10 questions to ask when buying a car

Buying a car is a big deal. For most of us, it’s the biggest, most complex deal we will negotiate after purchasing a house. So you want to get it right. But how do you ensure you don't pay too much – or worse – buy the wrong car altogether?

Sadly, there's no magic bullet – you need to do your homework, have a good think and then think a bit more. But if you can answer these 10 questions before you start serious talks, you've got more than a good chance of a successful outcome.

1. Is it the right car make and model?

Sounds obvious – and you've probably got the big stuff right – but details matter, so it pays to be mindful of your driving habits, requirements and preferences, and keep running your candidates through that filter. For example, that sports-tinged variant might be superficially appealing, but would you tire of the thump and bump from its big wheels and firm suspension on the rutted roads you drive?

More inspiration: Should I buy a petrol or diesel car?

2. What are the running costs?

Sometimes a car can soak up more of your ongoing finances than you'd like or can afford. Avoiding this is as simple as getting out the notebook and calculator to take a sweep of the car makers' and insurers' websites, where you'll find all the data needed to rank your candidates' fuel economy, service and insurance costs.

3. Is the car safe?

Okay, most new cars today qualify as safe, but there are still grades of safety to consider, as well as different types of technology to understand and make a call on. Thankfully, independent organisations such as ANCAP

 can help make sense of this complex subject. ANCAP will determine how the car you’re considering ranks in testing, stacks up to the competition – in terms of offered features – and how well the car protects children.

4. Is it a reliable brand?

Your chosen model might be the best car in the world but would you like it as much if you had to go to the city – or cross it – to get it serviced? If you don't live in a densely populated urban area you need to ask this question because not every brand has the same level of dealer representation.

5. Am I paying too much?

To get a good price, you need to know what a good price is and there's no quick answer when it comes to finding that out – it requires engaging multiple dealers in the deal-making process. Only then can you sift the good offers from the bad. Check out our informative article on how to negotiate a new-car deal.

6. Do I really need those accessories?

You've sourced a basic deal and now you're being tempted by a host of dealer-fitted accessories. While you probably won't gain much shopping elsewhere for floor mats, headlight protectors and the like, the savings on big-dollar items like paint protection could be substantial in the aftermarket, so find out the going rate before finalising your decision with the dealer.

7. What is the wait time?

Once a question only necessary for the hottest motoring property but, post-COVID, even 'boring' cars can be sold out for months and even years. Which, if you really need a new car now, could be a deal-breaker.

8. How am I financing it?

Cash, loan or lease? All have pros and cons and you need to run the numbers to make the best call for your particular circumstances. Just as importantly, choose your preferred financing path and – if necessary – have it approved before you buy the car, not after.

9. Should I seek help from a car broker?

The car-buying process is overwhelming, and perhaps you simply don't have the time for all the legwork. While car brokers aren't for everyone, they exist for this and other reasons. Get a good one and you might end up paying less for your car than you'd ever manage on your own, even when you factor in the broker’s fee.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}