For many of us, owning a car is crucial, as it allows us the freedom to travel where we need to quickly and safely.

While a car is an essential for many people, it’s an expensive one. Running costs are high, and so too are the upfront prices.

New car prices are currently rising at an incredibly fast rate, with some new cars costing up to 26% more than they did in previous years.

Still, if you find that you need a new car, whether it’s because yours has been written off, is costing more to fix than it should, or you just feel the time is right for an upgrade, then there are ways to make sure you get the best possible deal and the right vehicle.

To help, we’ve created this handy guide to buying a new car in 2022. You can find out more about the new car market and how you can ensure that you get the best vehicle for the right price.

Brand Isn’t As Important As You Might Think

In the past, many car buyers focused on finding a brand of vehicle manufacturer they liked and trusted and then bought cars from them. While this was a valid strategy a few decades ago, when car brands were out to make a name for themselves and most were independent, it doesn’t work as well today. That’s because most modern car brands are owned by the same people, and so the selection you have is smaller than you might think. Also, many car brands develop technology which they sell to other brands. So, instead of focusing on the vehicle manufacturer, you should explore the model, style, design and specifications. You should also make sure you conduct more thorough testing and reviewing of your purchase before you make it, rather than blindly trusting a brand.

Financing Can Help You Spread The Cost

New car prices are high thanks to the ever-increasing demand and the high production costs for modern, technology-dependent vehicles. As such, you might find that your budget doesn’t go as far as you originally thought it would. Thankfully, there are now many finance options available to help you spread the cost of your new car. These options range in type, duration and terms, so you need to check out all the financing deals out there to find one that’s right for you. Use Quotezone.co.uk to compare car finance and find a solution that will allow you to drive your dream car without going over budget.

There Are More Car Buying Platforms Than Ever Before

Traditionally, buying a car meant visiting a dealership, but that has changed over recent years. Today, there are many ways to purchase a new vehicle. It’s even possible to buy one online if you choose the right platform. There are many new and used car websites, as well as private sellers and dealerships out there. With this rise in choice and convenience comes challenges. These include the fact that it’s now very easy to get scammed while buying a new car, particularly when you make your purchase online. To avoid being taken advantage of, make sure that you always view the vehicle in person before you buy it, so that you know it’s real and that it is in the condition you thought it was. Buying a car online is a convenient approach, but only if you do it right.

The Optional Extras Are Almost Endless

For those who haven’t purchased a new car in a long time, it might be daunting to see the number of optional extras available on modern cars. Owing to advances in technology and rising consumer expectations, car manufacturers now offer an extensive range of options that can be added to a basic car. These range from optional safety features, such as additional airbags, through to entertainment systems and even bespoke colour options. Each of these extras comes at an added cost, so if you want to pay a reasonable price for your new vehicle, then you should make sure that you only choose extras you actually want. Take the time to check out all the options available to you and find the ones you really need.

Prices Will Continue To Rise

Thanks to the high demand for new cars and a continued shortage of skilled labour and materials in the car manufacturing market, prices look set to remain high for some time to come. As such, buyers need to be prepared for further price rises and work towards solutions, such as exploring financing options, checking out deals and considering buying a used car over a brand new one. It might take time, but eventually, the market will change, but for now, drivers need to be aware of what’s going on and prepare themselves for further new car price increases.

Buying a new car right now can be challenging, particularly as the prices are high and there are so many important decisions to make. These tips should help you to understand the new car market currently and work out the best way to find your ideal new vehicle.