There’s so much to think about when it comes to buying a new car. While factors such as budget, technology and features, as well as monthly outgoings and brand, will perhaps feature highly on your list of priorities, how highly do you rate reliability? Have you taken the time to consider how you’ll be getting from A to B, or the costs likely to be involved with maintaining your new car? Whether you favor a particular brand, or you’re simply looking for a car with power steering and little else, it is essential that you also take the time to investigate any potential vehicle’s reliability; it may one day save you a great deal of inconvenience.

The importance of owning a reliable car

We can’t stress this strongly enough: reliability matters. Your car could be the flashiest in the showroom, the smoothest drive in town, or the latest model to hit the streets, but if it lacks reliability or a good engine, you won’t get very far before you need to rethink your choice.

Choosing a well-made, reliable car will not only give you greater peace of mind and an increased level of safety, but it will cost you much less in terms of parts and general maintenance; if everything’s in good working order to begin with you’ll spend far less getting the parts you need later in the vehicle’s life. You may be concerned that a so-called reliable car may be seen as far less of a status symbol, but think about the opportunities for personalization that your car will come with. If it’s not already fitted with all of those bells and whistles, upgrades aplenty are waiting for you just around the corner.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, or have realized your car has been spending far more time in the shop that parked on your driveway, now is the time to act.

Upgrading your wheels: A how to guide

There are two options when upgrading to a more reliable vehicle: used or new. So which one is best for you?

• Buying a used vehicle

First thing’s first. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a used car, regardless of whether you could afford a new car or not. Used cars have a little more experience under their belts, have often been tested to their limits already, and will have a bit of history attached; think of it like acquiring a new friend and imagine the places your car has already been to.

Buying a used car is also your opportunity to have a little fun with upgrades and to adopt something of a project in the process. Do you want to tint your windows, change the car’s tires, add a paint job, or refresh the interior? Adding upgrades to your used car is a great way to personalize it and to get to know your new vehicle inside and out. Such tasks are also essential for ensuring its reliability; there are a 101 ways to upgrade a used vehicle so it feels like knew, so be sure to consider how you’d like your new car to run for you.

The world of used cars can be a difficult and daunting one to navigate; how do you know you’re not being taken for a ride before you’ve even fastened your seatbelt? It is incredibly important to know the history of any vehicle before you buy it and to be aware of any issues it has had, or may be likely to have. While buying a car from a classifieds site or an online auction may appear the cheapest way to acquire a vehicle, it isn’t always the smartest choice. Be sure to visit a reputable dealership if you’d like to guarantee the quality of service you’ll be receiving and the reliability of the car you’ll be driving away in.

Buying a new car

Buying a brand new car can be an exciting prospect – a definite upgrade from the vehicle you’re currently driving around. What’s more, choosing a car directly from a showroom is often the best way to guarantee a car’s reliability and to see exactly what you’re getting before you leave. Your new vehicle will have been subjected to rigorous safety checks and protocols just weeks before ‘meeting’ you and is unlikely to have a history of accidents or electrical failures. Worried that a new car will feel too impersonal? Don’t forget that brand new cars can be customized and treated to upgrades in much the same way as used cars can. If you’d like to make the most of heated seats and they don’t come as standard, be sure to request them. Do you want to play around with the car’s dash or steering wheel, or add a tint to the windows? Ask your local dealer if such upgrades are possible. The great thing about buying a car is that dealers simply want to ensure you’re happy. Think about how reliable your new car will be and rest assured that everything has been thought of already.

Whatever you’re currently driving around in, take a moment to think about your car’s reliability. When was the last time it let you down? Do you feel safe as you motor through town? Remember that no car is worth your safety, or the hundreds of dollars it may guzzle in maintenance costs. Think about an upgrade today.