What To Consider When Buying A Car For A Loved One

So, you’ve worked hard for years, and your prudence has been paying off. You’ve got enough disposable income, as well as the bank balance, to actually consider the dream gift for a family member: a new car. You may not be entirely certain they deserve it, but you know they need one, and you can provide one. Besides, they will really appreciate you once the present is ‘opened’, even more so than they do already.



But it’s hard enough choosing a dress or a pair of shoes, never mind a car. After all, everyone has their own style, and maybe the person you’re thinking of is not necessarily that easy to please. So how do you make the decision? Well, there are a number of things you really should consider:



Firstly, their budget. Not your budget, that part of the problem is solved. Their budget. After all, once the car is signed over into their name it’s a liability in a way. Consider the actual impact on their wallet after insurance, gas, maintenance, accessories, parking and maybe even parking tickets! So put yourself in the position of the lucky recipient, and try to estimate how much they’ll be willing to spend on all those things. More importantly, how much they will be able to spend on them. How far is it for your daughter to drive to work, your son to university and so on?

Then consider their style. For instance, a young man of 20 is not likely to be as happy with a grey four-door sedan as he would be with a zippy black or red hatchback. Also, if it’s for your daughter, what is her favourite colour?



Even though it might seem a bit obvious, consider their gender. Actually, quite a few car models these days have been specifically designed with women in mind. Even the radio and CD buttons stick out more, for greater ease of use by ladies with long nails. Then there are the armrests, the distances between the dash and steering wheel, and all the ergonomic stuff. Whilst it’s fair to say a lady might prefer these features, a man might be embarrassed by them.



Also make sure to consider their personality. A risk-taker, who can be courageous, or even a little aggressive, will appreciate extra horse-power for when there’s a need for speed. Sure, they’ll pay more in insurance costs, and the high speeds may mean there are more tiny rocks hitting the front of the vehicle, causing it to need windshield repair, but this is a person who likes performance. On the other hand, someone who doesn’t like driving fast is likely to appreciate all of the latest safety features, like driver’s knee-level air-bags, and the most modern computer-controlled all-wheel tracking systems.



Finally, consider their relationship to you. If it’s your son or daughter, and you’re really close to them, it’s probably worthwhile splurging for a more expensive car that they would really love. However, if it’s a family member you don’t see as often and speak to only a few times a year, but they really need a car and you can help, well, you should maybe consider an economy car. Why over-do it?



Whatever the case may be, think before you act. If you get it right, it could be the most appreciated present you’ll ever get for anyone.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.