These are important things you need to know if you’re planning to buy a car

You might be thinking about buying a car. If so, there are a number of important things you need to take into account. There are actually several factors that could influence your decision. Consider things like your budget or how reliable the vehicle is. There’s even more to consider. In this article, we discuss a few key things you need to know before buying a car.

Think about your budget and costs

The first and possibly most important aspect you need to consider when buying a car is your budget. It’s essential to work out a realistic budget before you start searching for a vehicle. You shouldn’t just consider the purchase price. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to budget for insurance, fuel, maintenance and any repairs. Keep this in mind when setting your final budget. It’s also sensible to look at your financing options. For example, you might want to consider taking out a loan. Just make sure you can pay all the monthly instalments and don’t end up in financial difficulty.

Reliability and maintenance

Another important aspect when buying a car is the reliability and maintenance of the vehicle. It’s wise to research how reliable the brand and model you’re interested in are. This is especially important for second-hand cars. It can also be a good idea to research lesser-known brands. Look at other owners’ experiences, test reports and reliability studies to get a clear idea of the car’s quality. On top of that, it’s important to consider how the car has been maintained. Make sure you know when it last had a service and what the expected costs are for future maintenance. A well-maintained car generally lasts longer and can save you money in the long run. So this isn’t an area to try to save money on.

Calculating the remaining BPM and import

If you’re importing a car, it’s important to calculate the remaining BPM.

This is the part that’s left over from the original BPM. This BPM is based on several factors, such as the age, CO2 emissions and the list price of the car. You can calculate the remaining BPM using an online calculator. This way, you can check whether you can save on the BPM declaration. Calculating the BPM is therefore something you really shouldn’t forget. It’s also important to know that importing a car can mean extra costs. For instance, you need to think about transport costs, inspection fees, and any adaptations to the car to ensure it meets Dutch laws and regulations.

Make use of the test drive

Before actually deciding to buy a car, it’s recommended to take it for a proper test drive. While driving, you can check the car for various things. Think about how it drives, how comfortable it is, and the condition of the engine. You can also watch out for any faults or issues with the car during the test drive. This is your opportunity to fully check the car and avoid making a bad purchase. Besides a test drive, it’s sensible to have the car inspected by an independent party. Make sure you read the inspection reports carefully and discuss all the findings with the seller before you decide to buy.