Buying a car isn’t the same task it used to be. Gone are the days of absent-mindedly kicking tires, giving a ‘best and final offer’, handing over a small wodge of cash and driving away with something almost-certainly designed to run until the next world war. The automotive industry is huger, stronger and chock-full of incredible technological advancements – which, in turn UK drivers, have made it a little more difficult to figure out how to get the best deal.
Meanwhile, on the driver end of the spectrum, a whole host of challenges and shifting lifestyle standards have made for a new buying environment altogether. With a cost-of-living crisis still very much underway, every penny counts. So what actually matters when picking a new car to drive? And what should matter to drivers looking to make that big decision?
Reliability And Running Costs Matter More Than Ever
As a direct function of that cost-of-living uncertainty, drivers are looking more for assurances than for anything else. Fuel isn’t getting any cheaper, and neither are running costs associated with maintenance. As such, the better the fuel economy and the more reliable the vehicle UK drivers, the more likely it is to get a look-in from an experienced driver.
Tech And Comfort Features Becoming The New ‘Must Haves’
Still, it’s hard to ignore the modern conveniences with which newer cars are so readily furnished. Though touchscreens rightly receive some flak for removing tactility from the driver’s UI, the clever tech behind them can be a draw for certain drivers – especially businessfolk. As well as the fun stuff, there’s a marked improvement in driver-assist features, which can give less-confident drivers and family school-runners more comfort in their commute.
Why Many Buyers Are Reconsidering Used
The used car market in the UK has always been strong, and remains so – but some of its recent growth can be attributed to some specific economic shocks, not just relating to the cost of living but also to the car manufacture industry UK drivers. Buying new is, simply, more expensive now.
As such, many drivers, especially those in the north, are reconsidering the used market for their next vehicle. For drivers in Sheffield used cars are an opportunity to get a tried-and-tested vehicle at a much lower price than showroom, and maybe even to access higher-spec models at better value.
Matching The Purchase To Real-Life Driving Needs
Buying a car isn’t a universal thing otherwise, either. Every driver’s needs are different, and contingent on a number of factors from location to household to work and beyond. A regular motorway commuter, for instance, has much more use for a powerful diesel saloon than a lightweight petrol-powered hatchback. Matching type to need is more common than ever, particularly as car manufacturers continue to innovate with car types and features.