Many people want to “go the extra mile” when it comes to buying their loved one something special for Christmas this year. Some will arrange a secret weekend away over the festive period, and others might opt to purchase expensive clothing or jewelry. However, those of you who plan to obtain a new automobile for your spouse will need to think carefully about your options. It isn’t as easy as going out and choosing the first appealing model you find. In fact, you have to perform a lot of research and read a lot of information before you can be confident of making the right selection. With a bit of luck, this article will help to point you in the right direction. 



Insurance costs

Insurance fees are one of the most important factors you need to bear in mind when it comes to selecting a new car this December. Nobody wants to wake up Christmas morning to a present that will leave them with less spare cash in the future. So, spend some time considering how much your spouse currently pays for their insurance cover. Then, look for an automobile in the same price range. Some excellent websites provide free comparison quotes in minutes these days. So, there’s no excuse for overlooking that issue. Selecting models with a small engine size is always a good idea. 



Purchase price of the vehicle 

New cars are never going to come cheap, and so you need to set an affordable budget straight away. There is no point viewing cars on the forecourt that are miles out of your price range. Again, you’ll find some fantastic advice articles with a simple Google search that could help to make the decision a little easier. At the end of the day, you can always opt for a loan or a finance deal depending on the state of your credit history. Experts like those at https://www.approvenow.com/ are always on hand to guide you through the process. So, it’s simple and hassle free if you don’t have enough money in the bank to pay for the purchase outright. 



Safety record

The last thing anyone wants to do is present their loved one with a car that will not keep them as safe as possible on the roads. We all know how many accidents happen each and every year in the US, so this is a serious issue. Luckily, the safety ratings of modern vehicles are easy to source. Non-profit organizations like those who run http://www.iihs.org are always your best bet. That is because you can guarantee the information they provide is accurate and unbiased. On the whole, most vehicles released after the year 2000 show a remarkable safety improvement compared to earlier cars. 

Look and style

No matter how surprised and appreciative your spouse might appear on Christmas morning, their heart will sink if they’ve got an ugly car. Beauty may well be in the eye of the beholder, but that doesn't mean you should invest in any old monstrosity. If you’re not a follower of fashion trends and you feel somewhat disconnected from the “in thing,” it’s time to perform more research. Ask your friends for their opinions, and make sure you speak to the dealer about which models are selling best this year. 

Size and functionality 

Those readers with large families shouldn’t buy their partner a sports car unless there is a larger vehicle available too. Like it or not, they still might have to take the children to school in the morning and commute to work. So, spend some time thinking about how they will use the model and select something appropriate. Two-seater editions are not the best idea unless your loved one travels light. Either that or the present is to be used at the weekend for fun rather than on a day to day basis. If you live in an area that suffers harsh winters, 4x4 models could become preferable. They aren't going to slide all over the road, and they’ll have no trouble getting your spouse from A to B regardless of the conditions. 



Fuel intake 

Many people in the world couldn't care less about the level of gas their cars consume. However, more and more Americans are beginning to consider their impact on the environment these days. So, taking a moment or two to look at potential fuel intake is a wise move. Everyone wants to leave a healthy and uncontaminated planet for their kids, and this is an issue that can make a real difference. If you’re somewhat of an eco-warrior, perhaps you’d like to browse through some of the new electric or hybrid models available? They will help to keep your conscience clear, and they’ll protect our environment at the same time. Everyone’s a winner!

Long-term value retention

Most new cars will lose thousands of dollars in value the moment you drive them off the dealer’s forecourt. However, some fare much better when it comes to long-term resale potential. While you don’t want your partner to sell the vehicle you’ve so lovingly chose anytime soon, it’s still wise to make sure you’re getting a good deal. There might come a time when you need to trade it in and upgrade, and that’s less costly if you can get a decent price. Again, just have a look around online and read some automobile blogs to learn about the models with the most potential. Failure to do that could mean you are throwing good money down the drain, and nobody wants to do that. 

So long as you follow the advice we’ve handed out today, your wife or husband should melt when they see their Christmas present this year. Just make sure you take a look around before you leave us today. There is a wealth of fantastic information on our site that could make a massive difference to the success of your auto purchase this year. Oh, and you better put your coffee down and get started right away because there isn’t long to go until the big day.