Buying a car is an important decision that can affect your budget and comfort over several years. With so many models, engines, add-ons and financing options to choose from, it’s easy to get lost. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together a list of 10 essential tips.
1 – ACL expertise, for members
Choosing a car is a real challenge. That’s why the ACL makes its technical expertise available to members free of charge. Our experts, Frank Maas and Loïc Schiocchet, can advise you by telephone or by appointment at our offices. We first assess the cost-effectiveness of different types of vehicles based on your journeys, habits and expectations. Then we will inform you about the charging systems and subsidies available.
2 – Choosing the right engine
Petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or 100% electric, SUV, SUV coupé, estate car, roadster, city car, urban car, estate car: the names, sometimes purely marketing terms, leave consumers with a very wide choice. It is advisable to find out about the advantages and disadvantages of each technology and each category in order to make the choice that best suits your needs.
3 – The right model with the right options
When buying a new car, ensure that the order form specifies the exact model of the car as well as the various features and options of the vehicle.
4 – Specify the delivery date clearly
Indicate a clear delivery date in the contract, without specifying the exact day. Avoid vague wording such as ‘end of the year’ and prefer ‘month of December’. Note that if a sales contract does not specify a delivery date, the dealer is obliged to deliver the car within 30 days of signing. Delivery delays can occur, but the dealer must act in good faith and inform the consumer as soon as possible in order to find a mutually beneficial solution. If this is not the case and the dealer is unable to honour the delivery, the consumer may request cancellation of the sale by registered letter.
5 – Clearly specify the trade-in price
When purchasing a new vehicle, the consumer and the dealer may agree on the trade-in price of the consumer’s old vehicle. In the event of a delay in delivery, the car in question will undoubtedly have more kilometres on the clock and therefore a different value. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the dealer maintains their initial price. Ideally, this should be specified in the sales and trade-in contract.
6 – The price cannot change
In the event of a delay in delivery, the price of the new car cannot be higher than that stated in the sales contract. There may be an indexation clause, but it must be clear and understandable.
7 – No right of withdrawal
Once the sales contract has been signed, the consumer cannot change their mind. It is therefore advisable to take the time to think carefully before signing a sales contract. However, if the car was purchased online, the consumer has 14 days to withdraw from the contract, as stipulated by European regulations.
8 – Consult your bank
Before visiting dealerships, it is best to know your purchasing power or creditworthiness. Most banks have an online credit simulator for this purpose. It is also a good idea to seek advice from your banker.
9 – Private leasing
It is important to pay attention to the terms and conditions in the case of private leasing to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Take the time to read them and, if necessary, ask a professional to explain any clauses you do not understand. It is also important to ask whether the dealer follows a specific standard for assessing acceptable and unacceptable wear and tear on private vehicles that are returned at the end of a leasing contract, such as the Renta standard. Also pay attention to the mileage included in the lease and choose the option that best suits your usage. In addition, do not hesitate to ask how much each kilometre costs if you exceed the mileage included in the lease. Conversely, ask how much you will save if you use the car less than expected.
10 – Test drive the car
It is recommended that you take a test drive to assess the comfort, handling, visibility and performance of the car before buying it. Ideally, you should drive the test vehicle along your daily route and even park it in your parking space to test its turning radius and manoeuvrability. The more the test is carried out under conditions similar to your daily use, the easier it will be for you to compare the performance of one vehicle with another.
