{"id":8962,"date":"2019-04-19T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T07:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my-life.lu\/?p=8962\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T09:53:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T08:53:29","slug":"5-steps-to-buying-a-car-58008","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my-life.lu\/en\/5-steps-to-buying-a-car-58008\/","title":{"rendered":"5 steps to buying a car"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you\u2019ve made up your mind: it\u2019s time to buy a new car. But where do you start? And how do you give yourself the best chance of finding a real gem? Whether it\u2019s looking for or checking the vehicle, financing or paperwork, myLIFE is here to make sure you have everything covered.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Make a list of your requirements and preferences<\/h2>\n

Before heading to a dealership or going online, draw up a list of things that you would like and things that you need your car to have. There\u2019s no point hankering after a two-seater coup\u00e9 if you have a load of kids to ferry around! You need to find the balance between your requirements and preferences.<\/p>\n

Write down what you think are the essentials. A big boot? At least five seats? Particular safety features? Then think about the kind of car you would like in terms of things like colour, size, features, make, performance, etc.<\/p>\n

You will now have a shortlist that can be narrowed down further based on your budget and what is available on the market. Once you have arrived at your final shortlist, you are faced with two essential decisions:<\/p>\n

Diesel, petrol or electric?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you are still undecided, the different engines have their pros and cons. A comparative table that will help you to choose between diesel and petrol appears in the myLIFE article Heartache or heart\u2019s desire? Advice for buying the perfect car.<\/strong><\/span><\/a>\u00a0Consider also electric vehicles, which have succeeded in establishing themselves as an attractive alternative beyond the environmental argument alone.<\/p>\n

New or used<\/strong><\/span>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This will essentially depend on your budget. Although a new car is more expensive and depreciates quickly, it will have a manufacturer\u2019s warranty so maintenance costs are lower. Used cars may be cheaper to purchase, but they will cost more to maintain.<\/p>\n

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Still can\u2019t decide? Buying a nearly new car from a dealership may be the answer. This will be cheaper than buying a new vehicle and will still have the manufacturer\u2019s warranty or an extended warranty. Shop around to make sure you are getting good value for money. Why not start by checking out mycar.lu<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?<\/p>\n

Step 2: Financing<\/h2>\n

So you now know exactly what you\u2019re looking for. What kind of budget do you have? Most car buyers take out a loan to finance their purchase to avoid dipping into their savings. Think about running some simulations<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and making an appointment with your bank to determine how much you can afford to repay every month.<\/p>\n

Be aware that dealerships may also have a range of financing solutions available. These may have less favourable terms than the deals on offer from your bank, but often come with an extended warranty.<\/p>\n

Why not cast your net a little wider to increase your chances of finding the right car for you?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Step 3: Finding a car<\/h2>\n

Whether you choose a new or used car<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, you will almost certainly begin looking online, be it on manufacturers\u2019 pages, dealers\u2019 websites or classified ad sites. There will certainly be plenty to choose from!<\/p>\n

Keep your list close at hand and start by focusing on the model (make and year), mileage (in the case of a used car) and price. This will narrow down your search.<\/p>\n

Why not cast your net a little wider to increase your chances of finding the right car for you? With Luxembourg being so close to other countries, it would be a shame to miss out on those markets.<\/p>\n

Step 4: Checking the vehicle<\/h2>\n

So you\u2019ve finally found the car of your dreams? Great, but don\u2019t get carried away. If it\u2019s a used car, you must check the general condition of the vehicle. Whether you are buying privately or from a dealership, take the time to examine the car closely (preferably in daylight).<\/p>\n