Here Are The Motor Ombudsman's Top 10 Tips for New Car Buyers
The automotive dispute resolution body regulates trading standards in the industry providing customers with impartial advice and has shared their top 10 tips for new car buyers.
Time for a new car upgrade?
There’s nothing better than that new-car-feeling, which is why the Motor Ombudsman, the UK’s dedicated dispute resolution organisation for the automotive industry, have shared some helpful tips for you to use when buying your next vehicle.
With the new “72” reg plate arrival just around the corner on 1 September, these tips will be a helpful reminder to customers looking to buy a new car, to help you find the right vehicle for you.
Learn more below and start preparing for your new car journey!
1. Consider Your Options
This probably goes without saying. But when buying a new car, the process can be daunting since it’s such a large investment, and sometimes you’re not quite sure what it is you want.
That’s why the organisation recommends first and foremost doing your research and exploring your options. Booking a test drive is a great way to find out if the vehicle you’re interested in will be right for your lifestyle.
When you buy a car with Macklin Motors, you can use our handy lifestyle search to see which makes and models might be a good choice for you, before booking a test drive at your local Macklin dealership.
2. Don’t Forget the Expense
When buying a new car, the Motor Ombudsman also recommends keeping in mind the expenses that will come attached with your chosen vehicle.
After making your initial deposit, you’ll need to make sure you can cover the running costs of your vehicle, including any servicing and maintenance, monthly finance payments on your vehicle, and even the cost of fuel or electricity if you choose an electric car.
Shopping around for the best deals might bring you small bonuses in the form of free insurance, road tax and breakdown cover, although these will be time limited.
3. Buying Online
That’s right- in today’s modern market you can actually buy your new vehicle completely online, which could be the right method for you if you know what you’re looking for. When you buy a car online, this is known as a ‘distance sale’ since you don’t actually go into the dealership.
The Motor Ombudsman emphasizes that these will be overseen by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, so you can rest assured you’ll receive the same level of service than if you bought it from the dealership.
Experience it for yourself and buy your next car online with Macklin Motors.
4. The Electric Vehicle Rise
Also useful for you to take note of when buying your next vehicle is the fact that electric cars are becoming increasingly popular. This means that you’ll need to decide whether you want to join thousands of other motorists and make the switch to an electric vehicle.
Thankfully, there are many incentives to make the switch, with electric vehicles offering:
- lower running costs since you’ll simply need to charge your battery instead of filling up on fuel
- zero road tax thanks to no emissions produced
- a whole network of public charging stations to charge on-the-go
5. Selecting Your Spec
As a new car buyer, you’ll be the very first to enjoy it which means you can go for any specification you like, according to your preferences. This includes choosing the interior and exterior colour, engine, or battery size, and even the transmission.
When choosing your new car, many manufacturers offer a selection of packages with different features for you to choose from, whether it’s heated seats and a heated steering wheel, a reverse camera, or panoramic sunroof. The choice is well and truly yours.
6. Towing anywhere?
If you plan on towing anything with your new vehicle, whether it’s a horse box, trailer or even a caravan, the Motor Ombudsman helpfully recommends that you check this information with your sales executive.
You’ll need to know the maximum load you can carry and make sure your new vehicle will be compatible with the equipment needed for safely and securely towing your load.
7. Now You Wait
When choosing your new vehicle, the organisation also advises to keep in mind the delivery times for your car before making your deposit. Due to various factors such as global component shortages and semiconductor chip issues, your new car may take longer than usual to get to you.
You’ll find all the information for delivery times in the documentation provided to you which you should read carefully in order to make your decision, as it all depends on when you will need your new vehicle. Note that this information can change depending on the manufacturer’s building schedule.
8. Technological Nuances
Different makes and models will offer different technical features, such as whether you use a touchscreen or manual dials. Any equipment which is part of the standard specification and optional extras can also vary, so it’s a good idea to take note of this when deciding on your new vehicle.
With many modern vehicles now offering features controlled by software and electronics, the Motor Ombudsman recommends checking with your salesperson the best way to keep systems up to date. This will be especially useful for features such as your navigational system to ensure you have the latest updates and information for the road.
Some manufacturers will provide ‘over-the-air’ updates which means you don’t have to do anything, while others may offer subscription services which may be included for the first year with your new vehicle. If your new vehicle’s features are controlled via an app on your smartphone, you may also wish to check your phone is compatible with this service before buying.
9. What’s the Warranty?
Most new cars will come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty, which will cover you for a certain period- either in years or the total mileage covered (e.g., 100,000 miles).
Your warranty should cover any mechanical defects in your vehicle which may have occurred during production, so there’s no need to worry if you experience an issue after buying your new vehicle.
Some manufacturers now offer special warranties for paint and anti-corrosion for a limited period of time, and some electric vehicles may come with a separate warranty for the battery.
When buying your new vehicle, you should make sure to read your warranty policy carefully so you know what this will cover should you have any problems, as some issues which are the result of wear and tear may not be covered.
10. The Final Check
After purchasing your new car, you’ll be excited for the big day to arrive when you go to collect it. Though one thing you should remember to do is give your vehicle a good check once it’s presented to you.
Your new car is your biggest and best investment that you should be able to show off proudly, which is why you need to make sure that you are happy with both the interior and exterior.
Though it’s not just about looks- aside from ensuring there are no visible defects in your car’s appearance, you should also make sure you are comfortable and familiar with your car’s interior controls through checking with your sales executive.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said:
“Buying a big-ticket item, such as a new car, is a significant commitment. It is therefore important that consumers spend time doing their research to select both the right car and retailer, spend within their means, and plan ahead both in terms of longer-term affordability, and when they will need a new car due to the extended lead times.”
Ready to buy your new car? Explore our new car deals on offer now and get that new-car-feeling.