Buying a car can be confusing and daunting, especially once you meet up with a dealer. However, standing tall and knowing what to ask can have a huge impact on the deal you end up getting. With the following tips and tricks, you can get a great deal and ensure everyone is happy!

 Do your research beforehand

Before even setting foot in a dealership, it is important to have a look online. We are lucky to live in an age where everything is available at a mouse click. Take advantage of this and research the car, the going rate for the vehicle both new and used, any reviews and whatever else you would want to know. Coming armed with information is a great asset when visiting a dealership.

 Trade-ins

If you are looking to upgrade from your current car, it is a lot easier if the dealership accepts trade-ins. You won’t have to sell your own used car and the old car will reduce the price of your new purchase. Make sure you ask the dealer how they can help.

 Previous owner and problems

When looking at a used car, you need to know exactly what it’s been through. You should be able to request maintenance records, a certificate of roadworthiness and if the car is a manufacturer certified pre-owned car.

 Dealership policies

It is important to know what the dealership offers in regards to returns, warranties and servicing. Although it may not be common for a lot of dealerships, it is not unusual for someone to regret their purchase and want to return it. Try to find a dealership that does this. Also ask about if the car comes with a warranty and any servicing specials.

 Cash price

As with most industries, paying cash will usually get you a lowered price. Ask if this is an option for the car you are looking at. Also ask what kind of financing options they have if paying cash is not possible.

 The above are just a few things to get you started. Combined with research and a little common sense, buying from a dealer should be easy!

 Looking for a dealership that works with you, not against you? Look no further than Bartons. The Brisbane based firm has dealerships scattered across the region, so there is sure to be one near you.

• What features do you need? What is your budget? Is it fuel efficient? Is it easy to service?
• What is the history of the models you are considering? Have they been reliable? Are they tested? Have they sold well?
• Test drive a number of models. Is it comfortable? Is it noisy? Does it have enough power?

These are the main questions we ask at Bartons used cars Wynnum.

In used cars we make sure the customer comes first. Buying a car weather it is new or used is a big expense having the vehicle ready roadworthy detailed on the yard is so important.

Into days market customers want the best and this is what we provide at Bartons making sure our cars are of high quality and a peace of mind motoring. Every vehicle comes with a warranty this giving the customer a peace of mind buying from a dealership with over 67 years of local service !! We also offer all makes and model vehicle servicing

You can research and know as much as you want about a car, but until you have seen the car in person and have driven it, you cannot make your decision whether you want it or not. The feel of the car is completely different from what you read online and is not something that can be described.

Why performance technology matters

Subaru vehicles have been a popular choice for many Australians, with a number of benefits that make the car brand stand out from the rest. One of the most obvious advantages of a Subaru vehicle is in its DNA. It’s the performance technology that matters.

With more than four decades of rigorous scientific testing, the Subaru has various performance parts that make it so desirable, including:

Boxer Engine

Rather than standing vertically, this engine is made to lie horizontally in the engine bay. This provides a lower centre of gravity. The design of the Boxer Engine means it has a unique punch and counter action, making it quieter and reducing vibration, as well as offering greater balance, stability, traction and control.

Lineartronic CVT

Subaru is proud to have created the world’s first longitudinally mounted system for AWD production vehicles. The system differs from conventional automatic transmission in that it provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. This means smooth gear changes and an overall smoother ride. You can also choose “manual mode” if you prefer it.

Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)

For Subaru vehicles, SI-DRIVE regulates key engine functions, offering three distinctive driving modes. For manual models, the system regulates the engine control unit and the electronic throttle. Automatic models get all of the above, as well as regulation of the transmission control unit. The three modes are Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

Automatic Stop Start

Take fuel efficiency to the next level with this unique Subaru feature that automatically stops the engine during times of idleness, such as at the lights or in stop-start traffic. You don’t have to do anything – the system works by automatically stopping the engine then restarting it in a fraction of a second. Put your foot on the accelerator and take off as smoothly as you stopped.

To find out which Subaru models have which features or to see what else goes into the DNA of a Subaru vehicle, visit Bartons Subaru, the Subaru dealership in Brisbane.

When buying a car it is vitally important to take into consideration not only what kind of budget you have to work with but also which vehicle is going to be the most suitable for your lifestyle.

There are obviously cars of all shapes and sizes available on the market and the last thing you want to do is waste your time researching vehicles which are completely irrelevant to your lifestyle. It would be wise to think about what you’ll be using it for on a day-to-day basis, as this will help you to establish a starting point with your research and enquiries.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re a young and single individual who needs a vehicle to run from point A to point B. It would hardly be justified purchasing a fuel-guzzling four-wheel drive SUV when a smaller vehicle, such as a compact hatch, would offer far superior fuel efficiency and would be more suitable for commuting through the city on a daily basis.

On the other hand, if you have a family of three, a shiny new Lamborghini is probably not going to be on the cards anytime soon. Instead, you’ll want to opt for the kind of vehicle which is big enough and hardy enough for you and your partner to cart the kids around but that offers reasonable enough gas mileage to not become a drain on your finances in the long-term.

There is an old adage which says “dress for the job you want rather than the job you have” and if only this were also true of cars! However, a realistic outlook is of the utmost importance here, so take a look at your current lifestyle, including your daily commute, your leisure activities and any future plans you may have concerning relocating or raising a family. With this firmly in your mind, you’ll be able to resist the temptation to indulge in a car that reflects the kind of lifestyle you wish you had and instead opt for a car that will serve you reliably where it matters most.

For both new and used cars, it should go without saying that you’ll want to arrange a test drive. Taking a car for a spin before committing will give you a clearer idea of how it handles, any potential faults and what the interior features are like.

Whether you’ve decided which kind of vehicle is right for you or you’re still sitting on the fence, be sure to speak to Bartons. With more than six decades of experience as one of the most successful family-owned car dealerships in Brisbane, their staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and find the perfect vehicle for you.

While driving day-to-day, we rarely pay much thought to the vehicle which we rely upon. In reality, a car can be the most important link in our chain of resources, so it’s absolutely vital we give it the care and attention it so often needs.

With this in mind, what do you think is the only point of contact between you and the road when you’re hurtling down the highway at ungodly speeds? If you guessed tyres, that’s correct! Your tyres are the only thing keeping you firmly planted to the road, so caring for them is probably one of the most important responsibilities of being a motorist.

It is easy for new or younger drivers to overlook their tyres as they haven’t experienced the general wear and tear that can take place over a series of months and years and this problem is further compounded by drivers who neglect to have their vehicle regularly serviced.

Neglected tyres can lead to balding or tyres with uneven wear and this can significantly affect your car’s ability to handle the road, as well as potentially increasing your stopping distance.

Here are a few helpful pointers to ensure your tyres stay in tip top condition:

• Check your tyre pressure at least once a month; this need only take a few minutes but will slow down the rate of wear and tear on your tyres, as well as improving their traction on the road and even increasing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
• While checking the pressure, be sure to also keep an eye on the amount of wear on the tread depth, which should be no more than 1.6mm. Many tyres are now equipped with tread wear indicators so you can easily see how close you are to needing replacements.
• When fitting new tyres, it is best to connect them to the rear axle first as this is not connected to the steering and it can be harder to determine their traction. Having a firm grasp on your front wheels will afford you better overall handling in all situations, including wet conditions and emergency stops.
• If you determine one of your tyres needs to be replaced, you should always begin by speaking to a tyre specialist who will be able to remove the tyre from the wheel and assess for any internal damage. Having a professional perform these checks will give you much greater peace of mind and ensure the safety of you and your family.

If you’re still not sure how best to take care of your tyres, you might like to consider speaking to a specialist over at Bartons Bayside. With over six decades of experience as one of the most successful family-owned car dealerships in Brisbane, Bartons’ dedicated staff will be able to advise you on the best practices for tyre care as well as advising on which brands are most suitable for your vehicle.