What Should You Pay Attention to When Choosing a New Car?
4 Answers
Here are the key points to consider when selecting a new car: 1. Examine the exterior: When choosing a new car, you can request two models of the same type for comparison. Pay attention to body gaps and paintwork. There are techniques for this inspection—focus on the gaps between the bumper and body, door gaps, and front/rear bumper gaps. Open the doors to check for any color differences between the interior and exterior paint. For paintwork, lighting conditions are crucial. The best light for inspection is natural daylight, as it reveals any flaws. If you're in a showroom, angle the car toward the sunlight for a similar effect. A qualified paint job should be smooth, free of orange peel or water ripple defects, and show no color differences in vulnerable areas like the bumper, door edges, and side mirrors. For metallic or pearl-effect paint, check the uniformity of aluminum or mica particles in the paint. 2. Inspect the mechanical parts: Start with the engine. A well-functioning engine should have no oil stains, respond quickly when started, run smoothly without shaking, and produce even sounds without sharp or irregular noises. When cold, the idle speed should be slightly higher (around 1,000 RPM). As the engine warms up, the idle speed should drop to about 780 RPM. Light acceleration should feel responsive, without knocking or loose sounds. Touch the engine cover—it should have minimal vibration. Inside the car, engine noise should be barely audible. If unsure, compare two running engines side by side. The oil-filling area should be clean, free of oil stains or dust accumulation (dust sticks only to oily surfaces). Apply the same method to other mechanical parts. Check the levels of the 'three oils and two fluids' (engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid). Next, inspect the battery. A new car's battery status can be checked via its indicator—green means good, black or white indicates low charge or damage, requiring prompt charging. 3. Check the ground: After inspecting the engine, look under the car for any signs of water or oil leaks, which may indicate hidden issues. Normally, only the exhaust pipe should have water droplets; other areas should be dry. 4. Inspect the tires: New tires should have undamaged sidewalls, especially the front ones. The tread should show no puncture marks, and ideally, the tire hairs should be intact—at least on the rear tires. If all tires are bald and the local roads are decent, reconsider the choice. 5. Test the doors and wipers: Doors should open and close smoothly, without odd noises. The rubber seals should be intact, and closing should feel snug, with a slight suction effect at the end. The paint along the door frame's lower edge should be flawless—any wear or dirt suggests poor storage conditions. 6. Examine the interior: The interior should be clean, especially high-touch areas like door handles and interior lights. Electrical and mechanical components should operate smoothly and quietly. The floor should be dry. Test all interior lights. Remove seat covers to check the upholstery, and ensure cup holders and sunglass compartments function properly. 7. Check small items: Inspect sun visor lights and the ashtray cover (which uses a damping mechanism—push to open/close; pulling may damage it). Test the cigarette lighter. 8. Test the sunroof: Operate the sunroof to check for unusual sounds or stiffness. Inspect rear seat curtains and the center armrest passage. 9. Test the audio system: Ensure power seats and parking sensors work well. The antenna must be installed for good radio reception. 10. Check the keys: Verify the key code strip and plastic key mold (for duplication and emergencies). Start the car to confirm the electronic system's self-check. 11. Take a test drive: Adjust mirrors, fasten your seatbelt, and start driving. The steering should feel responsive, and the car should stay within a 5-meter deviation over 500 meters when releasing the wheel. Manual transmissions should shift smoothly; automatics should shift without jerking. Drive on uneven roads to check for rattles. The steering wheel should self-center after turns. Slight initial throttle lag is normal, but acceleration should be smooth afterward. With the AC on, the throttle shouldn’t feel burdened, and cool air should flow within 10 seconds. 12. Inspect all lights: Check all lights and ensure the fuel cap operates correctly. 13. Verify tools: Locate the triangular warning sign (orange, stored under the trunk lid). The spare tire is stored at high pressure for longevity but should be replaced after a repair. Check for all tools: jack, screwdriver, wrench, wheel cover hook, and lug bolt. 14. Review documents: The manual and VCD are in the document bag. Keep the manual safe—it’s essential for warranty claims and cannot be replaced. Verify the vehicle’s certificate, crucial for registration. 15. Match the VIN and engine numbers on the certificate with the car’s, ensuring the stamped numbers are clear and unaltered.
When choosing a new car, my focus is on the budget. As an average person, I calculate the total expenses: the car price is just the tip of the iceberg—down payment, loan interest, and monthly payments must all be considered to avoid overwhelming debt. Insurance costs should also be checked, as sportier models tend to have higher premiums. Operating costs like fuel efficiency are crucial; a gas-guzzler can hurt when fuel prices fluctuate, so I prioritize official fuel consumption data to pick an economical car. The space should be spacious enough, such as having rear seats that can fit child seats for families with kids. Long-term reliability is important—check user reviews and resale value, as some brands depreciate quickly, leading to significant losses. A test drive is essential to assess driving comfort, handling, and seat support for daily life. Don’t forget maintenance costs; expensive parts and high repair fees aren’t worth it. By considering all these factors, you can find a truly economical and practical vehicle, avoiding impulsive purchases and regrets.
I'm super excited about picking a new car because I'm a tech enthusiast. I'll focus on the tech features of modern vehicles: the infotainment system must have a responsive touchscreen, support CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, and smart voice control for easier navigation; safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking boost driving confidence. Comfort features are also crucial—dual-zone climate control and ventilated seats make long trips less tiring. With the strong trend toward electric vehicles, I'll test-drive to experience zero-emission acceleration and check if charging networks cover my daily routes. Small details like premium sound systems and ambient lighting enhance the experience—don’t just read the manual, test them during the drive to ensure smooth operation. Since tech evolves fast, I prefer the latest models to avoid obsolescence, ensuring my choice is both cool and practical.
Safety is my top priority when traveling with family, and I won't take any risks. I always check authoritative crash test results, such as NCAP ratings, to ensure peace of mind. Active safety features like ABS and electronic stability control are essential. Multiple airbags with comprehensive coverage, especially side and knee protection, are a must. Visibility design should help eliminate blind spots, and rear parking sensors prevent minor collisions. When traveling with children, I test whether the rear seats are convenient for child seat installation and whether the materials are eco-friendly and non-irritating. Reliability is also crucial for safety, so I opt for reputable brands with fewer accident histories. During test drives, I check traction on slippery roads to ensure the vehicle's stability. Investing in safety is more important than appearance, and I carefully consider every detail to protect precious moments.
