with a poor reliability rating just because it was a little cheaper, you’d have to spend on its maintenance for a long time. So, consider the total cost of ownership and not just the buying price.

After-Sales Service

The reputability of a company is primarily dependent on the level of after-sales service that it provides. You could have the best car, but to have a hassle-free driving experience, you must look for a brand that offers after-sales service in your location. You might not realize its importance at the initial stage, but as your car starts growing old, you will.

Aesthetic Features

Aesthetics is probably the first thing that people consider when looking for a car to buy. When comparing two cars, you must look at their exterior such as LED lamps, signal light, parking camera, and ORVM with LED. Interior features such as cruise control, automatic climate control, seat features, legroom space, AC vents, and an infotainment system that meets your needs should be considered.

Engine Type

The car engine is a crucial factor to consider as it directly affects the economy of your driving. Go for a petrol engine if you’re an occasional driver who prefers public transport. But if you usually take the car out for running errands, go for a diesel engine. However, if you live in a city and only use the car for office purposes, go for EVs.

Warranty

Most car vendors offer at least a three-year warranty per 36000-mile coverage, don’t settle for anything less. Such securities are significant as they cover anything that gets broken in your car during the warranty period. It is a great point to pay attention to, especially if you’ve recently learned driving and are not so confident.

It is important to note that the warranty doesn’t include normal wear and tear such as shattered glass, batter, and tires. So, check the kind of coverage a car comes with when deciding between two vehicles.

Loan Offers

If you don’t have loads of money sitting in your bank account, you need to consider another crucial factor: loan offers. Making the right financial decision can help you save a lot of money. So, when comparing cars, don’t forget to compare their loan offers as well. Go for a model that carries a lower interest rate and other charges.

Transmission

Today, you’ll find both automatic and manual transmission options in the car market. If you go for automatic transmission, know that it’ll add some extra cost to your car.

Final Words

We understand how intimidating it could get when buying a vehicle for the first time. Maybe that’s why it is wise to carry out a comparison between different models. You have to consider the introductory price of the vehicle and your budget, and a lot of things like depreciation amount, maintenance cost, and warranty period. Besides these, there are other points as well.

If you’re a novice to the car world, we suggest a friend for advice – go to a showroom and try your hands on the models you like. Carry out thorough online research and refer to the points mentioned above. Don’t just rely on online suggestions, but take real-life advice as well.

We wish you all the best in your journey of finding a suitable car.