Oct 20, 2023 | Buying advice |
If you are considering buying a car, it can be difficult to keep track and weigh up all the options. While some may find choosing a car an unpleasant prospect, others find it a treat (including us!). But it can be easy to get carried away and it is important to keep both feet on the ground while looking. As tempting as it may be to opt for the model that catches the eye with a great colour, attractive looks or a thick A-brand, it can be worth it in the long run if you take a step-by-step approach to buying.
We have put together this guide to help you decide which car to buy. In the end, you alone know your lifestyle, taste and budget. This guide will help you figure out what you need a car for and put together a checklist for the best option.
What to look out for when buying your next car
- What is your budget? How much do you want to spend - both on purchases and fixed costs
- What you will use the car for
- How much space you need
- Which features you need or want
- Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
New or second-hand?
Deciding to buy a new or used car is the first step towards buying your next car. Your budget is likely to play a big part in the decision and this will also largely determine whether a new car is possible at all. If you buy a new one, you will benefit from the peace of mind of a long manufacturer's warranty (may vary by brand). You can also customise the car exactly to your taste and needs, but a new car can have a long delivery time, and remember that you will almost always lose more money in the long run than if you were to buy a used car. This is because of the rapid depreciation on cars, although this can vary greatly by make and model.
Used cars, meanwhile, have their own advantages. A used car will almost always be cheaper than a new one and the first owner will probably have taken the first hit of depreciation, so you won't have to. A good place to start your search is through CarProf, for example, where you can find various view occasions.
How do you use your car?
Think about how you use the car, if you mainly drive around town, fuel consumption may be a secondary concern (few cars are most efficient in stop-start traffic), but you may want a small car to make parking easier. Four-wheel drive, on the other hand, is usually not necessary unless you plan to tow regularly or frequent the countryside.
And of course the question, how much space do you need? Do you need seven seats, or will a cheaper model with five seats suffice? Is there room for your family or friends in the back of the car, and is the boot big enough for the stuff you often take with you? Would a higher ride height make getting in and out of the car easier? If you have bikes or canoes, are roof rails useful? Or a tow bar for a cart or bike carrier? By asking yourself questions like these, you'll narrow down your search criteria and make the search a lot easier.
Which body shape?
If you bought a car twenty or thirty years ago, this choice was quite simple; if you didn't cover that many miles, you bought a hatchback, a station wagon was for those who regularly had to carry large loads or had a large family. While everyone else drove a sedan. It's not that simple these days.
Nowadays, SUVs are a lot more popular, thanks to their higher entry and larger interior space. More modern models drive reasonably well and do not consume much more fuel than a conventional car. You may also have heard of the term 'crossover' - this was originally a term referring to a car that combines the features of two body styles, but is now mainly used to refer to cars based on traditional small hatchbacks with increased entry and handling with features of SUVs.
The following body styles are available:
- City cars (e.g. Fiat 500)
- Superminis (e.g. Ford Fiesta)
- Small SUVs (e.g. Nissan Juke)
- Family hatchbacks (e.g. Ford Focus)
- Family SUVs (e.g. Nissan Qashqai)
- Large family cars (e.g. Ford Mondeo)
- Estate cars (e.g. Skoda Octavia Estate)
- Large SUVs (e.g. Kia Sorento)
- MPVs (e.g. Ford Galaxy)
- Executive (high-end) cars (e.g. BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-class)
- Coupés (e.g. Audi TT)
- Cabriolets (e.g. Mazda MX-5)
When deciding which car to buy, keep in mind roughly what body shape you want, but be prepared to expand the search. For example, if you are looking for a traditional hatchback like the Volkswagen Golf, would the extra space available in a similarly priced Skoda Karoq SUV be useful, or will all that extra space just go to waste? With brands, a similar story applies: be prepared to consider manufacturers you once considered too luxurious, as well as brands that may have previously been dismissed because they seemed too 'budget'. So be open to looking around.
Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
The next thing to consider is the fuel for your car. While some cars are only available with a petrol engine, such as the Skoda Fabia, most manufacturers offer both petrol and diesel engines. Mild-hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models are becoming more common and can be an excellent choice, especially if you do a lot of city driving.
As a rule of thumb, if you travel less than 19,000 kilometres a year, a diesel engine may not be suitable. Diesel cars cost more to buy than their petrol counterparts, and you will have to drive quite a few kilometres to make up for the difference in fuel savings. Although with today's fuel prices, this is sometimes not entirely true anymore. So do the math to determine the difference between a petrol and diesel car, include road tax and insurance in this. Conversely, most hybrid petrol and plug-in hybrid models offer lower running costs than a petrol/diesel car, but are more expensive to buy. Nevertheless, EVs and hybrid cars are becoming increasingly available on the used market and are becoming more affordable.
If you mainly do short trips, a diesel is probably not the right choice. This is because diesel engines need to run at speed regularly to burn the soot that accumulates in the diesel particulate filter (DPF). If you don't give a diesel engine a chance to do this from time to time, you could end up with a clogged particulate filter and a high repair bill. If you want lower consumption and emissions, a diesel with mild-hybrid support may be a good choice.
If you plan to use the car for shorter trips, then one of the best plug-in hybrid models could be a viable choice. Think about charging that though, do you have the space at home to install a charging point or does it have to be along public roads? A large number of PHEV models, such as the BMW 330e and Mercedes A 250 e, can drive around 50 kilometres electrically depending on how you drive it, a range that can often be sufficient for short commutes.
Electric cars offer the lowest fixed costs (there is no road tax to pay for now and charging at home costs much less than a full tank of fuel), so you can offset the higher purchase price of an electric car with much lower fixed costs than you are probably used to. There is now a wide range of electric cars on the market, many of which cover more than 320 kilometres between charges - far more than most people ever drive at one time. With government subsidies, you can also save on the purchase cost of many electric cars.
What is really important to you?
Once you have a rough idea of the size and shape of the car you are looking for, think carefully about what you will use it for. If you have small children, a crossover SUV is a good choice, as the raised ride height makes it much easier to get children and their seats into the car. If you like to do odd jobs, carrying capacity may be important, as well as easily foldable benches. If you want your car to have certain features, such as a navigation system, phone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors or leather seats, try to choose an equipment level that includes them all together, as this is usually more economical than adding the individual options separately.
How to finance?
Because the vast majority of new cars are bought using some form of financing, and because dealers are encouraged to sell cars through this method, cash is not necessarily king, and you are just as likely to get a discount by buying a car on financing. If you decide to lease or take out a loan, keep an eye on both the total price and monthly repayments; an optional extra may not seem that expensive on a monthly basis, but it is easy to lose sight of the true cost of options. You may not get your money back when it's time to sell or trade in the car, so delve into the terms and conditions carefully before entering into a deal!
What are the fixed costs?
It is tempting to go to extremes when setting a budget for a new car, and monthly repayments can be temptingly low. Even for more expensive models. However, keep in mind that fixed costs are easily pushed aside at the purchase stage, and excessive fuel consumption or insurance premiums can cause your car to become headline-grabbing. Look carefully at what the road tax is for your car, this can vary greatly. Also look into any subsidies if you decide to buy an electric car.
Fuel consumption must of course be taken into account. While manufacturers' official figures were previously hard to match in the real world, the introduction of the new 'WLTP' economy and emissions testing in 2017 means they are now more accurate. You should still take said figures with a grain of salt, as how and where you drive will obviously affect fuel consumption. Keep an eye on the on-board computer during each test drive for a more realistic fuel economy figure, and ask the dealer how to access this information if you are unsure.
And remember to request a number of insurance quotes for each car you are considering buying, as some models can be significantly more expensive to insure than others.
Take a test drive
If you know roughly which car you want, try testing several cars that are similar. This is worth doing; while it may mean waiting for the dealer to deliver the right car, different engine and gearbox combinations can completely change the way a car drives, as can options like sports suspension and large alloy wheels. If you are looking for tech features in the car, such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, check how well they work, as some systems are much better than others. Menu and digital screen controls are also very different by brand, test this too and find out what works best for you. Fortunately, most cars come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your phone's navigation and media apps on the screen instead of the car system.
If you are buying a car for the whole family, take your partner and children along to see how they like the car. They may notice problems you hadn't thought of, such as poor interior storage space or an uncomfortable back seat. It is also a good idea to bring along large items - such as children's buggies or golf clubs - that you take with you regularly, to see how well they fit in the boot.
Make sure you drive along different roads during the test drive, from four-lane roads to winding back roads. This will help you get a better idea of how the car drives. Some dealers allow you to borrow a car over the weekend, and this can be useful, but make sure you don't get too attached to it, as an objective approach is crucial.
The main focus of any test drive is obviously the car itself - so don't let the salesperson distract you too much with small talk - although it pays to be polite if you want to get a good deal! Speaking of which...
Negotiate now!
Once you have decided which car you want to buy, it is time to agree on a price. Some dealers are more open to haggling than others, but any salesperson will definitely look around at competitors and know if the price is right. Don't be afraid to share this information with the seller; after all, they want your money. If the car you are looking for is a particularly new or in-demand model, discounts are probably not realistic. However, you should be able to get a set of car mats and a full tank of fuel.
Unless you are buying an older used car, you should also expect some form of warranty. There is of course a legal warranty but many garages also offer an additional warranty, ask about this! Used cars that are between one and three years old can offer significant savings and sometimes have factory warranty as well.
If you are trading in an old car, do your research and find out how to value your used car before you start looking around for a new car, so you can be sure that the dealer will give you a fair price. So ask for the trade-in price from multiple vendors so you can get a good idea of the value.
Deciding which car to buy is a complicated process but definitely try to take your time in your search. Try different cars and get well informed. Have a good search!
Oct 19, 2023 | Electronics |
Cold weather? Give your car a fresh start! Now that autumn is in full swing, you may notice that the mornings are getting colder and your car sometimes struggles to start. This could well be due to an aging or weak battery. Winter is the time when an old battery usually fails. Why? Because cold temperatures slow down the chemical processes in the battery, leading to reduced performance. If your battery has been around for a few years, that cold morning start could be just too much.
So before you find yourself on a freezing cold morning with a car that won't start, you can get a new buy battery consider. Autumn is actually the perfect time to replace your battery. You will prepare your car for the cold months and significantly reduce the chances of starting problems.
Choosing the right battery for your car
Choosing a new battery involves more than you might think. It is not just a matter of taking out the old one and putting in a new one. You want a battery that fits your type of car and driving style perfectly.
First of all, you need to look at the power your car needs. This is usually expressed in Ah (amp-hours). For example, a heavier car with lots of electronics needs a more powerful battery than a small city car. In addition, the starting current, expressed in A (Amps), is important. This determines how much power the battery can deliver to start the engine.
But it doesn't stop there. Also consider your driving style. Do you make mostly short trips? Then a battery with a higher capacity might be better. This is because the battery will have less chance to fully charge while driving.
Where do you buy such a top battery?
You've decided it's time for a new battery. But where do you start your search? Of course, you can go to your local garage, but there are also many online options these days. One of the most reliable and well-known sites for buying car parts is Winparts.co.uk. Here you will find a wide range of batteries of different brands and for almost every car model.
The advantage of shopping online at Winparts.co.uk is that you can easily search by registration number or car model. This ensures you choose the right battery for your car. Moreover, you get extensive product information and can read reviews from other customers. This way, you can make an informed choice.
Another tip: don't wait too long to order. Once you have decided that you need a new battery, it is wise not to wait until freezing weather. It would be a shame if you got stuck on a cold morning because your battery failed, wouldn't it?
In conclusion
Autumn is a transition period that prepares your car for the challenges of winter. A good, reliable battery can make the difference between a smooth start or a cold, frustrating morning. Do yourself a favour and check the condition of your battery. And if it's time for replacement, now you know where to start. Take good care of your car, and your car will take good care of you!
Oct 4, 2023 | Buying advice |
Whether your car is too small, you just want a nice new body, your car has been totaled or can no longer be started: there are plenty of reasons to trade in your old car and look for a new one. Here you can read about what to look out for before and after you buy...
New car: find the right model
When a new car is on your shopping list, many questions arise. How much do you want to spend? How do you usually use the car? If you mainly drive in urban areas, a small city car might be smart. If you share the vehicle with several people or often carry a lot of luggage, opt for an estate, SUV or crossover. If you have children, a spacious vehicle is ideal as a family car.
Also, the question, do you want a completely new car or a second-hand one? A new car offers longevity and warranty. It is worth it if you travel a lot. Also, new cars hold more value when you sell the car again.
A used vehicle can be more susceptible to breakdowns; repairs can be expensive. So remember to take a good look at the vehicle history before purchase. Are you already ready for an EV? Then an electric or hybrid car is worth considering. You do still pay a fairly high purchase price, but there are (still) financial advantages for fully electric cars.
If you care a lot about comfort and luxury, make sure to test drive different models so that you really get a feel for the interior and additional options. Photos can sometimes distort this.
Use the search options on the various car websites to select technical features and equipment options for the new car. This will immediately rule out any cars that do not qualify.
Calculate purchase and maintenance costs
A car is not cheap, so calculate the cost. Not just the purchase price but also the fixed costs such as road tax, maintenance, insurance and fuel.
See your dream car for sale at a bargain price? Cheap offers sound tempting, but they usually come with a catch. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true. Check the car carefully and take a test drive to make sure it has nothing wrong with it.
Many people keep the following rule of thumb for a used car: maximum 10 years old and less than 150,000 kilometres on the odometer. In the lower price segment, for example, you can find a one- to two-year-old used car for €5,000 to €8,000. Looking at slightly more expensive cars, there is a wide choice of cars between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. Something for everyone!
Calculating fixed costs
As mentioned earlier, calculate the fixed costs such as road tax, maintenance, insurance and fuel.
You can calculate road tax simply through the tax authorities' website. Insurance premiums are also simple to calculate online via the well-known insurance comparison websites. Maintenance can vary a lot, looking at the average it is around 500-600 a year. However, this strongly depends on what needs to be carried out, with major repairs or tyre changes, this can be considerably higher. So when buying a car, also check the profile on the tyres carefully.
Fuel is also very dependent on fuel type, engine, driving behaviour and mileage. This is best estimated by yourself.
When you buy a new car, there is often room in the selling price. Take advantage of this and negotiate with the seller. Feel free to bring someone along to support you in the conversation. With a little skill, you can save several thousand euros.
How to sell my car?
There are several ways to sell your current car. You can trade it in for a new car at a car dealership. There are also several websites that specialise in buying cars without you having to buy a new car. For example, check out the site of I'm selling my car fast, as an example car sales Woerden, you get an offer in the mail quickly and easily.
Another option is to sell the car yourself via marketplace, for example, or through a note behind your window.
Getting used to your new car
After purchase, you need to register your new car with the RDW. Most garages will arrange this for you on the spot. Take your time to get used to your car and don't tear away like a madman. Your new car may react differently to what you are used to. Don't be confused by new switches or unfamiliar displays in the car, read the booklet carefully and experiment with all the options.
If you buy a completely new car, take time to drive it in. Avoid full throttle, regardless of whether the car runs on diesel or petrol. Otherwise, you risk the engine wearing out faster. Find hilly routes outside the city so that the engine gets used to different conditions. The braking system also needs time to get used; it develops its full power only after about 200 kilometres. Only after several hundred kilometres do the car tyres fully adhere to the ground.
We hope you enjoy your search for a new car!
Sep 27, 2023 | Buying advice |
If you are looking for a spacious, affordable and versatile family car, the Dacia Jogger is the choice for you, according to Dacia's website! The Jogger is the newest member of the Dacia family and promises to continue the brand's DNA - practical, reliable and very affordable. We take a brief look at Dacia's history and then delve further into the Jogger itself.
A look back at Dacia's history
Before we delve deeper into the Jogger, let's take a step back and look at the brand behind it - Dacia. Dacia is a Romanian car brand that was founded in 1966 and has had a long and interesting history since then. It began as a partnership between the Romanian government and France's Renault, with the aim of producing affordable cars for the Eastern European market.
Over the years, Dacia built a strong reputation for providing simple, reliable and affordable vehicles. The brand was particularly popular in emerging markets and gradually spread to other parts of Europe. In 1999, Dacia was acquired by the Renault Group, leading to further development and expansion of the brand.
Dacia's success is largely due to its ability to produce cars that meet people's basic needs, without unnecessary frills. This resulted in models such as the Dacia Logan, Sandero and Duster, known for their robustness and attractive price tags.
The Dacia Jogger, what versions are there?
With this background in mind, let's take a look at Dacia's latest flagship, the Jogger. The Jogger is a compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) designed with families looking for affordability in mind without sacrificing space and functionality.
The Jogger is available in the following versions:
- Jogger expression 5 seater
- Jogger expression 7-seater
- Jogger extreme 5 seater
- Jogger extreme 7-seater
So you can choose from a 5- or 7-seater and from the standard expression version or the extreme version. The Jogger is also available in hybrid and Bi-Fuel versions. In the latter version, the car runs on two types of fuel: petrol and LPG. Take a look at the Autokievit website for an overview of the available Dacia Jogger models.
Space and versatility?
One of the Jogger's most striking features is its ability to carry up to seven passengers, making it a suitable car for larger families. The third row of seats can be folded down to create extra luggage space when needed. This makes the Jogger extremely versatile for all kinds of adventures, be it daily errands or a weekend getaway.
Under the bonnet, the Jogger offers a choice of efficient petrol and diesel power sources, as well as an environmentally conscious hybrid and Bi-Fuel variant. This allows every driver to find an engine configuration to suit his or her needs.
The Jogger's interior is designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. Modern technologies and various connectivity features ensure a pleasant driving experience. The interior also looks well-finished and exudes quality.
Conclusion
In short, the Dacia Jogger embodies the core values of the Dacia brand - practical, affordable and suitable for families. An excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable family car that does not disappoint.
The Dacia Jogger is a new chapter in the history of the Dacia brand, which has been known for decades for its simple and reliable cars. Dacia remains true to its roots, and the Jogger is the latest proof of that.
Sep 27, 2023 | Insurance |
Whether you are a passionate motorcyclist or considering buying a motorbike, it is obviously important to have the right insurance to protect yourself and others on the road. Motorbike insurance can be different from car insurance. In this article, we will take a closer look at motorbike insurance and discuss the differences between motorbike and car insurance.
What is motorbike insurance?
Motorbike insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to protect motorcyclists from financial consequences that may arise from accidents or damage to their motorbike. Like car insurance, motorbike insurance is required by law in most countries and states.
As with car insurance, the following policies are available:
Types of motorbike insurance
- Third-party insurance (third-party liability): This is the basic form of motorbike insurance required by law in most countries. It covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident for which you are responsible.
- WA + Limited Casco: In addition to legal liability, this insurance also covers damage to your own bike due to certain events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. This may vary from one insurer to another.
- WA + Full Casco (All-risk): This is the most comprehensive form of motorbike insurance. It covers damage to your motorbike regardless of who is at fault for the accident. It also covers other damages due to vandalism and collisions with animals, for example.
Factors affecting premium
Your motorbike insurance premium can vary depending on several factors, including your age, type of motorbike, your driving record, coverage options and your location. The riskier you are considered, the higher your premium will be.
Additional coverage options
As with car insurance, you can add additional coverage options to your motorbike insurance policy. Consider additional insurance for other passengers so that damage to your fellow passenger is also covered. You can also think about breakdown assistance, damage to clothing and helmet, damage to luggage, legal assistance, and replacement vehicle rental.
Different supplementary insurance policies are available from each insurer. Do you go for a take out motorbike insurance, then look carefully at what supplementary packages are available and which ones you really need. For example, take a look at the website of KNMV insurances, they have various insurance policies available for motorcyclists.
Differences between motorbike and car insurance
While motorbike and car insurance are similar in terms of basics, there are some key differences that motorcyclists need to understand:
- Price: Motorbike insurance is often more expensive than car insurance, especially for younger drivers and powerful motorbikes, due to the higher risk of injury in motorbike accidents.
- Coverage options: Motorbike insurance policies offer specific cover options tailored to the needs of motorcyclists, such as helmet and motorbike clothing cover.
- Number of Directors: Motorbike insurance policies can offer more flexibility when it comes to the number of drivers covered, as many motorcyclists share their bikes with friends or family members.
- Driving: Motorcyclists' driving behaviour is often judged more intensely than that of motorists, because motorbikes are considered more risky.
- Seasonal coverage: Some motorcyclists opt for seasonal cover because they use their bikes only during the warmer months, which can be a cost-saving option.
Conclusion
Having the right motorbike insurance is essential for every motorcyclist. Understanding the differences between motorbike and car insurance is important to ensure you have the right cover and are well prepared for unexpected events on the road. Take the time to compare options and choose an insurance policy that suits your specific needs and riding habits. That way, you can fully enjoy your rides on two wheels. Ride safely!
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