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!
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