Shopping for a new car can be exciting and empowering, but you’ll need to stay sharp.

The right car for you

There’s more than just budget to consider when looking for a new car. You should also think about:

• Safety and security requirements 
• Fuel consumption – high-performance cars use more fuel 
• Running costs – high-tech and luxury imported models can be expensive to service, repair and insure. Check the prices of spare parts such as headlights, oil and air filters, as well as insurance premiums 
• How many passengers you usually carry 
• Whether you need the power to tow a trailer or boat, and space for work materials or sports gear 
• Whether you need room to sleep – most passenger vans and some sedans and wagons can be converted to accommodate a bed

The real cost

There’s more to the cost of a car than its retail price. Extra costs include:

• Stamp duty 
• Registration 
• Insurance – get a quote or speak to NRMA Motoring Advice 
• Extended warranties (optional) 
• Dealer delivery

And once you’ve got the car, there are the running and maintenance costs to consider. These vary between models, so factor them in early!

Set an upper limit to your budget and stick to it. Make sure the car you love is the one you can afford.