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There's nothing quite like the feeling of driving away in a brand new car. These are cars that are fresh from the factory, zero miles on the clock, and that new car smell.
But buying a new car is a big financial commitment, and with so many models, trim levels, optional extras, and finance deals to navigate, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed. The good news is that a handful of the right questions can make the whole experience far more straightforward.
To help you on your new car-buying journey, at Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom, here are the 10 questions to ask before signing on the dotted line…
We know it sounds like a simple question to ask, but it's surprising how many buyers want a car that doesn't quite suit their day-to-day needs.
Before you get swept up in the excitement of a new car purchase, take a moment to ask yourself (and the car dealership you’re visiting) these questions to help you create a better picture of the car’s suitability in your day-to-day life:
New cars typically come in a range of trim levels, so the difference in price between a base model and the top-of-the-range version can be thousands of pounds. Getting the trim right from the start means you won't feel like you're missing out or paying for things you never use.
Ask your car dealership to walk you through what each trim includes, and be honest about which features you'll genuinely use versus which ones just sound appealing in a brochure. Here are some things worth clarifying:
Most new cars come with a tempting list of optional extras. Some genuinely are useful additions to have, while others are nice-to-haves that can add hundreds to your total purchase price.
Ask your car dealership which options are most popular, which add the most value at resale, and which are available as part of a pack (which is often better value than ticking them individually). Metallic paint, for example, is almost always worth adding, as it protects the bodywork and makes the car easier to sell on.
We recommend that you always ask for a full, itemised quote before you agree to anything. The headline price of a new car rarely tells the whole story once you factor in the following additions:
New car lead times can vary a lot depending on the make, model, and specification. Some cars are already in stock and available within days from the dealership, while others are built to order and could take several months to be delivered.
If you need a car by a specific date, then asking this question is hugely important. Here are some sub-questions to help you get the answers you’ll need:
Getting a new car on finance is now one of the most popular options for buyers. Although it’s usually the monthly payment that draws buyers in, it's the total cost of the agreement that really matters.
We recommend that you always ask for the total amount repayable over the full term - not just the monthly figure. It’s also wise to compare the dealership’s finance options against a personal loan from your bank before committing.
Ask your dealer to clearly explain each new car finance option they offer, such as PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and HP (Hire Purchase).
One of the biggest advantages of buying a new car is the manufacturer's warranty, but it’s important to understand that not all warranties are the same.
Most new cars come with at least a three-year warranty, with some manufacturers now offering five or seven years. It's one of the most valuable things that comes with a new car, so it's worth understanding exactly what you're getting. Consider asking these additional questions:
Buying a new car doesn't mean the vehicle is maintenance-free. Ask your car dealership what the recommended service intervals are, what a typical service costs, and whether a prepaid service plan is available.
Service plans (this is where you pay a fixed monthly amount to cover future servicing costs) can offer great value and take the guesswork out of budgeting. They're often available at a discount when taken out at the point of purchase, so it's well worth asking before you make a final decision.
New cars depreciate the moment they leave the forecourt - it's just a fact of car ownership. But some models hold their value far better than others, and if you plan to sell or part-exchange your car in a few years, this really does matter.
Ask your car dealership which models in the range tend to retain the most value, and factor this into your decision. This is especially important if you're on PCP finance, where the car's future value directly affects your monthly payments and end-of-term options.
We advise you never buy a new car without driving it first - even if you've researched it extensively online. A test drive tells you things a spec sheet never can, such as how it feels at motorway speeds, whether the driving position suits you, how intuitive the infotainment system is, and simply whether you enjoy being behind the wheel.
If possible, test drive the actual trim level and specification you're planning to buy. Features like adaptive suspension or different tyre profiles can change the way a car feels quite noticeably.
At Wilsons Motor Group, we stock some of the world's most loved car brands - and our team is here to make your new car buying experience genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
We'll take the time to understand what you need, be upfront about costs, and never rush you into a decision you're not completely comfortable with.
Explore our new car range today!