How to choose a car to your liking. How to choose a car based on budget and tasks: instructions with examples

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The decision to buy a vehicle occurs suddenly, but often people come to it gradually. In any case, I am interested in how to choose a good car for myself or for my wife so that she does not disappoint.

Some seek to buy a specific model and collect money for years. For others, a car is an urgent need, and the make and model play a secondary role. Everyone wants to buy a reliable car.

Step by step action plan

• Decide on a price category . You can buy a car for 180 thousand, for 500 thousand or for several million.
• Consider why you are buying a car . Some use a car to enhance their image, others buy for trips to the country or to work. Based on this information, it is easier to determine the specifications.
• Consider the number of people in the family and their physique . Not only the driver should feel comfortable inside the car. When choosing a car, be sure to sit in the back seat to find out how comfortable the interior is for rear passengers.
• Choose a body type based on personal preferences . Most are guided by visual sensations. Having understood what type of machine you need, switch to studying the technical characteristics.
• Pick the right gearbox . When choosing a transmission, be guided by the operating conditions of the machine. An automatic transmission is suitable for the city, and a mechanic is better on a country road.

As for the choice of manufacturer, experts recommend giving preference to models of foreign brands. As for me, the issue is debatable. Agree, it is easier for a person living in the outback to repair a domestic car than an expensive foreign car.

How to choose a new car for yourself and your wife

The purchase of a new car is a holiday for the owner. Often the wrong approach to choice spoils the feast.

I advise the future owner of a vehicle to think it over, determine the goals for which the vehicle is being bought and, taking into account individual tastes and needs, mentally imagine the object of purchase. Then buy a car in Moscow or another city.

1. Class and characteristics . I recommend choosing a car for yourself from the class and technical characteristics. Choose a class based on the number of passengers carried, the physique of the driver and the purpose of travel. If you are going to use the car for transporting goods, the best solution would be a station wagon or a model with a spacious luggage compartment.
2. Price. An important role in choosing a car for a wife is the cost. Remember, the costs related to the purchase are not limited to the cost of the car. The car will have to be registered and completed. We are talking about auxiliary equipment and accessories.
3. Manufacturer . Which brand to choose is up to you, guided by opportunities, goals and image. The main thing is that there should be a service center in the village. Otherwise, you will have to travel to other cities to service the car or purchase spare parts.
4. Engine capacity . The indicator determines the dynamics, fuel consumption, the amount of transport tax. Cars are sold with a gasoline, diesel or hybrid power plant.
5. Transmission . The automatic transmission is simple and comfortable to drive. At the same time, the mechanical transmission is reliable and provides high precision in control.
6. Drive unit. Any car dealership will offer cars with front, rear or all-wheel drive. The first option is characterized by a small loss of energy during movement, the second option is the most common and constructive, and the third provides controllability and maneuverability.
7. Machine safety . It is represented by an anti-lock braking system, airbags, belts, reinforced body parts and sensors.
8. Additional options . If you pay extra, the car will be equipped with air conditioning, alarm, sound system and tinted windows.

Having chosen a car, sit in the cabin and take a ride to appreciate the comfort of the driver's seat, check the technical specifications in practice. While riding, pay attention to agility, acceleration and smoothness. Make sure that the steering obeys, and the braking system works properly.

Guided by this instruction, you will become the owner of a car that will satisfy all needs.

How to choose a used car

Continuing the topic of the article, I will share tips on choosing a used car. Not everyone can afford a new car. Therefore, people buy inexpensive used cars. But buying a vehicle that was operated by another owner is like a lottery.

Consider how to act and what to look for when buying an iron horse. Remember, neglecting even one point will lead to diagnostic or repair costs.

• Check car documents . The technical passport will tell you when the car was manufactured and registered. The date of manufacture will be reported by the glass and seat belts.
• Check the numbers on the engine, in the cabin and on the body . Having carefully studied the service book, you will find out how many owners there were. After completing the preliminary check, start the inspection.
• Examine the body of the car . Inspect the sills and headlight area. Using a small magnet, inspect the trunk, fenders and hood. Use this simple tool to find dents hidden by a layer of putty.
• Check out the racks . If the previous owner replaced the back of the sidewalls, you will probably find putty in these places. Carefully inspect the gaps between the frame and the hood. At the factory, the gaps are the same. If the width varies, then the car after an accident.
• Check out the moving parts . In the moving part, check how smoothly it closes. If the car has been repainted, this can be determined by looking under the hood or by moving some rubber insert.
• Look for signs of corrosion . As practice shows, various places are exposed to corrosion destruction, including the edges of the hood, arches, pillars and the bottom. Even if you buy a car for 180 thousand, do not leave this moment unattended.
• Explore the salon . When inspecting the interior, check the integrity of the upholstery, panels and covers. Try the seat adjustment, which should function properly in all directions.
• Check the operation of internal systems . Check the operation of the air conditioner, wipers, power windows, fan, mirror adjustment and furnace. The interior must be dry. If moisture and severe corrosion are present, refuse to purchase.
• Check the suspension and brake system . Lock the steering wheel, jack up the car on one side and yank the wheel. The gap indicates the wear of the steering column. If there is play of the wheel up and down, the ball joint needs to be replaced. Inspect the brake discs, which should not be defective.
• Check the tires . If it wears unevenly, then there is a defect in the body. As for the shock absorbers, after pressing the front, the car should return to its original position and swing.
• Check fluid levels . Make sure the engine has enough oil and antifreeze at the right level. The hoses must be flexible and not damaged. At this stage, I advise you to make sure that the sensors on the dashboard are working.
• Start the engine . The engine should sound even, without metallic sounds. Remove the spark plugs last and check that the compression is correct.

Video information

By being careful when choosing and buying, you will never fall into the network of people who sell broken cars at an inflated price.

How to choose a car for a woman

The question of choosing a car for a woman is very serious, because a car should become a friend on the road and a beautiful toy at the same time. As practice shows, women prefer small cars.

Buying a car is an important event in the lives of men and women. When a lady enters a car dealership and sees many options that differ from each other in shape, color and price, the excitement reaches its limit. Such a fate can be avoided by thinking about all the details in advance.

Choosing a car for a woman is similar to men. The only exception is the fact that ladies are more interested in the aesthetic side, and not in the technical characteristics.

1. Power steering . If you dream of a comfortable driving, choose a model with power steering, otherwise even a short trip will become like pulling a barbell for gentle hands. You can not do without such a system as climate control, which is indispensable in hot weather.
2. Transmission . When buying a car, the choice of transmission is considered an important issue. Usually women buy cars with a gun.
3. Parktronic. If you are going to use personal transport in urban areas, parking sensors will not interfere. Install sensors front and rear at the same time, which will make the ride more comfortable.
4. Manufacturer . If you are striving to become the owner of a good car from the middle price segment, take a closer look at the products of Korean and Japanese manufacturers. Mitsubishi, Hyundai or Kia brands offer many models.
5. Price. Compact models of the listed brands are included in the middle price category, the cost fluctuates over a wide range. Each woman will pick up a car, taking into account financial possibilities.
6. Specifications . Take a closer look at the small-capacity power unit. It is easier for a woman to cope with a less powerful iron horse.

A great option for a woman is a compact car. It is more convenient for a girl to maneuver and park in a compact vehicle, especially in the city. A small car is characterized by a modest appetite, which saves money. If you dream of becoming the owner of a powerful car that will provide a drive on the track, no one forbids you to pick up a vehicle with a powerful engine under the hood.

In conclusion, I will add that people who decide to buy a car face difficulties, because you can buy a vehicle in a car dealership or from a private trader. You can buy a car new or used. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, but it all comes down to money. People who want to save money buy used cars. If there are no problems with finances, they go to the salon to pick up the car.

If you are interested in buying a used car, remember that there are many scammers on the market. It is enough to approach the issue of buying lightly, and instead of good transport, a rusty trough will appear in the garage. If you have any suspicions, refuse to cooperate, otherwise you risk losing money.

It’s great if you can inspect the object of purchase with a friend who understands the intricacies and nuances. This is the only way to correctly assess the condition of the car. If you go to the market alone, look for clean cars. It is possible that the seller did not specifically stop at the sink, so that dust and dirt would hide dents and defects.

As for buying a new car, salons provide a guarantee and do not practice scams. Sometimes there is a long queue for a certain fashion model and you have to wait. Often, instead of the selected model, they offer a car with a different configuration and color. You can’t call these nuances a big problem, but it’s unpleasant, and you don’t want to burn nerve cells once again.

Car dealerships often present another surprise. Upon arrival at the place, the potential buyer discovers that the cost of the car is different from the price indicated in the advertisement. This is due to the fact that the owner of the salon during the advertising campaign reports the cost without taxes and commissions. To avoid such a fate, contact the representatives of the salon in advance and ask about the trim levels and prices.

Some dealerships sell cars with low mileage under the guise of new cars. Visually detecting fraud is not easy. Therefore, before buying, carefully study the documentation.

Try to be careful and do not completely trust the sellers. They seek to sell the product and get a premium. Are you interested in quality products? Good luck!

Since you are reading this material, it means that you are either going to buy a car, or have already decided on the choice of a future friend, protector and constant companion - your car. How enticing does that sound? my car!

You already have a used foreign car or a product of the Russian car industry, and, despite all the difficulties of maintenance, you decide that the next car will be a new, sparkling varnish, smelling unique and unforgettable, with a bunch of all sorts of frills, a foreigner.

There are not many materials on the Internet on how to choose a car for yourself - in this article I will try to tell you what features you should pay attention to when choosing a new car.

So, before you go to the cashier with money, you should break the entire previous path into stages:

- The cost of completing your car:

As an axiom, we accept the definition that the cost of a car is equal to the annual salary of the owner, the maximum is the annual salary + 5%.

It should be borne in mind that the price of a new car decreases every day of operation. As experts say, the car that left the dealership has already fallen in price by 1-3%.

Therefore, when buying a new car, you must understand that you are not buying it for one year. The most convenient purchase of a new car is the purchase for the duration of the dealer warranty, i.e. about three years. During this time, the car is under warranty and will not lose so much in price - by a maximum of 25%.

Engine volume and power

The next question is what type of engine to choose? It depends on what purpose the car is for. Salespeople tend to be good psychologists, and in training they are specifically taught to recognize human weaknesses and inclinations. As one of the arguments in favor of a more expensive configuration, increased engine power is given. Do you often ask yourself why you need a powerful engine? The answers are obvious:

"in order to feel more relaxed when changing lanes."

I agree, a very important argument.

"In order to tear everyone at traffic lights."

Difficult, but also sometimes necessary.

"In order to accelerate to 200 km / h."

The question is, where in Russia can you accelerate to 200 km / h, and what will happen to the suspension of your car after such races on our roads?

"Big cars need big engine sizes."

Yes, but if you buy such a car, then you will find something new for yourself in this article.

So, what engine size is sufficient:

For class A cars (Hyundai Getz, Daewoo Matiz, etc.), an engine capacity of 1.4 liters and a power of approximately 80-100 liters will be sufficient. With.

For golf-class cars (Volkswagen Golf, KIA Spectra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Lacetti, etc.), the engine size is 1.6-1.8 liters and the power is 100-150 liters. With. respectively.

For C- and D-class cars (Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Epica, Audi A4, etc.), the engine size is 2.0-2.5 liters and the power is 130-175 liters. With.

At the same time, it makes sense to buy a car with a diesel engine only if the annual mileage is more than 30 thousand km, and even better - more than 50 thousand km. Diesel engines have a number of operational features, but still do not forget that they are more durable and environmentally friendly compared to gasoline engines. Using the engine sizes recommended above, you will feel confident on the road and have a fairly modest fuel consumption, which is important when you are often stuck in traffic jams. And since in big cities a motorist spends a significant part of his time in traffic jams, then tell me, is there a great benefit from a powerful motor? Therefore, do not succumb to the provocations of sellers about the benefits of a powerful motor.

Transmission

What to choose - automatic or manual? If you are idle most of the time in traffic jams, then automatic. If you live far from service centers and traffic jams, then mechanical. The small difference in price will be appreciated when you sit in a traffic jam for several hours in an automatic car, just moving your foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.

Drive unit

Front-wheel drive cars are less prone to skidding, rear-wheel drive cars are considered more manageable, all-wheel drive cars are technically more complex and, accordingly, break down more often. There are no special recommendations, it's your choice, so choose the drive of the car, taking into account its further operation.

I deliberately omit some car parameters that affect the price, but do not affect the technical component and safety of your car.

headlight type

If you mainly drive around the city, then you do not need xenon headlights (unless to emphasize your superiority), these light sources will not bring you tangible benefits. If you often travel outside the city, then xenon light sources are, of course, more preferable than halogen ones.

Power steering

Of course, you need to take a car with power steering. It doesn't matter if hydraulic or electromechanical, but at low speeds, when parking, etc., this element makes driving easier, which naturally increases your safety and the safety of others.

Safety

At a minimum, the car must have one airbag for the driver and, if possible, for the front passenger. Generally speaking, the more airbags, the better - it all depends on the funds you are willing to spend to save your own life and the lives of your loved ones.

The same applies to auxiliary safety systems. The more money you spend on these most important systems in your car, the more relaxed you will feel on the road.

Air conditioning (climate system)

Have you often noticed that in bad weather Russian (and not only) cars drive with icy (fogged) windows? This is due to the fact that the comfort systems of these cars are not adjusted or are not technically provided initially. In winter, the air conditioner will remove excess moisture, and you will drive with transparent windows. In the summer, you'll be looking at dusty, red, sweaty, heat-worn, chapped, angry drivers who don't have air conditioning. Talking about the fact that you can catch a cold under the air conditioner is true. But if you use a gas stove incorrectly, you can start a fire, this is also true. Conclusion: you just need to learn how to use the technique. And you will drive a car in comfortable conditions, and not be distracted by your own ailments associated with a lack of comfort.

Electric heating (heating) of a windshield

A handy feature considering our weather conditions. When in cold weather other owners furiously clean the windshields of their cars, you have the opportunity to stare at their work for three or four minutes while your car does this thankless job for you.

electric mirrors

A necessary function, especially with heating. Choose them for your package. Then share your impressions.

Heated front seats

Also a must. And do not believe those who say that this is bad for men's health. Again, you need to use heating only within the limits that are recommended. I don't understand how you can safely drive a car, sitting in a sheepskin coat and a hat with earflaps pulled down over your eyes, looking through the fogged glass into a frozen rear-view mirror.

Parking radar

This device is one of those that you can refuse, but if you can install it, then install it - it really helps with parking. It is worth noting that not all manufacturers install a parking radar in basic configurations, but it can always be installed after purchasing a car. If you specify it in the search as mandatory option, you may be missing out on a lot of good models to consider.

Using the above recommendations, you will select several configurations that match the parameters you specify. Next, you should travel to dealerships and try on each model for yourself. And only by comparing all the previously selected brands, you will understand which car is yours. Do not spare time for test drives, this will help you to take a more balanced approach to buying a car. After all, even when you buy shoes, you measure them. So feel free to try on a car - it's more expensive than a pair of shoes.

When you select the configuration options, pay attention to the help box in the lower right corner of your computer monitor screen. This window displays information about how many configurations fit your parameters. If there are enough configurations, then the window green colors, when the trim levels are reduced, the color of the window changes to yellow, if there are less than 10 configurations, the color of the window changes to red. Also, if you have set a parameter that is not applicable, for example, a variable-rate air suspension in the price range less than $25,000, then the information box will show you red color and number 0 , which means that there are no corresponding configurations in the given price range.

Good luck on the roads!

Choosing the right car is like choosing a wife: how carefully you approach this procedure will depend on your future, happy or not, car life. Moreover, before buying a car, the average motorist must take into account many factors. But still there are some, the most important aspects, and we will talk about them today.

1. Brand, body type. First of all, a potential car buyer must decide on the brand, model and body type of his future car. Let's start with the brand. The choice here is great: European, American, Asian, domestic.

The image of domestic brands of cars has been significantly damaged, especially after the country was flooded with new and used foreign cars. Nevertheless, domestic brands have their own buyers. Their advantages are relatively inexpensive cost, availability in car dealerships, high maintainability and low cost of maintenance. Cons - low level of comfort for the driver and passengers, low build quality.

Conclusion: having settled on a domestic brand, a potential buyer will spend a little money for a car, maintenance and repair, but he is unlikely to get driving comfort.

Asian brands are divided into several types: Japanese, Korean, Chinese.

The advantages of Japanese cars are build quality, durability of components and assemblies, passenger comfort, and, of course, prestige. Cons - the high cost of the cars themselves, repairs and maintenance. Conclusion: Japanese cars are for people with an average or above average income, since buying and further operating them is not cheap.

Almost the same can be said about Korean cars as about Japanese cars: build quality that improves year by year, passenger comfort, and an emphasis on design. Cons - the relative high cost of purchase and maintenance. Conclusion: Korean cars are bought by those who either do not have enough money for Japanese cars (if we talk about Asian brands), or those who like Korean design and practicality.

Kia Ceed - Korean hatchback.

Chinese brands are direct competitors to domestically produced cars. With practically the same pluses and minuses. The positive aspects of Chinese cars are the richness of the configuration, low cost. Negative - low build quality, average comfort, unreliability of structures, and hence the cost of repairs. Conclusion: Chinese cars can be looked at by those who want to spend a little money on a purchase, but get more comfort than domestic cars.

Chinese SUV Geely mk 2 cross

The variety of European car brands is great. The buyer can choose from budget, mid-range and expensive brands. German and English brands are most valued, Italian, Spanish and French brands are of average value. The third place is occupied by stamps from Eastern Europe - Czech and Romanian.

Czech-German liftback - Skoda Octavia 2013-2014

Advantages of European brands: build quality (if the car is assembled in the country where it is produced), prestige, comfort, reliability. Cons - the high cost of purchase, repair and maintenance. Conclusion: European cars can be looked after by those who have enough money not only to buy, but also for subsequent maintenance and repair.

American brands, whose cars are assembled directly in the USA, are designed for a specific buyer who agrees to pay money for a car adapted to overseas realities. Of course, you can buy a German Ford or a Korean Chevrolet, but these, of course, are no longer “Americans”.

American business sedan Chevrolet Malibu

The advantages of American brands are reliability, prestige, comfort. Cons - adaptation to local markets, cost (higher than at home). Conclusion: a Russian who buys a real American car needs to be prepared for the fact that instead of kilometers he will have miles on his speedometer, and maintenance and repairs will be expensive.

Speaking of body modifications, we focus on why the buyer needs a car. If this is a resident of the city, who will spend most of his automotive life on city streets, then the most acceptable option is a sedan or hatchback. If rural -, SUV or pickup truck. If a person is going to combine city trips with nature trips, an ideal option is a crossover.

2. Price. Here the advice is simple: choose a car, focusing not only on the cost of the car, but also on how much it will cost you to maintain it. Because financial expenses do not end with paying the bill for the car in the salon. You need to calculate how much it will cost you the cost of fuel, maintenance, insurance and other current expenses per 100 thousand kilometers and divide this amount by 100 thousand. As a result, we get the price of one kilometer traveled and wonder if we will pull such a financial burden? In addition, when buying a car, it will be useful to focus on its liquidity in the secondary market: you are unlikely to want to face the difficulties of selling a car when selling it.

3. Complete set. It all depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer. According to statistics, in Russia the most popular cars are in the basic or top-end configuration. If you decide to buy a car in the basic configuration, then at least it should have active systems and (at least a driver's airbag, ideally both a passenger and an immobilizer) and a climate system. The rest of the equipment (radio, heated seats, fog lights, crankcase protection, alarm, etc.) can be purchased separately and gradually.

A few more words about safety: if you have already decided on a model, or even have a choice of several, go to the EuroNCAP website and see how many “stars” applicants have for purchase.

4. Vehicle performance. Of course, most motorists evaluate the car by dynamic characteristics (acceleration from a standstill, maximum speed), engine power, gearbox type and fuel consumption. And it is right. But we must not lose sight of such characteristics as external and internal dimensions. Experienced drivers say that sooner or later you get used to any external dimensions - and this is true. Whether you buy a compact city hatchback or a family minivan, over time, be sure to adapt to properly park it, calculate the safe interval. Another thing is the internal dimensions. Here we advise you to carefully look at such parameters as the height of the ceiling, the length and width of the cabin, the size of the door openings.

Regarding the height of the ceiling: this dimension is important not only for tall drivers, but also for their passengers - after all, their comfort is not in last place. To choose a car for your height, sit in the driver's seat and try to raise it (if it has height adjustment) to the maximum height. Head rests on the ceiling? Then this car is not for you. Is there a gap of 5-10 cm? Good!

The length of the cabin should be taken into account based on the anthropometric data of everyone who will ride in this car. If the driver and front passenger can get comfortable by adjusting the seats, then rear passengers may be uncomfortable due to the resting seat backs. The same applies to the width of the cabin, the so-called interior size "in the shoulders": it is advisable to come to the salon with the whole family before buying and check if you are not embarrassing each other in this dimension.

The size of the door openings is also an important factor. Nobody canceled the convenience of boarding / disembarking for the driver and passengers, so “trying on” this parameter is also important.

There is no need to talk widely about the above selection parameters - engine power and type, gearbox type, speed and consumption - here, as they say, everyone is free to choose to their taste and color. But you should not forget about such aspects as galvanized body, ride height and suspension design. Ask the manager at the car dealership whether the car body is galvanized, if so, what parts of it, whether anti-corrosion and anti-gravel treatment has been carried out, what period of warranty the manufacturer gives for these parameters.

Specify the amount of ground clearance - the higher it is, the better. And finally, find out what kind of suspension design your future car has. If it is too soft, the car will be subject to strong rolls when cornering, swinging on bumps, and so on. If it’s very tough, sporty, it’s also not good: the driver and passengers will feel every bump of imperfect Russian roads not only with their fifth points, but also with their insides. An acceptable option is the choice of a car with a suspension adapted to Russian operating conditions (their option is the “bad roads” package).

5. Place of purchase. Here we are not talking about the geographical location of the car dealership (naturally, the closer it is to your home, the better), but about its type. There are two types of car dealerships: . The advantages of buying from the "officials": a car equipment selected for Russia, warranty service, various loyalty programs. Cons: high prices and not very good quality of service at official service stations (this parameter is subjective). Advantages of purchasing from "unofficials": relatively low cost of the car, fast delivery times, selection of complete sets inaccessible to the officials. Disadvantages: lack of warranty, adaptation of the car to Russian operating conditions.

Sooner or later there will be a need to choose a car. In this case, you should start from the purposes for which the machine is intended. If it is purchased for family trips and for a long period, then it is better to pay attention to the models presented in car dealerships.

However, in most cases, the choice falls on used cars. Both new and old cars have their pros and cons. Thus, the actual question is how to choose a machine so that in the future there are no problems with its operation and maintenance.

Features of the secondary market

The main and most important advantage of the models presented in the automotive markets is the low price. However, it is important to remember that this indicator does not play a key role. For example, you can buy an old foreign car for an attractive price. However, later the costs of its maintenance and repair will cover the cost and maintenance of the car from the passenger compartment.

When answering the question of how to choose the right car, it is important to build on the goals of its further operation. Cars from the secondary market are purchased with the expectation that the period of their use will be short. This does not mean that the machine breaks down and needs to be disposed of. The point is this: by selling such a car, for example, within a year after its acquisition, you will not lose much in the price difference.

People who are wondering how to choose a used car need to be prepared for the fact that during its operation, defects will pop up that were not detected during the initial inspection.

Price range

The traditional view is that a person who decides to buy a car can afford a model whose price does not exceed his annual income. For example, with a monthly salary of $ 1,500, it is best to opt for a car in the price range up to $ 20,000.

When answering the question of how to choose a used car, it should be borne in mind that the costs of its operation are added to the total cost of the selected model. This is where the difficulties lie when buying a car in the secondary market. The initial price can be very attractive. Add to it the cost of repairs, fuel consumption and maintenance (every 10,000 km), you will see how the overall price tag is equal to the salon.

On average, buying a car in the range of $15,000 to $20,000 reduces the family budget by about $2,500 a year. This amount includes insurance, fuel consumption, repairs, maintenance. When answering the question of how to choose a good car in the secondary market, it should be borne in mind that over the year of operation, the total cost of the vehicle will fall by about 25% (with a calm ride and no serious accidents). Thus, the car should be purchased based on the available budget funds when calculating the cost of maintenance and running repairs of running gear.

Body selection features

The cost of the car largely depends on the type of body. This means that the larger and more spacious the car, the more expensive it will cost. Thus, when answering the question of how to choose a used car, it is important to start from the purpose of its operation. If you need it for everyday trips around the city (to work and home), then it is better to buy a small car. Its main advantages can be considered the following: low gasoline consumption, low cost of spare parts and maintenance, simplified parking in urban areas due to its modest size.

If the family is large, and frequent trips to the country or to the village are added to city trips, it makes sense to think about a roomy minivan or station wagon. These cars can comfortably accommodate a family of four to six people. Also, it becomes possible to transport medium-heavy goods.

The question of how to choose a used car is relevant for SUV lovers. Recently, a huge variety of roomy cars has appeared. However, it should be borne in mind that such models are suitable for those who do not often go on paved roads. The main advantages of SUVs include their versatility on the roads. As for the minuses, there are more of them: high fuel consumption, low comfort, high cost in the secondary market, achieved through a powerful engine.

Does it make sense to buy a premium car?

Recently, the brand of the car has been of particular importance for Russian motorists. In some cases, it comes to the point of absurdity: buyers do not even consider buying cars, for example, Korean-made ones (KIA, Hyndai). Although in most cases it is these machines that have optimal characteristics with an excellent price-quality ratio.

Answering the question about which brand of car to choose, we will give special preference to Japanese models. They combine high quality consumables with costly maintenance and optimum safety. These characteristics do not frighten future buyers who care about prestige and do not think about the possible costs associated with repairs (for example, after an accident) and annual maintenance.

The main argument in favor of expensive brands is the ability to sell a car at its original cost in the future. This is true to some extent, since reliable vehicles do not really fall in price even in the secondary market. However, in each case, one should build on the peculiarities of the driving style of the previous driver and the timely replacement of the necessary parts of the car.

When answering the question of how to choose a used car without serious expenses, one should take into account the fact that the brand does not play the most important role. This should be taken care of by those who want to combine the high efficiency and power of the car with exquisite finishes and unique design. In almost all cases, these people have sufficient funds to maintain and maintain the machine in working condition.

Choosing the optimal power unit

In addition to the body and brand of car, the engine power directly affects the price category. Thus, the answer to the question of how to choose the right car lies in the combination of the optimal size of the vehicle with its power plant. Many people think that you should choose according to the principle "the more the better." In almost all cases, this is not true. Now even small-sized urban-type cars are equipped with powerful engines. This not only does not justify their purpose as a budget car, but also creates additional maintenance problems (frequent breakdowns and engine overheating).

The first thing you should pay attention to is the type of fuel system. The latter can be either gasoline or diesel. The second option is suitable for those who drive at least 50,000 kilometers a year. Only in this case, fuel costs will be less than when using gasoline units.

The second indicator is power. For everyday city trips, an engine with a capacity of 75-120 horsepower is suitable. This will be quite enough for comfortable movement on a free track. As for more powerful models, it should be noted that such cars are purchased in pursuit of style. Simply put, the extra power won't show up in an urban environment (unlike the highway).

Considering the question of which car is better to choose, it is important to choose the optimal indicator of the power of the power unit. This can be done by deciding in advance on the goals of operating the purchased car.

Features of choosing a vehicle in the cabin

In addition to the secondary car market, there is also a market for dealer offers. If the choice fell on the salon, then you should be prepared for the fact that prices will be an order of magnitude higher than when buying a used vehicle. How to choose a car? Keep in mind that the final cost and annual maintenance of the selected model depend on the purposes for which the car will be used. The main advantages of buying a car in a car dealership:

• body integrity. It makes no sense to worry about whether the car was in an accident, because. it just came off the assembly line.
• Additional protection of the paintwork. It should be noted that a big plus of buying a car in a car dealership is an intact layer of body paint. At the factory, the body is subjected to additional processing, which eliminates the formation of rust after an accident.
• Full service package. The high cost of buying a car also includes work on its annual maintenance at the dealership. Simply put, the manufacturer is responsible for breakdowns during the warranty period.
• Exquisite interior design. You can choose any configuration of the car interior. Pleasantly pleased with the presence of an electric package, ABS, navigation system, exchange rate stability.

When answering the question of how to choose a car in a car dealership, it should be borne in mind that in most cases the final cost includes insurance, registration of the car with the traffic police and maintenance. Therefore, this option should be considered by those who plan to buy a car for a long period and for family or city trips.

Buying a car for transporting goods

If the main purpose of buying a car is the transportation of goods, some nuances should be taken into account when choosing the right model. First of all, it is recommended to contact one of the transport companies specializing in freight transportation. You may be lucky, and the staff will give valuable advice on purchasing a suitable "iron horse". How to choose a car for work? There are a few more things to consider:

• Year of manufacture of the truck. As a rule, the older the car, the more problems will arise with the mechanical components.
• Compactness. At the moment, there are many varieties of trucks, both foreign and domestic, on the market. When choosing the right option, it should be borne in mind that the cost of servicing a foreign truck will be several times higher than that of a domestic one.

The second stage is the search for a suitable model. If the purchase takes place in Russia, then the best options are GAZelle or ZIL. Both machines are characterized by increased wear resistance, so they are best suited for Russian roads. The key difference between them is the load capacity. For GAZelles, the maximum figure is 1.5 tons, for ZILs - up to 5 tons.

You still do not know which car to choose? It should be noted that the presence of satellite signaling can greatly simplify your life in case a car with a load is stolen. This option is not cheap (more than 15,000 rubles), but when you install it, you don’t have to worry about losing the goods.

The dangers of buying a used car

In some cases, it becomes necessary to purchase an inexpensive used car for current needs, which can be sold after a while. In this case, the question arises of how to choose a used car at an affordable price and without serious flaws. For a successful purchase, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. The period during which the car was with the previous owner. If there are significant flaws in the body or chassis of the car that require serious financial investments, the owner tries to get rid of the car as quickly as possible.
2. Type of registration certificate. The presence of marks and pasted records about the condition of the car serves as a signal that the car has undergone MOT more than once, and its characteristics are far from optimal.
3. Vehicle sale form. As a rule, broken or defective vehicles are tried to be sold by proxy. This means that you will not become the owner of the car, and at one fine moment the former owner will come and take the car away, forgetting that you paid someone money.

When considering how to choose a car from the secondary market with impressive mileage, it should be noted that any doubt about the technical characteristics of a car gives you a good opportunity to bargain.

Choosing a car for beautiful ladies

Given the fact that there is no such thing as a "women's car", it is quite difficult to choose an option that meets the requirements and capabilities of the weaker sex. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the size. Given that the car will often be used in urban areas, small dimensions will play into the hands when parking in a dense car lane. In this case, the best option is Daewoo Matiz or Ford Focus hatchback.

The second characteristic is reliability. Not every woman understands the technical nuances of a car. Therefore, the number of breakdowns should be minimal. Under these characteristics, the Peugeot-407 (hatchback) car is suitable.

When answering the question of how to choose a car for a woman, it is important to consider that the gearbox model also plays an important role. Better to have it automatic. In this case, there will be no problems with buying a gearbox and updating the transmission. However, this option will cost more than a traditional car with a manual transmission.

Color is of great importance. In some cases, cars are chosen not according to technical features, but based on the color scheme. The best option depends on the preferences of the woman. The most common colors are blue, silver, red, pink, white.

What car color should I choose? You need to know the preferences of the girl. This is necessary so that a car with excellent equipment and a security system does not go back to the car dealership, because. it's not the right color.

Conclusion

It should be noted that buying a car is a responsible occupation. With a large selection of models both in car dealerships and in secondary markets, it is difficult to purchase the model that is optimal for you. The question of how to choose a car for a beginner is relevant for those who have recently completed their training at a driving school and want to try their hand at a big track. In this case, it makes sense to buy an inexpensive model of domestic production for training purposes.

In all other situations, it is necessary to pay attention to a combination of such indicators: year of manufacture, body condition, fuel consumption, power plant capacity, the presence of additional devices (rear-view cameras to facilitate parking, satellite signaling).

For people who are wondering which car to choose and at the same time not to make a mistake with the model, it will be useful to ask familiar auto mechanics and locksmiths about the nuances of servicing a particular vehicle. This information will help you choose a car in the optimal price category and with moderate wear of running elements that do not require additional financial investments. This is especially true for cars from the secondary market, as well as for models with mileage ranging from 30 to 80 thousand kilometers.

The recipe for the right choice is simple: use only common sense. The more terms you add to your selection formula, the more accurate it will be.

What parameters should be looked at first of all:

• dimensions and shape of the body;
• engine power;
• equipment and options;
• new or used car;
• price.

But you will compare all this later. Now the main thing is to figure out why you need a car.

Formulate the task: what, with whom, where, when

To make the right choice among the many options, ask yourself what you intend to transport, where, with whom and when to travel. The correct answers to these questions will tell you what kind of car you need.

Body

If you plan to use the car to commute alone or with one or two passengers, a compact sedan is a very good choice. The smaller the size of the car, the easier it is to find a place in the parking lot and maneuver in the crowd.

Regular weekend trips to the dacha are another matter. Children, relatives, things, seedlings in spring and grown crops in autumn - that's what you have to transport. The large rear door of a hatchback or station wagon allows even a small refrigerator to be loaded and transported if necessary.

Of course, cars with such bodies are somewhat more expensive than sedans, but these expenses will be justified.

Engine power

Contrary to popular belief, engine power alone has little effect on fuel consumption. It is enough to compare its value for cars that differ only in the engine - it will turn out to be almost the same.

In a city with its dense and slow traffic, engine power does not matter. Another thing is an empty and high-speed suburban highway. Here, additional horsepower can still come in handy for a fast and dynamic ride.

As for fuel consumption, it largely depends on the mass of the car, its technical condition, loading and driving style.

Equipment and options

Comfort and "excesses" are always worth the extra money. Weigh your financial capabilities and consider whether it would be excessive for you to pay for power windows, heated mirrors, air conditioning and other far from always necessary devices. Compare the cost of the car in the minimum configuration and in the desired one. Perhaps it is wiser not to overpay and turn the window lifter handle yourself?

The choice of gearbox is subject to the same arguments. The automatic transmission is definitely more convenient. Especially in city traffic. If you have an additional amount of money to buy a car with such a box, great. If there is not enough money, a car with a manual gearbox will drive just as well.

New or used

A two-three-year-old car with low mileage costs 20-25% less than exactly the same new one. Another advantage of this option is that all possible factory defects have already appeared and eliminated by the first owner. You get a run-in and proven car.

If you want to take possession of a completely new thing and fully enjoy its wonderful smell, you will have to pay for this pleasure.

Another argument in favor of a new car is buying a car for a long time. If you plan to drive as long as possible, a new car is more suitable for this goal than a used one.

Estimate the cost of ownership and operation

Buying a car is only half the battle. Its operation and even just its possession require systematic expenditures.

Mileage related expenses

These costs increase the more often and for longer you drive. This includes the cost of gasoline and lubricants, periodic maintenance and replacement of wear parts: brake pads and discs, tires, windshield wipers, and so on.

Recurring costs

This includes the road tax and the cost of passing the inspection. These payments are made annually. Their value depends on the engine power (tax), the place of registration of the car owner (OSAGO) and some other circumstances. Their size is almost impossible to influence.

Selecting a vehicle with the lowest engine power will only give you a small tax reduction.

Taxes and other obligatory payments in the total cost of a car make up a very small part. Remember them, but don't overemphasize them.

Repair

A modern car is a very reliable and durable product. But, like any technology, it may require repair from time to time.

The more expensive, more complex and more prestigious the car, the more you have to pay for repairs.

Owning a domestic car gives you additional opportunities to save money. If you have the necessary tools and skills, it is quite possible to take on many maintenance tasks. In addition, domestic cars are easy to repair "in Uncle Vasya's garage." While very specific foreign equipment is repaired only in authorized and very expensive service centers.

Speaking of repairs, one should not forget about one more difference between domestic brands and foreign-made cars: spare parts for VAZ and GAZ, as a rule, are available in stores, and parts for foreign cars must be ordered and waited for several days. Because of this, the repair of the machine may be delayed.

Choose your ideal car

Now that you have asked yourself a lot of questions about your car needs and answered them as honestly and concretely as possible, put them together and paint an image of your ideal car.

Here it is important to remain within the boundaries of common sense and not demand the impossible from the machine. You cannot foresee all life situations.

Example 1

You need a car for trips to the country and once or twice a year for vacation with a family of four. The car should have enough space for things. Since you intend to go to the sea in summer, air conditioning will be a prerequisite for a comfortable trip. The rest of the options are unimportant. The optimal solution to your problem is a spacious station wagon with air conditioning of one of the popular brands.

Example 2

If you need a vehicle for systematic trips around the city alone, look for a compact car with electric power steering: this is an indispensable unit for maneuvering in urban crowds and easy parking.

When you know what the car should be, know the budget for this purchase, choosing the right model will not be difficult.

1. From all sides you will hear advice, recommendations and assessments. Consider only those that are supported by facts.
2. Absolute faults are rare. Much more often, some feature or characteristic of the car in one situation is an advantage, and in another - a disadvantage. For example, a small car is a cramped interior and at the same time low fuel consumption. What is more important for you?
3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. The car is not forever. Your next choice will be wiser.