According to statistics, most drivers change their car once every 6 years, which is a pretty long period of time. We want to make this time spent with our “iron friend” as comfortable as possible. We also want to reduce situations where we have to repair it.

Smalljoys considers the automobile to be one of the greatest inventions. That’s why we gathered 10 mistakes we think it’s better to avoid when buying a car.

10. You don’t think about resale value.

One day you’ll probably decide to sell your car. That’s why you have to take some important features into consideration. First, the car brand matters: there are brands that are more or less popular among drivers. Second, you need to think about the vehicle specifications and the engine. Third, don’t forget about its color. It’s easier to sell white, black, or silver cars than ones that are bright colors.

9. Car maintenance can be expensive.

Many people only take price into consideration. They don’t think about further technical service, insurance, or other expenses. Year by year, these expenses will increase and they might not agree with your salary. That’s why you have to think about everything thoroughly so that your car won’t become your family’s problem.

8. You pay for optional items.

Before buying a car, you should think about what you actually need because most of the additional items are very expensive and we don’t even end up using them.

For example, some drivers don’t smoke inside their cars. In this case, they don’t need an ashtray. An additional corrosion treatment is useless as well because cars already have an anti-corrosion treatment. But all safety devices are really important, so choose those carefully.

7. You buy a brand new car.

Try not to buy a car that has just been released. For the first 3 years a company gathers information regarding all issues and defects and improvements for the future cars to make them more reliable. The best choice is a car model that is no more than 3 years old and already well-known.

6. You buy a car that is too big or too small.

When you want to buy a car don’t just think about your personal preferences, but try to predict how many times you’re going to travel by car, how many passengers will be there, and so on.

For example, if you just need a vehicle to drive in the city, think about a sedan that doesn’t consume much fuel. If you’ve got a big family and you travel a lot, choose a spacious minivan or a hatchback. SUVs are useful for people who usually drive off-road.

5. You can’t choose between car’s prestige and technical characteristics.

if you can afford it, its better to buy a premium class car. In other cases, it better to focus on the technical characteristics, its price, and its reliability.

4. You don’t examine the car.

When you choose a car, don’t trust your salesman’s words only. Even though they’re professionals, they’re interested in selling cars to increase their bottom line and make a commission. Gather as much information as possible, consult an independent specialist, and test drive your chosen car. Examine everything to help yourself make the right decision.

3. You miss advantageous offers and discounts.

The best time to buy a car starts in December and reaches its peak in March. During this period, there are a lot of discounts and offers at auto dealerships. Additionally, there’s a bonus at the end of the year: the dealerships are trying to get rid of last year’s models so it’s easier negotiate a lower price.

2. You don’t try to lower the price.

Try to call or send emails to different dealerships saying you have a better offer and asking if they can beat it. The rivalry between dealers is very high and some drivers say that this method helped them save some money.

1. You’re in a hurry.

Don’t be in to much of a hurry to purchase a vehicle. Remember that you may regret a premature decision in the long run. Spend enough time gathering information, consulting specialists, and weighing the pros and cons.

If you want to get acquainted with a certain model better without agressive salesmen, visit a car dealership at the end of their work day. All of these tips will help you make the right decision.