It’s not you, it’s me. I know we’ve had some good times together...but I think I’m ready for a new car.

Breaking up with your old car is easy. But finding yourself on the market can leave you overwhelmed.

There are so many options available, with thousands upon thousands of New and Nearly-new, Used and even Classic Cars up for sale at different dealerships, agents, websites, classified ads.

The sheer volume is incredible. And then you have to decide on what you want. What size, shape, colour, engine, age … there are all sorts of different factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing your new vehicle.

The good news is Creditplus are pros' when it comes to helping people find their perfect motor. So, if you need a little guidance choosing your next vehicle, here are our top factors to consider.

Size

This might seem obvious, but when it comes to choosing your next car, you will need to think about the size. And not just for the here and now.

Are you thinking about starting a family? Do you have some toddlers that will be teenagers before you know it?

When it comes to deciding the size of the car, you’ll also need to consider who will be using it. Is it just you or your partner? Will it be for the commute or will you be ferrying around a gang of kids?

You’ll want to think about the amount of space too. Will they all fit comfortably, or will it be too much of a tight squeeze?

Running costs

The running costs of a car can have a big impact on your finances, so choosing a vehicle that’s Cheap to Run could end up saving you a lot of cash.

Take a look at the car’s miles per gallon, and not just what the manufacturer’s has stated  the MPG to be. Have a search online and see what consumer websites, reviewers and owners say about the car’s thirstiness.

You’ll then get a clearer picture about how much you’ll be spending at the pump each month. You should also consider car tax. Diesel engines used to be seen as more cost-effective, but taxes on this type of car are rising.

Newer, cleaner engines are taxed at a lower rate, and some vehicles have No Tax Costs at all.

Petrol or diesel?

As we mentioned, it used to be that diesel was seen as the cheaper alternative. But in recent years there’s been a change of attitude towards this type of fuel, due to poor emission standards.

There is talk of diesel bans from city centres, and that may lead to higher taxes or more restrictions on vehicles with this fuel type.

But whilst petrol engines tend to be slightly cleaner, the attitude to traditionally fuelled vehicles is changing fast…

Is it time to go green?

It’s no secret that car emissions are largely responsible for our current climate emergency. So now might be the time to go for a hybrid or fully Electric Vehicle.

While the electric infrastructure is growing rapidly, areas outside of the big cities and towns are still catching up.

If your area doesn’t have a wide network of electric charging points near you, then hybrid vehicles are a good alternative and require less charging.

Safety

If you have a family, then safety is likely to be one of your top priorities. So, to determine the safety of a vehicle, take a look at its Euro NCAP Rating.

It will tell you just how safe it is for the driver, the passenger, child passengers, and even pedestrians.

You should also look at whether the car has ISOFIX points to fit a children’s car seat, as these are the industry standard and will provide the best protection.

But even if you don’t have children, you should still consider cars with a 5 Star Safety Rating.

Lane control, blind-spot detection, automatic braking, these are all new safety features that make driving that much better.

Comfort

Comfort is key. To maximise the comfort of your driving, think carefully about the quality of the seat material, the smoothness of the ride and the height of the seating position.

If you’re driving long distances regularly, or suffer from neck or back pain, choose a car that offers supportive, adjustable seating.

And don’t worry – a comfortable ride needn’t cost a fortune. There’s plenty of affordable, Luxury Models available, for you to take your pick.

Visual looks

For some, this consideration is at the very bottom of the list. But your car can be a Reflection of Your Personality.

So, while you might be tempted to just go for the cheapest option, you should think about what you want from the car too.

This can be from the colour to the spec. If you’ve had your heart set on a certain model for a long time, give it a test drive.

Don’t be afraid to go with your heart as well as your head.

Ready to make the change?

Apply Online for car finance today with Creditplus and one of our dedicated customer consultants will help you get behind the wheel of a car that’s just right for you.

Simply complete our quick and easy application form, and you’ll soon be on the road to your new car.