We’ve all been there – our hearts fall for a flashy sports car or a sleek SUV, and suddenly, our needs seem secondary when we’re choosing a used car.
But when it comes to buying your next motor, especially a used one, it’s crucial to strike a balance between what you need and what you want.
Doing this will save you money, make your driving life easier, and ensure long-term satisfaction. Let’s dive into the key factors that will help you choose a used car that meets your real-life needs while still keeping your heart happy.
Understanding Your Needs
First and foremost, let’s start with a fundamental question: what will you use the car for?
Your needs represent the practical and essential aspects that your car must fulfil. And ignoring these could lead to regret later on, no matter how much you love the car. Here’s how to break it down.
1. Your Budget
The ultimate limiter in any car purchase. Whether you’re paying outright or financing, understanding what you can afford is vital.
In the UK used car market, prices vary significantly depending on the car’s age, make, and condition. It’s tempting to stretch your budget for that top-tier model with all the bells and whistles, but remember to account for insurance, road tax, and running costs on top.
Palmdale Top Tip
Use loan calculators to ensure you’re clear on what you can afford monthly. As mentioned in the Palmdale guide, “STICK TO IT” once you’ve decided on your budget. Emotional decisions often lead to financial headaches later.
2. Body Type
Your lifestyle dictates the body type you need. Whether it’s a compact hatchback for city driving, a 7-seater for a large family, or a rugged SUV for off-road adventures, matching the body type to your routine is crucial.
- Small car: Great for city dwellers who need manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.
- Estate or SUV: Ideal for families or those needing extra boot space.
- Convertible or Coupe: Perfect for weekend drives or those seeking style over utility – but be mindful of practicality.
3. Fuel Type
Fuel choice can significantly impact the cost of ownership. In the UK, petrol and diesel prices are always fluctuating, and electric cars are becoming more popular.
While electric or hybrid vehicles are fantastic for the environment, they’re not always practical for very long distances or for those without access to home charging points though.
- Diesel: Suits long-distance drivers and tends to be more fuel-efficient on motorways but not wonderful for the environment.
- Petrol: Generally cheaper to purchase but with lower fuel efficiency.
- Electric: Much better for the planet and a great option if you have the correct charging set-up.
- Hybrid: A good balance between petrol and electric but not quite as good as either.
4. Space and Size
Are you driving solo most of the time, or do you need room for family and luggage? The size of the car impacts everything from comfort to how easily you can park.
A larger car may feel luxurious, but it can be a hassle to squeeze into tight city spots or result in higher fuel costs.
When Your Heart Takes Over: The Wants
On the flip side, there are things we all want from our cars—whether it’s a stunning design, specific gadgets, or simply the feel of driving something fun.
There’s nothing wrong with indulging in your wants, but they should never overshadow your needs. Here’s how to keep your wants in check.
1. Brand Preference
In the UK, certain car brands come with prestige—BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and the like. While they are known for their quality too, they often come with higher maintenance costs.
On the other hand, brands like Ford, Nissan, or Skoda might not turn heads, but they can offer solid reliability and lower running costs.
It comes down to what’s important to you as well. As we warn in the Palmdale car-buying guide, “If you are the kind of person who wears a Rolex and designer clothes, think twice before buying a car brand with less status.”
That’s still sound advice, but it’s also important not to let the brand’s status cloud your judgement of what the car is worth for you.
2. Gadgets and Tech
Today’s cars can come loaded with technology—from cameras and collision sensors to Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control.
While these features can enhance your driving experience, they’re not always necessary, and older used models might not have them at all.
Prioritise essential tech like navigation or parking aids if they significantly improve your daily drive, but don’t get swayed by features you won’t use often.
3. Aesthetic and Design
The colour, shape, and style of a car are undeniably important to most people. But while a bright red sports car might stand out, it may also come with challenges, like lower resale value or higher insurance premiums.
Conversely, colours like grey or silver might seem more boring but are easier to maintain and sell.
And if a colour is unpopular, it may mean you can get a great bargain on your used car purchase, but bear in mind that you will not be able to sell it on again quite so easily.
Finding the Balance: Combining Needs with Wants
So how do you balance practicality with desire? The secret is in prioritising needs first and then layering your wants over them.
1. Start with a Clear Checklist
Before you even begin searching for a used car, create a clear checklist of needs and use this as a base.
Having a set criteria at the start will help in a number of way, as it keeps you focused on what car you want & need, saving you wasted time looking at the wrong cars.
Once you’ve established the basics – body type, budget, fuel type – then you can start thinking about your wants.
2. Consider Future Resale Value
No one likes thinking about parting with their car before they’ve even bought it, but resale value is an important factor.
Cars that fulfil your needs – especially practical ones like efficient fuel consumption, low maintenance costs, and space – often retain their value better than those bought solely for their looks or features.
Test Drive to Settle Your Heart and Mind
A test drive is the best way to bridge the gap between needs and wants. Feel how the car handles, listen to the engine (unless it’s an EV!), and ensure that it meets your practical needs while also delivering that “fun factor” you’re after.
During the test drive, check for unexpected noises or discomfort, but also let yourself enjoy the ride. Does the car make you happy to drive, or are you compromising too much on comfort or excitement?
Practical Examples of Needs vs. Wants
Example 1: The Family Man
Tom needs a practical vehicle to ferry his kids to school and football matches. His essential needs include safety, space, and durability. Ideally, he’d also like a bit of power under the bonnet.
He’s tempted by a sporty BMW X5, but after consideration, he opts for a Ford S-Max – cheaper to run, with better fuel efficiency and plenty of space. While it lacks the brand prestige, it ticks all his boxes practically.
Example 2: The Solo Commuter
Sarah commutes to London daily, so her needs include reliability and low running costs. She dreams of owning a flashy convertible, but in reality, the stop-start nature of her commute means a smaller hatchback would serve her better.
She settles on a Volkswagen Polo – stylish enough to satisfy her wants while delivering on fuel economy and size.
An Unlikely Example: The Man Who Loves Impractical Cars
Even those in the business of finding perfect cars can get it wrong sometimes. A certain car fanatic we know is notorious for choosing vehicles based solely on passion rather than practicality.
His car collection includes a car with no roof, many thirsty engines and machines that regularly result in huge repair bills. While his love for cars is undeniable, it’s a classic case of leading with the heart rather than the head!
But this is one person who simply wouldn’t be happy with an average reliable runaround. As he always says, “Life’s too short to drive boring cars.”
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Heart Drive the Decision
Cars are emotional purchases, but that emotion can sometimes lead us astray. While it’s easy to fall in love with a car’s appearance or luxury features, it’s important to stay grounded and focused on what you genuinely need in your day-to-day driving life.
Striking the right balance between needs and wants ensures you’ll not only love your car today but also in the months and years to come. Happy car hunting!