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Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed sales boomed in July with figures up 11.3 percent on last year’s values. Almost 175,000 vehicles left the forecourts last month in another boost on the 145,000 cars which were sold in June.
September’s new number plate designs and dealers desperate to secure deals to meet sales targets means now could be the best time to switch models.
But with many models available from petrol to electric and everything in between, prospective buyers may find it difficult to find a model which fits what they need.
Steve Thornton, Founder of Motor Souce Group, told Express.co.uk the common mistakes road users often make when picking a car to ensure you end up with your dream model.
What will the car be used for?
Mr Thornton warns some buyers “tend to act on emotion” when shopping for a new model.
But he warns buying a new vehicle should not be decided on simple “impulse buying” with drivers encouraged to consider how their new car would actually be used.
He said: “The bigger the car, doesn’t necessarily mean the bigger the boot.
“So if you need to fit a buggy, golf clubs or a lot of shopping, make sure you’ve considered all factors before purchasing.”
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How much will the car cost to run?
Every car comes with extra expenditures which will need to be paid alongside the upfront costs.
Car insurance costs are sometimes calculated based on the value of each vehicle and how easy it would be to obtain spare parts.
Insurers place vehicles in groups based on overall risks with more popular family cars lower down and supercars higher up.
It is possible that drivers may be able to secure a cheap upfront cost on an ageing model but could then be stung with heavy running costs.
Mr Thornton said: “I would suggest the first point of research when considering which model to buy should be to look how much insurance will cost.
“As an ongoing payment, this usually determines whether a car is affordable or not.”
Does this car work for the future?
Drivers usually own the same car for around three or four years meaning motorists need to look to the future slightly when purchasing a model.
If you are looking to change your job or start a family it may be wise to consider buying a car which will work for these things then panic nearer the time.
What engine shall I get?
Petrol cars are the most popular type of vehicle in the UK with almost 500,000 models sold so far in 2020, making up almost 60 percent of the market.
Fully electric models have increased in popularity so far in 2020 with a 174.6 percent increase in sales compared to data from 2019.
Mr Thornton told Express.co.uk: “If you want a more sustainable model, Electric cars have had a huge surge in popularity in recent years.
“However, these aren’t always practical if you live in a flat with regards to charging, so a hybrid or self-charging model may be more suitable.”
Diesel is the second most popular fuel type with over 147,000 models leaving forecourts this year.
But the models are on a downwards decline of over 60 percent compared to 2019 figures.
Despite the dramatic decline, Mr Thornton said this could still be the best option for the casual motorist.
He said: “If you’re doing over 12-15K miles a year, diesel is still more economically efficient.”
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