It’s important to choose a car that suits your lifestyle, budget and transport needs. There are many choices to make. It takes time and some effort to make an informed decision about which car is right for you.

What are your needs?
Things to think about when choosing a safer car:

• Family situation - how many people must the car hold?
• Location – how far and often do you need to travel?
• Lifestyle – what will you use the car for?
• Occupation – do you need to drive the car for work?
• Hobbies – do your hobbies involve car travel?

Research and compare to get the safest and best deal:

• Read car reviews and review safety ratings
• Speak to friends and colleagues who own a similar car
• Search the internet and newspaper classifieds to find the current market value.

New or used?
Newer cars generally have more safety features than old ones, but a basic new car may give less protection than an older car with extra safety features. Many late-model used cars with low kilometres are available. Most are well-maintained, look and perform like new, and many still have a new car warranty.

Ask yourself:

• How well will this car protect me and my passengers in a crash? 
• What features does this car have that will help me avoid a crash? 
• What other safety features does this car have?

When buying a car privately, test-driving and mechanical inspections are essential. Ask the owner about past maintenance, repairs and crashes. 


Budgeting and finance
Safe cars don’t have to cost a fortune. Used cars with relatively high levels of crash protection can be found at reasonable prices.

When budgeting, don’t forget to include the ongoing costs of fuel, maintenance, repairs, registration and insurance. An insurance premium is calculated using your age, postcode, car make and model and your driving record. Premiums can vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best deal.

Financing your car
A loan will give you more to spend on a car, but you will have to make regular repayments to the bank and pay interest on your loan. Interest can add a lot to the total cost of a car. Loans can be financial burden, so be sure of your financial situation and living expenses before taking out a loan.

Leasing may suit businesses or people who can use the cost of purchase and maintenance to reduce their taxable income and increase cash flow. Speak to your accountant or a financial consultant before signing an agreement.