If you’re currently in the market for a car, there’s every possibility you’re leaning towards purchasing a used car in order to keep costs low, but don’t settle for a used car just yet!

It should go without saying that buying a new car as opposed to a used one will usually mean spending less on servicing and maintenance in the long-term, but it’s also worth taking into consideration that some new cars can be very competitively priced in comparison to their used counterparts.

Let’s take a look at some more advantages that new cars offer over used:

• Enhanced Safety Features
  Especially important for new and inexperienced drivers, more up-to-date car models will typically feature superior safety features, including airbags and power steering, making for a safer and more streamlined driving experience and giving you greater confidence out on the road.
• Greater Efficiency
  Motorists are becoming increasingly mindful of fuel efficiency with newer car chassis being designed with greater gas mileage in mind. The sheer fact that they are new also means you’ll get greater fuel economy in the long term with far smaller maintenance and repair costs.

• Scheduled Maintenance
  Regular servicing will help to reduce the risk of breakdowns, bald tyres and poor emissions, and neglecting factors such as these can result in increased long-term maintenance costs. The service history of used cars can often be quite patchy whereas the manufacturer of a new car will ensure that it is serviced frequently so that you can get the very best out of it in terms of efficiency, safety and comfort.

• Warranty
  Warranty coverage on used cars can be minimal and is often completely non-existent on private sales. Whenever you purchase a new car, it will come with a warranty to cover all parts; however, it is always wise to discuss this extensively with your sales advisor to make sure that all eventualities are accounted for.
• Greater Peace of Mind
  Whenever you buy a used car, you’re always running the risk of buying a dud. Who knows how many kilometres a used car will run before it needs maintenance – 500? 1000? 2000?
  Either way, instead of playing a guessing game, a new car will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you have a shiny new vehicle that is fully covered by a warranty and that boasts all of the enhanced security and fuel-efficiency features you would expect from a more up-to-date motor.

Before making your final decision, it may be a good idea to speak to Bartons. They have more than 65 years of experience and as one of the largest and most successful car dealers in all of Brisbane, their friendly and helpful staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Finding the right car for your lifestyle

When buying a new car, it is important to consider your lifestyle and needs. While it is easy to get caught up in fancy advertising and extras you don’t really need, it is essential to find a car with a good foundation for whatever you do most in regards to travel. The following are just a few tips to help you find the right car for your lifestyle.

Different styles for different lives

It is important to consider what you will use the vehicle for most, including if you like driving for recreation. Are you constantly carting the family around? Do you like to go into the bush on the weekend? Are you doing a lot of city driving? There are many different styles available, from small hatchbacks and convertible coupes to big 4WD trucks and seven seater vans.

The daily commute

Everyone has a daily commute, whether it’s to work, to school or to the shops. How you get around on a daily basis is an important part of finding the right car for your lifestyle. Those who travel to work, a smaller car may be suitable. If you are dropping off the kids, a car with lots of room is ideal. If you are at home a lot but need space for groceries or friends, something in between the two may be suitable for you.

Small versus large

Large cars are often safer and can fit more in, but can also be harder to park and drive. Smaller cars are more economical and easy to use with city driving, yet may not be suitable for weekend holidays or family trips.

Budget

How much you have to spend will greatly define the kind of vehicle you can buy. After choosing a general style of vehicle, look at varying prices and see what fits into your budget, including considering the prospect of buying second hand or getting a car loan.

For more advice and help with finding the right car for your lifestyle, talk to the experts at Bartons today. Call the car dealership in Brisbane on (07) 3087 7333 or (07) 3198 1188 to get in touch.

The best form of accident prevention on the road is not some new gizmo or gadget fitted in the latest models, it is not helmets and elbow pads or even some safety device you can fit in your car.

Have you guessed what it is yet?

That’s right, road experience. Having road experience will help you feel more confident while driving so that your reaction times improve and your concentration gets a substantial boost.

Accident prevention for young drivers is particularly important, and this can easily be achieved by taking part in a defensive driving course. This can help develop the skills and experience necessary to navigate the road with a calm mastery that will greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a traffic accident.

One of the main benefits of a defensive driving course is that we usually don’t learn certain skills on the road until they are put to the test and we have to quickly respond to a situation we’ve never encountered; this could be the vehicle in front suddenly braking or a cyclist pulling out of a driveway too quickly. If you haven’t developed these skills early on, how can you feel truly at ease on the road?

A defensive driving course can usually be completed in a single day and will teach you things like the most common causes of road accidents, how to proactively adopt a defensive stance while driving, vehicle stopping distances and much more. These programs are available all over Queensland and help to familiarise you with all of the safety features included in today’s cars, as well as the right and wrong way to respond to certain situations and how to deal with hazardous conditions such as wet or icy roads. After just a few hours, you’ll be able to walk away with a far greater sense of competency and a more thorough understanding of the best attitudes to adopt while you’re out on the road.

The best way to compliment your newfound confidence on the road would be to ensure you’re driving a vehicle that reflects this. A new car which is fully covered by a warranty and that offers the latest and greatest in safety features will be as close as you’re ever going to get to guaranteeing the your safety while driving. Also having a defensive driving course under your belt will certainly go a long way to bolster this sense of security and peace of mind.

Organisations such as Driver Skills Australia, Safe Drive Training and the Mt Cotton Training Centre all offer fantastic defensive driving programs, so for more information, be sure to contact Bartons.

Bartons Bayside has been in trading in the motoring industry since 1945 and has subsequently become one of the biggest and most successful car dealerships in Brisbane. Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran of the road, regardless of your age, Bartons advisors are always more than happy to provide the answers you’re looking for and will be able to answer any questions you have regarding participating in a defensive driving course.

Buying a new car? Get prepared with all the dos and don’ts  

If you are looking at buying a car, there are a few pitfalls you need to watch out for. You should also have a few questions answered before you even step foot in the dealership. With this handy list, you can easily tick of the dos and don’ts from the comfort of your computer chair!

Do know your budget

It is vital you know how much you can afford before visiting a dealership. If you want to get a car loan, consult with your bank first. If you are using your own money, take into account how much you will have to pay on top of buying the car, such as fuel and maintenance costs. Everything adds up, so be sure of what you want before finding a car that is way out of your budget!

Do have an idea of what you are looking for

Do you need a family car? Do you do a lot of city driving? Do you want a small car or a larger vehicle? All of these questions are also important for finding the right car for you. This will help narrow down your search and define what car model and price range you are looking at.

Do your research

Once you have defined your budget and needs, it’s time to do a little research. Learn as much information about the vehicle you are shopping for to give you the bargaining edge. Consider several vehicles and research the features and accessories available.

Don’t forget hidden costs

The price tag doesn’t necessarily cover everything you have to pay! Be wary of stamp duty, drive away price and extras. If the price on the advertisement is just under your budget, make sure you ask about what the total will be at the end of the day.

Don’t get attached

When you do visit the dealership, try not to get trapped into buying the first vehicle you see. Keep your list of needs and wants handy and take the time to inspect multiple vehicles. It is easy to get attached but to ensure you have made the right decision, it is vital you stay objective and clear about your budget and requirements.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

Once you have picked out a vehicle, don’t settle on the first price the dealer offers. Try to negotiate. It may seem a little intimidating at first, but negotiating can mean you save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and can sometimes result in getting a few extras thrown in the deal.

When visiting a dealership, dress well and act professionally. Be presentable and open to negotiations. Don’t get caught up and try to be objective. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on track to snagging a great deal!

If you are looking for a Brisbane car dealership that is transparent and fair with their prices and service, consider Bartons. Head online to find a dealership near you.

Barton Motors long standing staff member Maralyn has seen the growth of Bartons Holden and then in the year of 1992 the addition of Bartons Mitsubishi, Bartons Hyundai in 2012, and the recent addition of Bartons Subaru in 2013 as well as the addition of another Bartons site at Capalaba. Maralyn has done many roles at Bartons and is now responsible for the payroll which now has over 100 staff members.

The administration department always look forward to the December Main Event sale which this year will be held on the 6^th and 7^th of December. We like to assist our customers at Barton Motors when they arrive at the dealership to find one of our sales consultants who can help them with a purchase of a new or quality used car at Bartons Main Event Sale.

Our team at Wynnum and Capalaba in administration consist of many locally born and bred employees, however we also have an international flavour to add to the team with Joy born in South Africa she processes our banking and deals, Matthew born in New Zealand who is our young Assistant Accountant, Craig born in Swaziland our Financial Controller and Rachel born in England our helpful receptionist.

Our administration staff purchase and enjoy driving the products that we sell at Barton Motors. Maralyn our payroll officer has a Holden Commodore which she loves to drive, Matthew our assistant accountant drives a Mitsubishi Lancer, Sue who is the executive assistant to the Dealer Principal and all of her family have purchased used cars from Barton Motors, Rachel our receptionist enjoys her XV Subaru as it is compact with style and versatility, and Craig is a big fan of having a car with horse power and has a Holden VF Commodore SS Sportswagon, even with the V8 motor he is impressed with the fuel economy. Jenny our stock controller who sources cars for our customers has purchased a new Hyundai Sante Fe, which she and her family agree is great for long trips to visit her family in Townsville.

All of the administration team are happy and confident to recommend the vehicles we sell to family and friends, and we as a team get enjoyment when our friends and family purchase their vehicles at Barton Motors as we know they are looked after in the same fashion our customers are treated. We as a team take great pride in our meetings each week discussing the enjoyable experiences of our customers, friend and family that have had a great experience at our dealership.

 Jenny’s mother purchased a Hyundai from Bartons, Craig’s brother a Doctor at the Prince Charles hospital absolutely loves his Subaru Outback that he purchased,  just to let you know of some of the good stories of family purchases of vehicles at Barton Motors, there are so many more that we could list.

We enjoy the contact with our customer and love to hear the enjoyment they experience when dealing with Bartons.