7 things car owner has to follow to be a selective reader on car articles

Articles were written about cars typically present information about why or why not readers should consider a featured model.

An automotive piece gives real value to what car owners really need if it goes beyond what the spec sheet says, weighing both the car’s virtues and faults in order to help readers make an informed decision regarding the model in question.

We get to know about cars by reading

Car owners might not have the time to digest every specification on the car, leading them to filter out information that is irrelevant or brings no real value.

A car article shouldn’t merely mirror what a dealership brochure or press release says; the article has the responsibility to present unique perspectives or insights that readers can use in deciding for or against a purchase.  

An ideal car article will typically report on the following aspects, in no particular order of importance:

1. Description of the unit’s specifications

Searching for a car is really no different from shopping for clothes, shoes or personal accessories; prospective owners have needs that they want to fulfill, and the first step is knowing the vehicle’s specifications.

Enumerating the tangibles that the car has to offer, from the measurements to the standard features and amenities gives a potential car owner a good idea of what to expect.

2. How much it costs compared to similar units

The price of a car is just a number by itself but becomes a lot more once you compare it to a competing model, especially considering which now brings more features to the table for the amount that someone is willing to pay. Directly comparing two options will enlighten readers on the options that are available to them.

Directly comparing two options will enlighten readers on the options that are available to them

>>> For future car buyers: 6 things you need to know about dealer's invoice.

3. How the car holds up over the long-term

Cars come several sizes, models, and trims, and all these dictate how much the car will cost to acquire. More than the sticker price, however, is the kind of value that the car delivers as you go through years of ownership with it.

Do the car’s design, amenities and performance justify the asking price? Does it deliver a fulfilling driving experience? How often do certain parts fail, if at all? How is the after-sales service? Does it have a comprehensive warranty?  

4. Reliability and customer satisfaction record

It’s easy for car brands to look and sound like they’re the best choice in the market; after all, advertising is one of their aces in a hotly-contested market. But a car article needs to look beyond the glitter and the glamor.

An automaker might look prestigious or accomplished on paper, but does that image readily translate into customer satisfaction? If that brand has its share of complaints regarding their products, how they address those concerns will determine whether not the reputation they boast of is well-deserved. 

>>> Check out: Top 10 car brand with best customer service in the Philippines.

5. What category it fits in

Car buyers can easily tell the difference between a sedan, a hatchback and a truck. When it comes to finer distinctions, such as separating a hatchback from a station wagon, or a crossover from an SUV, things might get a little more confusing.

Car buyers can easily tell the difference between a sedan, a hatchback and a truck

Price is the main factor used by car owners since they typically operate on a budget, but being unable to determine a car’s category might cause them to unknowingly go for a model that omits certain features they actually needed to begin with.

6. Resale value

Even before they get to drive a new car off the showroom floor, car owners are already debating with each other about resale value, or how much they can recoup from the price they paid for it after a given period of time. Some brands hold their value very well despite years of ownership, whether through reputation, reliability, or sheer numbers on the road.

Other brands might see their value suffer in a relatively short span of time, probably due to an issue that was not satisfactorily addressed or even repeated over several instances.

>>> You might be interested: 6 easy steps to buy a car online.

7. Model updates

The nature of consumers buying goods is that they are perennially looking at the next wave, even though their purchase is already the latest or the most advanced at the time they fork over their hard-earned cash.

To spend on a particular model, only to find out a month or two later that a refreshed model is coming out with added features and only a slight price increase, is enough to trigger buyer’s remorse.

You also need to read more about model updates if you are interested in buying cars

A car article that takes note of such trends throughout the history of the model or the brand can somehow give prospective car buyers a heads up, leading them to decide if they want a particular car now or are they willing to hold off just a little while longer.

The specialized knowledge that car articles deliver should be substantive, based on experience and relevant to what car owners need to know.

In this regard, Philkotse.com offers a wide selection of articles that showcase reviews and value-packed tips on car ownership. Whether you’re shopping around for a brand-new car or a pre-owned machine, we hope to help you make the most out of your car ownership.