Buying a new car can be a lot of fun. But it can be filled with some anxiety too. It’s a big purchase and you need to make sure that you get a car that ticks all the right boxes.
You need to think about what your budget is and what you need more—a car that’s expensive and not very practical or a vehicle that’s cheaper but more practical for your family. We know… the second option isn’t as sexy or interesting, but it may be what you need right now.
Let’s take a look at how we can help you make the decision.
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The Benefits Of Buying An Expensive Car
An expensive car usually comes from a well-known manufacturer that’s established itself in the market and earned a good reputation for all the right reasons. These reasons can include:
1. More Safety Features
OK, not all expensive cars come with the top safety features. Sports cars tend to not make it too high up on the list of safe cars to own. However, more expensive luxury cars are usually packed full of the latest and best safety features. Having top-of-the-range safety features is a real win if you’re transporting your family around.
2. Better And More Modern Conveniences
Features like climate control that’s adjustable for each seat, as well as touchscreens for watching TV or playing games for the passengers, are only really found in luxury vehicles. All of these added extras can push the price tag upwards, but they also make traveling that much more comfortable for both the driver and the passengers.
3. The Latest Technology
From automated parking to lane departure assist and the latest in safe braking technology, the more high-end a manufacturer, the more likely you are to see these features. They don’t only make driving safer, they make it more enjoyable too.
4. More Options For Maintenance Plans
When you own any car, you can rest assured that it will always need maintenance. There are annual services, rotating the tires, replacing parts, and so much more that needs to be done regularly.
With a high-end luxury vehicle, you’re more likely to get a comprehensive maintenance plan when you buy it brand new. When you go for a pre-owned car, you can often buy an extended maintenance plan if you go through a reputable dealer.
5. Consistency In Manufacturing Quality
Luxury brands are known for their quality. This is how they got to the top of the list and why they can charge so much for their cars. When you buy one of these more expensive cars, you’re almost guaranteed that the vehicle is of the best possible quality. You’ll also have more recourse if you happen to get one that isn’t.
When Practicality Is More Important In A Car
Expensive cars can also be practical, but if you’re thinking more about a flashy sports car you may want to consider how it will impact your everyday life.
1. Doing The School Run For The Neighborhood
Family life often means doing a lot of running around with kids in the car. What can help to lighten the load is to team up with other families in your neighborhood and form a lift club. This is especially useful if your kids all do the same extracurricular activities after school.
However, if you have a small, impractical car, being part of a lift club is virtually impossible. You cannot lift other kids, and any lift club probably won’t include you as you can’t play a reciprocal part. In this situation, a larger car with three or four rows of seats is the best choice, as it helps you to help others and yourself!
2. Family Road Trips
If you like to go on road trips or vacations with your kids and pets, then you need to consider the practicalities of this. You need storage space for luggage and food. You also need room for everyone to sit comfortably and safely. Uncomfortable kids are a major cause of fights, and fights are distracting for the driver, so comfort is key on all counts.
3. If You Have Dogs – Especially Large Dogs
Dogs and luxury cars don’t always go well together. If you have dogs and other pets that you regularly transport in your car, you may want to consider getting a cheaper vehicle that you don’t mind getting dirty and full of fur. The size of the trunk may need to be a consideration too, especially if you have bigger dogs as they’ll need room for sitting and lying down.
4. When Money Is A Little Tight – Think Repayments And Fuel Economy
A cheaper, more practical car is usually going to be the best bet if your budget is a major consideration for you and your family. When looking at how much you can afford, it’s important to look at your income after tax.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you never spend more than 15% of your income on transport. However, that doesn’t mean 15% on car repayments. You need to also factor in the price of fuel and insurance on the vehicle. This is why looking at the fuel economy of the car you want to buy is so important.
5. If You Live In An Area That Gets Very Cold
If you have icy winters with lots of rain and snow, having the right car to transport your family safely is crucial, whether you’re doing the school run, buying groceries, or going on vacation. A larger SUV is a much better option than a luxurious sports car as it can handle bad weather better and has greater ground clearance.
If you need to purchase snow tires to cope with icy roads,you’ll also find that there are cheaper but still good-quality brands for more practical cars. In contrast, luxury cars often require specific high-end brands that cost a fortune.
Choose What Works For Your Budget And Lifestyle
There’s no right or wrong answer to the debate over a luxury car that isn’t practical versus a cheaper car that’s a lot more practical. The answer will come down to a range of factors:
● What you can afford
● Who needs to fit in the car
● Where you’re planning to drive
● Which features you want the most
Once you can comfortably answer these questions, you can start your search for the right car for your needs and for your family.
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