We’ve put together 5 tips for owning and loving that next European car

When you think of European cars, class, style and outstanding performance first come to mind. European car manufacturers have built a solid reputation when it comes to innovative engineering, unmatched quality and exceptional road handling ability.

Known for their sophistication but also their safety features and functionality, many European manufacturers offer a range of premium features that come standard. Enhanced safety, technological integration and driver assistance are accessible to anyone looking for a brand-new vehicle, rather than optional extras.

If you’re buying your first or next European car and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. There are many options from a variety of manufacturers, but how do you choose the right one for you?

Here’s 5 things you should be doing before you buy a European vehicle:

Warranty details are key

Before choosing your next European car, understanding the ins and outs of the new car warranty and any extended warranty options available to you, is important.

The availability and cost of parts, as well as the specialised skills and tools required to fix them due to their advanced technology, all add to the maintenance costs.

Know your options and what is covered from the start.

Ownership costs

Consider the whole life cost of the car. This is the total cost you will potentially incur over the life of the vehicle, including operating costs.

Once the warranty expires, what sort of maintenance costs are you looking at? What does the extended warranty cover and for how long? If your vehicle breaks down, are parts readily available? How fuel efficient is the vehicle?

Performance variants can tend to require replacement of components, like brake discs and timing belts, earlier than other types of vehicles. Find out more about what costs will be involved when it comes to wear and tear.

All of these costs add to the total cost of ownership of the vehicle, which is what you should be aware of before purchasing a European car. 

Research the second-hand value 

If you’re not going to be holding onto your vehicle forever, then it’s worth doing some research on the resale value of the vehicle you’re thinking of purchasing. Jump onto carsales.com.au and do some digging to see how your car, or a similar model, is currently faring on the used-car market.

You certainly can’t predict what your vehicle will be worth in 3 or 5 years. Knowing more about the market now will give you an indicator in regards to future resale performance.

Speak to experts

You may be a European car enthusiast, but there’s no one that knows more about European cars than the person that services or fixes them. Your mechanic will deal with anything from routine services to manufacturer faults, and everything in-between.

The Auto Studio team have been in the motor industry for nearly three decades; the team know European cars inside out. If you have questions, need advice or require clarification about your next European car purchase, then get in touch. 

Arrange a Pre-Purchase Inspection

If you want total piece of mind about your vehicle of choice, then book an Auto Studio Pre-Purchase Inspection. An experienced team member will conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and provide you with a detailed condition report.

European cars are well worth the price tag; their unrivalled quality, elegance and capabilities make them tempting to many an Aussie driver. Before you take the plunge and purchase your next European car, do some research and speak to an expert. 

Get all of your European car queries answered here.