Buying a car can be loaded with emotion, but it should be a logical decision making process. So before you open your wallet, check out the pitfalls to avoid and the common mistakes women make when buying a car…
Q. What do women look for when buying a car?
“I don’t think there is much of a difference in what women and men want when it comes to buying a new car. It’s more about lifestyle and current life circumstances. Though I will admit that my first impression of a car is based on what I think of the looks!
Many people choose a car for emotive reasons, rather than logical reasons. Cars are considered an extension of your personality, so brand image often plays a big part in the decision. However, it is also wise to consider some more practical factors.
Things like technology, safety, comfort, ergonomics, fuel efficiency, environmental impact and ongoing ownership costs are important considerations.
For some the priority may be what’s under the bonnet, brand cachet or styling.
Parents, whether male or female, will be after something with excellent safety features, ease of ingress and egress and comfort.
A young couple may want something that suits their active lifestyle – power and ride-comfort may be priorities in this case.
Each case has its own unique factors and that’s where CarAdvice comes in. With reviews, news, lifestyle, comparisons and video content – we have a comprehensive library in which to do your research.”
Q. What do men want in a car?
“Stereotypically we’re led to believe men want noise and power. Yet I know women who love cars in this way, and men who drive small hatches or convertibles that are ‘stereotypically’ girls’ cars.”
The key to what I do is to never assume, but to cover aspects of a car that may not be discussed in-depth in our more technical reviews.”
Q. What advice do you have for women buying a car?
“Buyer’s remorse is often financially motivated. I’d suggest that everyone should take ongoing ownership costs into consideration before purchasing a new car. Know the warranty coverage, servicing intervals and costs, registration and insurance as well as fuel consumption. Calculate your costs and decide if it’s reasonable and affordable for you.”
Q. What’s the number 1 mistake women make when purchasing a car?
“Whilst test-drives are still a key step to making the right purchase decision, the number one mistake anyone can make is to sign on the dotted line in the heat of the moment. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into such a significant purchase as a car. Make sure you do your own research first and arm yourself with knowledge before you walk in to a dealership.
Make a list of needs, like rear air bags, minimum cargo space, USB ports, four-wheel-drive – what ever you can’t live without.
Also make a list of wants: Bang & Olufsen sound system, AEB braking, sunglasses holder, sunroof…
Then read all that you can, compare specifications of different makes and models and come up with a shortlist that satisfies all of your needs and most of your wants.”
Q. Who has the final decision when it comes to the family car purchase – mum or dad?
“Women influence 70% of all car purchase decisions. This covers ‘all’ car purchases across the industry. For family car purchases the number is probably much higher.”
Q. Any advice for women who don’t know about cars?
“I encourage women to feel empowered and not be intimidated when it comes to researching and buying a new car. The stereotype that women aren’t interested in cars is archaic and should be smashed to smithereens.
It’s important to get your head around all of the relevant information when making such a major investment. Who knows, you may just enjoy learning about these awesome machines.”
Tegan Lawson is the Lifestyle Editor of CarAdvice.com.au and Motoring Editor for The Carousel.
Image: Photo by Peter “Hopper” Stone – © Ã2013 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
