Buying a car Top 10 large car buying tips Mar 2012
- Choose a large car that suits your needs
- How to keep running costs down
- Choosing between petrol, diesel and hybrid
From good-value motorway mile-munchers like the Ford Mondeo to premium models like the BMW 3 Series, there's a large car to fit most needs and budgets.
Our top 10 tips for buying a large car will show you what to look for. Then read our best large cars guide to find out all the cars we recommend.
Saloon or hatch? The Skoda Superb is both
1. Saloon or hatchback?
Whether you buy a saloon or hatchback depends on many factors, but boot space and versatility is the big difference. Hatchbacks usually trump saloons, although saloons usually offer greater security for luggage.
The so-called 'premium' brands tend to stick with saloons, while mainstream brands prefer hatchbacks. However, there plenty of exceptions. Most large cars are only available in one body style these days: indeed there are only two large models - the Vauxhall Insignia and MG6 - that offer you a choice of both saloon and hatch.
There are a couple of cuckoos, too. The Skoda Superb is a hatchback whose bootlid can also be opened like a saloon's. And the VW Passat CC is a saloon trying to look like a coupé.
2. Running costs are king
Minimising running costs is an issue that all owners should be aware of. As well as fuel consumption, insurance, servicing and parts, you need to consider depreciation (loss of value).
This tends to be very steep for big saloons. Even sought-after cars like the VW Passat will only be worth around a third of their list price after a typical three years and 36,000 miles, while the worst depreciators could be worth as little as 20%. You need to do your sums carefully before you buy. Fortunately, we've made this easy with our Guide to running costs.
Generous space: Toyota Avensis
3. Space stars
The whole point of large cars is the amount of space that they offer for passengers and luggage. However, not every car that's large on the outside is quite so big on the inside. For example, you might be surprised at how cramped the rear seats are in the Audi A4, Lexus IS and Mercedes C-class. Our practicality kings include the BMW 3 Series, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Skoda Superb.
4. Diesel or petrol?
The hmajority of large cars sold in the UK are now diesel-powered. The reasons are all to do with fuel-efficiency and the tax benefits that come from lower CO2 emissions. And the best large diesels are now rated below 100g/km of CO2, meaning free car tax. Modern diesels have plenty of pulling power, so they're rarely a compromise next to petrol versions.
However, don't dismiss petrol out of hand. The latest petrol powerplants are very efficient and the price premium of buying a diesel can sometimes take years to claw back through lower running costs.
Our petrol vs diesel calculator will help you work out which type of engine suits you best.
Leather upholstery is worth considering
5. Mainstream or premium?
Should you buy a mainstream or premium brand? Your decision should not be based solely on the list price. Yes, mainstream models are priced cheaper than premium ones, but premium cars often depreciate more slowly, so the overall cost could even be lower.
On the other hand, premium cars typically need a lot of expensive options to reach a realistic specification. And discounts are typically less generous on brands like Mercedes-Benz than they are with Ford or Peugeot. Our car reviews include a target discount that you should aim for, and you can read more about getting the best deal in our feature on money-saving car buying tips.
6. Get the spec right
It's vital to specify your car correctly if you want to maximise its value and appeal when it comes to selling it on. Large car buyers expect metallic paint, climate control and sat nav, while leather upholstery is a very worthwhile option if it's not overpriced.
Certain brands really suit automatic transmissions as well - Mercedes is a prime example. Other options worth considering include parking sensors, an upgraded audio system and cruise control. However, don't bother with a sunroof, mobile phone connectivity or body styling packages.
7. Handling and performance
Large cars can be among the very best cars to drive on the road. Models such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-class and Volkswagen Passat CC are almost like sports cars in the way they drive, with superb performance and agile handling.
New tech: Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
8. Hybrids and new tech
New 'green' technology is rapidly entering the large car sector, and it's something that should definitely be on your radar. Hybrids - cars with both conventional and electric engines - have been around for some time in the form of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.
There's also a new breed of hybrid called the 'plug-in' hybrid, which has batteries that can be charged rapidly from the mains, as well as a petrol engine. The benefits are very low CO2 and high fuel economy figures, and in some models the ability to run for longer in electric-only mode. Newcomers in this field include the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and Vauxhall Ampera.
9. Consider comfort
Ride comfort and noise insulation are important factors for many large car buyers, who often cover big mileages. Here, the cars that are sportiest to drive are often all at sea, particularly if you specify large alloy wheels with low-profile tyres and sports suspension. Indeed, surprisingly few large cars score top marks for ride comfort; one of the best cars in this regard is the Audi A4.
10. How about an estate car?
Large saloons will always occupy a special place in car buyers' minds, but in many ways an estate bodystyle might make more sense. For some, it will have the wrong image, and estate cars do cost more than the equivalent saloon, but they offer a lot more practicality.
If you're tempted, read our Guide to buying an estate car.
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- Find out all our Best Buy large cars
- Read to guide to automatic gearbox options
- Get a car finance deal with the Which? Money Helpline
