Liz Dobson - A simple guide to buying a car

For many people, the thought of entering a car yard fills them with dread. So Liz Dobson has tips to make buying a vehicle easy – and pain free.

There are three questions I’m usually asked when I tell people I’m a motoring writer...

First is, “Can I have your job?” (No).
Second, “What is the favourite car you’ve tested?” (Maserati GT).
Third, “What car should I buy?” (What you can afford).

And I’m not being flippant with that last answer. Buying a car is going to be the second largest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, after owning a home, and for many people walking in a car yard can be frightening.


Do you homework
Work out how much you can afford, and if needs be, organise finance before you leave home.

Factor insurance into your budget.

Yes your average car will depreciate the moment you drive it home, but others hold their value, such as the Suzuki Swift and Volkswagen Golf.

Decide what sort of vehicle you need. If you have kids, a two-door coupe isn’t practical; if you commute, you’ll need something economical, such as a 1.2-litre to1.6-litre vehicle; and if you take frequent trips out of town you’ll need a car with a large engine.

Before you step in a car yard go online and do some research to see what your budget can buy.


Buying privately/at weekend car markets
Take a friend. If they know about cars all the better but it’s good just to get a second opinion.

Lift up the bonnet and check out the engine – no, you don’t need to be petrol head, just see if it looks tidy, there’s no rust or obvious damage.

Look down both sides of the vehicle to see if the panels are flat (ie no dents) and match (the car may have been in a crash and had doors replaced).

Take it for a test drive – both in city driving and on motorways.

If you are still keen, think about it overnight. You’re handing over lots of cash so you need to be sure.

If you are still keen, have it checked by a mechanic/mobile service and make sure the vehicle has a current warrant of fitness.

Also, check to see if the vehicle isn’t stolen (go to nzta.govt.nz/online to check); and check the history of the car (at such websites as motorweb.co.nz) to see if any money is owed on it.

Also make sure the vehicle has a current warrant of fitness.

Haggle the price – your homework online would have given you a good idea about the price of vehicles you want.


Buying from a car yard
Again, take a friend.

You should be approached promptly in the yard. If you’re standing there for a while and you see the salespeople aren’t busy, move on to the next yard.

Know what you want when the salesperson approaches you. If the dealership is part of a large group, the vehicle you want may be at another yard and that salesperson will know that.

If you’re looking to buy new or pay a fair whack for a car, take the vehicle home with you overnight. Check to see if it fits in your garage/carport/parking space.

Most car yards will negotiated – asked for a discount, and see what you can have ‘thrown’ in, be in an extra year’s warranty or better tyres. If you feel too embarrassed to ask, get your friend to do your bidding!

New Zealand has one of the most car industries in the world.


Other Tips:

• Try an auction don’t forget to inspect vehicle, don’t just bid! Fleet companies sell off their vehicles – and they are usually well maintained.
• A friend had $50,000 to spend on a car, was ignored at one yard so went to its competitor across the road. She was given prompt service and even had her new purchase delivered to her home. She rang up the first car yard and informed the dealer-principal of their missed business.
• A female friend who didn’t know a sedan from a station wagon had her photo taken in each of the vehicles she looked at buying. For this fashionista, her vehicle was a reflection of her – so she wanted something styley.