Let’s put our ego aside for a moment and be realistic: we all know less about cars that we think or wish we do. However, when it comes to the purchase of one of these multi-thousand dollars gadgets, every mistake can potentially cost a couple of extra hundred or thousand dollars and create a lot of frustration. With that in mind, ignoring your ego to follow a rigorous process instead of overestimating your knowledge in this matter would be for the best.

The Initial Data Gathering
 

You’re sure that you’ve found the vehicle that best fits your tastes and your needs while offering the best value for the money in its category? It’s possible, but don’t reject the possibility that you’re being fooled by marketing experts and their double talk. Start with the basics: survey your relatives, colleagues and friends to collect the most honest and well-intended comments you’ll ever get. Once you’ve done that, turn to publications fed by actual car experts that also know the Quebec’s market, like Le Guide de l’auto or Protégez-Vous, for example. Next, use the resources available online. Go to CAA-Québec.com to read test drive reviews and on the websites of manufacturers whose models are on your radar to gain some sense about the real cost of the vehicles you’re considering, an area in which marketers are not always trustworthy. These few steps should already decrease the size of the pool of relevant vehicles for you.

Other Relevant Criteria
 

It’s very likely than more than one model will meet your expectations, and you should therefore put together a list of criteria to discriminate between these models. Here are a few elements that you should definitely include in your thought process: the durability and the resale value of the vehicle, two things that you can easily forget if you’re looking for the cheapest option; gas costs, an element more relevant than ever considering the prices we’re seeing, these days; and comfort, road handling and safety, three points especially important considering that winter driving represents half the year in Quebec. Plus, keep in mind all other associated costs: insurance, parts and tires prices, frequency of repairs and their costs, etc.

You’re on the market for a new car? Put these advices to good use today to make the best choice! Visit us at Autostudio 72 in Mirabel near Laval, and Saint-Jerome it will be our pleasure to help you.