Getting a new car should be exciting. Whether you’re climbing into an SUV or darting around town in a compact crossover - or any other model available here at V12 Sports and Classics - getting a new set of wheels is a big achievement.
But there are some things to consider when you do get a new car so that you’re not caught out later on. Here are some of the best things to budget for when purchasing a new car.
Maintenance
A car needs to be kept well-maintained to ensure it’s at its most efficient and most reliable. Of course, this doesn’t have to be major fixes on a frequent basis, but a yearly oil service and checkover by a trained mechanic can go along way.
Sticking to your car’s servicing intervals is best, as you’ll ensure that your car is being checked according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular maintenance and servicing can also help to spot any potential issues before they get worse. It’s worth contacting your local garage or independent servicing centre to find out average costs for maintenance, so you can budget for this accordingly. It’ll help to make driving cheaper and more reliable in the long run.
MOT
An MOT is a legally required test for all used cars over three years old in the UK. During an MOT, a tester will examine a car, covering a variety of areas to make sure that it is roadworthy. If a car passes, it can drive on the road again for another year. However, if a car has a ‘major’ issue, then this will need to be fixed before the vehicle can be passed. A tester may also highlight some ‘advisories’, which don’t class as a failure for the test but will need attention. These can be handy for you, however, as they’ll show issues which need to be addressed.
A standard MOT costs £54.85 in the UK. Garages aren’t allowed to charge more, but some offer discounts, meaning you could find one for less. Always shop around and remember to budget not only for the cost of the MOT, but also the additional price of any extra work which might be required.
Consumables
Consumables are a normal part of driving a car. This term refers to the components of a car which wear down naturally over time, such as tyres, brakes and filters. You’ll need to keep an eye on these - and budget accordingly - because components like these will need to be replaced.
Tyres are a key driving expense and it’s always worth getting the best ones you can afford. Remember, replacing your tyres is cheaper than a fine - you could risk three penalty points and a £2,500 fine if you’re caught driving with tyres under the 1.6mm legal tread depth in the UK.
Warranty
At V12 Sports and Classics, we offer an extended warranty that can help to take some of the sting out of repairing a car. With comprehensive cover, you’re protected from the cost of serious motoring expenses such as engine failure, air conditioning faults and even problems with a car’s multimedia system.
There are lots of options when it comes to an extended warranty here at V12 Sports and Classics. All of them, however, help to bring added peace of mind to your everday driving experience.
Breakdown cover
Breakdowns happen - it’s a part of driving a car over a long period. However, having breakdown cover in place can make them a lot less stressful while ensuring that you’ve got a way to get home should the worst happen. It can even be something as small as a puncture that could lead you to need the help of a breakdown service.
There are several breakdown providers available in the UK and you can easily compare how much they charge online, too. It’s something which is well worth factoring into your driving budget.