If you`re in the market for a new car, there are countless options available to you. Not only is there an endless list of styles to choose from, such as estates, hatchbacks, 4x4s, SUVs, sports cars and so much more, but you can buy cars that are manufactured all over the world. American, Japanese and Korean cars are all popular throughout the country, as well as Ford and Holden vehicles made right here in Australia. However, European cars are also becoming an increasingly popular option for first-time buyers.
Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and other European vehicles are becoming more commonplace on Australian roads. While these makes and models of cars are very reliable and a great choice, they do tend to be significantly more expensive than cars built in the United States or in Asia. However, the more expensive price tag reflects the quality of these vehicles that typically offer more advanced engineering, improved technology, luxurious interior, and excellent exterior finishing.
What`s more, you also have the all-important Euro badge on your bonnet! These care offer a great driving experience, they perform well and are fun to get behind the wheel of. However, as with all vehicles, you need to ensure that you take the time to look after your new ride if you want it to perform optimally and stand the test of time.
Let`s take a look at a few things that you need to keep in mind when buying a European car as a new buyer.
Maintenance Considerations
As a new car owner, however, it`s important to consider not only the prices and the specs of the vehicle that you are buying. You also need to consider your ongoing maintenance and repair needs. European car servicing is a little different from vehicles from other locations, as they tend to have higher standards when it comes to fluids and oils. Replacement parts can also be more expensive and depending on the model you are driving can be difficult to come by.
As there are fewer of these cars on Australian roads, there are naturally fewer aftersales parts available which can sometimes mean that servicing and repairs need to be arranged in advance or if you`re taking a last-minute approach, there might be more of a delay than with an American or Asian produced car.
Do Some Research
Buying a new car, especially a European car is a big investment and you need to be sure that you make the right call based on your needs and your budget. Try to be patient, take your time and do plenty of research before you commit to any purchase. Some European cars can be extremely expensive to maintain, making buying them prohibitive for many people, especially first-time buyers.
Be sure to look into the price of tyres, which in some models may need to be replaced every two years. You should also research the average cost per year of maintaining the vehicles you are looking at to ensure that you will be able to afford to maintain the vehicle properly moving forward.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is always a good idea when you are buying a second-hand vehicle. However, when you are buying a more expensive Euro car, it makes even more sense. With the higher price tag attached to these vehicles, you need to ensure that you are getting the best possible bang for your buck. Having a professional look over the vehicle before you buy will help to determine how much work, if any, will be required, for the car to be safe, roadworthy and for it to perform at its very best.
If the car gets a clean bill of health or does not need any work done, you can start thinking more seriously about finalizing the sale. However, sometimes, the inspection will reveal that while the car is fine right now, it won`t be long until major work will be needed, in which case you might want to consider buying a different vehicle instead. Understanding exactly what you are buying is crucial in ensuring that you don`t get hit with an expensive repair or maintenance bill unexpectedly in the not too distant future.
Make The Right Call And Enjoy Every Moment Behind The Wheel Of Your New Car
Buying a new vehicle is a big commitment and one that you will want to get right from the start. Many first-time buyers make the mistake of getting excited about their purchase and forget to consider the maintenance needs and ongoing costs associated with their new car moving forward. As European cars are that bit more expensive than their American and Asian counterparts, you need to be even more careful during the decision making process. Taking the time to analyze your options carefully and make the right decision will ensure that you buy a vehicle that will suit your needs, that you can afford to maintain and that will be plenty of fun to drive.