New or nearly new
A new car comes with the full warranty and a clear history. A low-mileage car may be more affordable, but part of its warranty has been used up and its service history needs checking against the documents.
Reviews
Reviews of the key decisions when buying a new car
Besides the body type, there are several more forks in the road before you buy: which gearbox, which engine, where the money comes from, what to add straight away. None of them has a single right answer — there are only your needs and habits. Here we set out the pros and limitations of each option.
A good buying decision is one you can still justify to yourself three years later, not the one that appealed to you in the showroom.
We review types of decision, not brands or models: there are no rankings, prices, finance terms or recommendations of particular sellers here. Compare the options against your own circumstances — annual mileage, where the car is kept and your budget for running it.
Decisions before you buy
Five decisions almost every new-car buyer has to make.
Manual or automatic
A manual gearbox is mechanically simpler and gives more control, but becomes tiring in heavy city traffic. Automatic transmissions come in different types, each with its own servicing requirements — check the schedule.
Petrol, hybrid or electric
A petrol engine is familiar and does not depend on charging infrastructure. A hybrid is more economical in town but more complex. An electric car needs convenient charging at home or at work, and you should allow for how the battery behaves in freezing weather.
Finance or savings
Paying from savings creates no debt but delays the purchase. Finance lets you buy straight away, but adds obligations and sometimes insurance requirements — look at the total cost and terms, not just the monthly payment.
Extras from the seller or later
Having extras fitted at the showroom is convenient and sometimes comes with a warranty on the work. Later, you can compare options at leisure. Either way, make sure the installation does not affect the car's warranty terms.
Catalogue of articles in English
This section will feature standalone articles written specifically for English-speaking readers. Each one is prepared separately for this language version and is not a translation of the Russian material.
- GTA 6 Player Resources and Community Guide: Player FAQ
A GTA 6 player FAQ: what Rockstar has confirmed, where official news appears, how to read community sources, and which details are still speculation.
- Aion 2 transcendence: Beginner-Friendly Explanation
A beginner's look at the Aion 2 transcendence topic: what is confirmed, how to verify it in game, how it relates to dungeons, and account safety rules.
- Exploring Call of Duty campaign missions: Gaming Culture
How Call of Duty campaign missions fit into gaming culture: why players replay them, how they relate to multiplayer progression, and the risks of shortcuts.
- Diablo IV: Dungeons — Ecosystem Overview
A Diablo IV dungeons FAQ and checklist: how dungeons fit the game, what to prepare, where to verify details, and the rules around services and gold.
Coming soon from the editors
- Understanding the documents you receive when you collect a new car
- A new car's first winter: what to check before the cold sets in
- How to describe a defect to the seller clearly and in writing
- Keeping service records that support a warranty claim
Editorial rules
- Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
- Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
- We do not publish advertising for dealerships, car brands, banks or insurers, rankings, prices or reviews.
What to compare before buying
| Criterion | What to look at | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | The equipment list for the specific car, not the model in general | Specification annexed to the contract |
| Warranty | Duration, mileage, servicing conditions and exclusions | Manufacturer's warranty terms |
| Scheduled servicing | Intervals and scope of work | Service book |
| Fuel or energy consumption | Official figures and your real driving pattern | Owner's manual, test drive |
| Tyres | Size, season, permitted options | Plate on the body, owner's manual |
| Additional services | What is mandatory and what is optional | Contract and separate list of services |
Read next
- Body types
Saloon, hatchback, estate, crossover, MPV or pickup: which body type and class suit your journeys and your family.
- Buying
What to do before signing the contract, which add-ons you can turn down and how to take delivery of the car without rushing.
- First months
The first months with a new car: running-in by the manual, the service book, preparing for the first service and seasonal tyres.
Sources
- Russian Federation Law on Consumer Protection
- Vehicle owner's manual and service book (general provisions)
Information on laws and regulations reflects the versions in force when the material was prepared. Rules change over time, and every manufacturer sets its own warranty and service terms, so before any important decision check the current texts, your contract and your vehicle's documents.