Living near London and planning to get a new car soon?

Whether you’re dreaming of a speedy coupe or a roomy SUV, there are so many different vehicle styles and types on the market. And while top specifications and features might matter to driving enthusiasts, the reality is that most people just need a car that suits their lifestyle. But with increasing emissions regulations, it’s also an important time to consider going electric.

To help you learn how to start looking for a car that’s right for you, we’ve provided our top 3 most practical tips below.

1. Assess your needs and budget

Firstly, you should evaluate your daily driving requirements for you and your household. You should consider:

• How many people will regularly travel in the car
• The average distance you’ll travel
• The size of your family, and whether it will grow
• Your monthly budget for fuel and other motoring expenses

Setting a realistic budget is imperative. This needs to account for regular expenses like fuel, but also leave a buffer for intermediate maintenance costs and any ad-hoc additions or upgrades. For example, when you need more grip for winter, it’s easy to buy tyres in Strood and other key commuting towns outside the M25. Finding the best deal is easier away from the capital.

 

2. Consider fuel types

There are four main fuel types to choose from: petrol, diesel, hybrid electric or all-electric engines. And even though the sale of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned after 2035, there are still plenty of top-quality models on the market now. Each type brings its own benefits and drawbacks:

• Diesel: Conventional diesel engines are known for being cost-effective and reliable. Many diesel cars will fetch you more than 50 miles per gallon, especially on long-distance motorway commutes. However, diesel is the most polluting fuel type.
• Petrol: Small cars with petrol engines are consistently popular for new drivers and inner-city commuters. Typically cheap, low-maintenance and fairly economical, petrol engines make a sensible choice for drivers with a limited budget.
• Hybrid and Electric: If you’re looking for a futureproof option, zero-emissions engines are the only sensible approach. For those living near the Ultra Low Emission Zone or any other clean air zone, electric vehicles guarantee fee-free journeys.

3. Check the features and technologies

Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that your new car keeps you moving safely and reliably on every journey. If you’ve got your heart set on one particular car already, make sure you take it for a test-drive to get a feel for it. Take time to compare different models if you’re not in a hurry.

You can also check if the make and model received a sufficient Euro NCAP safety rating. This will consider any relevant technologies like autonomous driving features, seatbelts and attachment points for child seats.

And finally, even though you’ll be focused on the roads, choosing a car with modern info-entertainment systems could help to keep your passengers comfortable entertained. In a cold climate, heated seats are one of the most appreciated features. With a car that suits everyone, every journey will feel easier!