Frequently Asked Questions when Buying a New Car

When you buy a new car there are a few things that happen once the paperwork is complete.

When you buy a new car there are a few steps you should ensure are always taken.

Firstly, you should arrange a test drive of the car you are interested. This allows you to experience a car very similar to the one you intend to buy, letting you find out if you like the comfort, drive quality, kit and experience of the overall car. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, as it is important to ensuring you are satisfied with your eventual choice and purchase.

Once you’ve done a test drive and are happy with your choice, the next step in the new car buying journey is to decide on your requirements and order the car. Depending on how flexible your requirements are, we may be able to assist you with one of our brand new models from the forecourt, or if you are after a very specific specification then we can order the model directly from the manufacturer for you. At this point we will offer you the choice of cash payment, or to opt for one of our many competitive finance and leasing offers.

You don’t have to test drive a new car – but our experienced new car sales team would recommend that you do. Even if you don’t test drive the exact specification of new car you are looking to buy, a test drive will tell you a lot about the car you are considering – from the drive experience, the interior look and feel, down to little things like whether the seats are comfortable for you, or whether you have enough headroom. We would always stress the importance of a test drive – but if you don’t want to take one, that is your prerogative!

Thanks to the new online systems, it is very simple to tax a new vehicle – and this is something that you will need to do ASAP before you drive your vehicle. There is no grace period in vehicle tax.

Here at Ian Grieve Falkirk our new car sales team are always happy to help you out with taxing the vehicle on your behalf, but if you are doing it yourself you will need the 12-digit reference number on the New Keeper Supplement of your V5C/2. You can do this online at GOV.UK, or at the Post Office – or via the automated telephone system. 

New car registration plates are released twice a year – in March and September. If you want the latest plate, those are the months to wait for. However, it’s worth being aware that the months before new plates (so February and August) often have some of the best deals – so it can be worth a bit of flexibility too.

New cars vary widely in cost and specification, meaning that there is usually a model, offer or deal to suit most budgets. Very few people will pay for a new car fully in cash nowadays, with many people opting instead to spread the cost with a finance or leasing package. These allow you to make monthly payments (as well as deposits and finance purchase prices, amongst other elements) for a set number of months as a way to pay off the cost of the car. Some of these new car finance deals will be at 0% APR, whereas others will charge a rate of interest on top.

Regardless of how you choose to pay for your new car, it is always going to be a significant purchase – which is why we strongly recommend that you find a payment plan and strategy that suits your budgets not just now, but over the years to come. If you have questions about how you can afford a new car, our sales team will be happy to help.

 Assuming you have an appropriate sales limit, there is no reason that you couldn't buy a brand new car on a credit limit - and in fact, if you have a 0% limit it could be a clever way to avoid the interest of a new car loan.

Buying a new car gives you a number of advantages over used car stock - the first and foremost advantage being that the car will be in pristine new condition, unmarred by any previous owners. You will also of course have all the latest brand new manufacturer parts, many of which will fall under a new car warranty - meaning that if the car breaks down you are covered to get it repaired with a main dealer, rather than having to pay for the repair work yourself. 

Not convinced? If you think that a used car is a better fit for you as a customer then why not explore our wide range of used cars in Falkirk?

Brand new cars don't need to have an MOT until their third year - at this point you will need to book an MOT as it is likely that your vehicle is experiencing all the usual wear and tear from years of driving. That of course is exactly what an MOT is for - to pick up areas that need improvement and repair. 

Thankfully an MOT with a main dealer like Ian Grieve is surprisingly affordable - if your car is coming up to it's first MOT then simply book online using our easy form.

Buying a new car via a lease or finance agreement often offers an affordable way to spread the cost of the car over years of purchase, rather than having a single large cash cost up front.

In addition, vehicle leases take away a number of the worries and concerns of vehicle ownership - and if you think that is something that appeals then simple speak to our new car dealership for more information on the available lease packages. Example benefits can include servicing and maintenance packages, tyre cover, and some packages can even include vehicle insurance. there are also various options as you come to the end of your lease that can make it easy to move into another new car.

Of course, buying a car outright gives you one thing that a lease doesn't - total ownership of the car. You can sell it as you wish, and potentially drive it for many more years than the typical length of a lease. 

Which option suits you best in our new car purchase journey is likely to come down to your personal circumstances, preferences and financial situation.