To aid you in your search for your next vehicle, Finder has launched car reviews – but they are reviews with a difference. In a Finder car review, you will find a comprehensive and unbiased analysis of the features of the vehicle, plus a unique Finder Score which is calculated by aggregating expert car reviewer's scores.
How do Finder car reviews work?
We've created our car review with comparison in mind. You'll find out about a vehicle's features and be able to compare these with other similar vehicles. The points of comparison we use are boot space, the ANCAP rating, price and the Finder Score.
We also scour the Internet to bring together a few features from more traditional car reviews. You'll find the rating and a quote from CarAdvice, WhichCar, Cars Guide, Motoring and Car Showroom. Basically, it's a snapshot review of the vehicle with expert opinions in one place.
What is the Finder Score? The Finder Score is an aggregate of the ratings of the vehicle given by a range of expert car reviews. On the Finder car review page you will be able to see each individual rating as well as the Finder Score to help you make your decision.
Read our car reviews
How can I use Finder’s car reviews to compare cars?
Finder’s car reviews are designed to make it as simple as possible for you to compare car models in a particular category, such as hatchbacks or medium SUVs.
Each review is headlined by a Finder Score – this score is an aggregate of expert ratings for each car, sourced from respected reviewers across multiple motoring websites. Rather than spending hours searching for the latest car reviews and ratings across the World Wide Web, Finder car reviews combine all the essential information you need in one place and make it simple to do a quick comparison.
Every Finder car review also features an in-depth look at the crucial features of each model, including:
Price
Variants available
Engine and transmission
Performance and fuel consumption
Handling
Exterior styling
Interior inclusions
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating and included safety technologies
By compiling information featured in a selection of reviews from a range of respected motoring advice websites, we generate a comprehensive picture of how each car was received by the critics. You can then use Finder car reviews to help you make an informed choice when buying your next vehicle.
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Quick car guide: What types of car are there?
Looking for a new car but don’t know which type of vehicle to choose? Check which of the following options is the best fit for your needs:
Hatchbacks. A small passenger car with a large boot, the hatchback features a rear door that opens upwards so you can access the cargo area. There’s a huge range of hatchbacks available to new-car buyers and this type of car is extremely popular with families, couples and singles.
Sedans. Sedans are passenger vehicles where the roof drops down to meet the boot. Unlike a hatchback, the boot in a sedan is separate from the passenger cabin. Sedans are also a popular choice with families, providing more space and often more engine power than hatchbacks.
SUVs. SUV stands for sports utility vehicle, and these cars have developed from what used to be called four-wheel drives. Known to be versatile vehicles, SUVs are available in small, medium and large sizes, and come in 2WD or 4WD. Sought after for their ability to feel equally at home in the city or even doing some light off-road driving, SUVs are a popular choice with families.
People movers. Prized for their practicality, people movers allow you to transport seven people or more in relative comfort. If you’ve got a large extended family or you frequently need to transport your kids and their friends, a people mover could be a sensible choice.
Utes. More formally known as a utility, a ute is a vehicle that features the passenger cab area at the front and a cargo tray at the back. Available in 4x2 or 4x4 variants, utes are also available in three cab types – single cab, dual cab and extra cab. Tradies and farmers love utes for their rugged versatility, but they’re also becoming increasingly popular for anyone who want a vehicle that can double as a day-to-day commuter and something to help them escape the city on the weekends.
Coupes. Coupes are shorter than sedans, feature a fixed roof and usually have two doors. Coupes are usually high-powered sports or luxury vehicles, which makes them popular with keen drivers, while the lack of interior space means they’re usually only suited to singles and couples.
Convertibles. Convertibles are cars with folding or detachable roofs, allowing them to be converted from enclosed to open-air mode. These types of vehicles are usually sports cars and are popular with driving enthusiasts.
How should you choose a car?
There are several factors you should consider when choosing a car, such as:
Your needs. Take some time to think about exactly what you want in a vehicle. How many people do you need to transport? How important is cargo space? Petrol or diesel? Sedan, hatchback or SUV? What safety tech do you want? By putting together a wish list of everything you must have, you’ll develop a much clearer picture of the type of car you want.
Your budget. Price will always be a critical factor for most buyers, so you’ll need to work out exactly how much you can afford to pay for your next set of wheels. If you need finance, you can compare your car loan options here.
How it performs on the road. How does the car handle on the road? Is it well suited to the type of driving you’re most likely to do? Does the engine have enough grunt? Does it have any shortcomings? Take a thorough test drive and read plenty of reviews to find the answers to these questions.
How much it costs to run. The price tag on a car is only one part of the cost of car ownership; you also need to consider ongoing expenses like fuel, rego, insurance and servicing. Check the car’s fuel efficiency figures, get insurance quotes and find out how much it costs to service.
Its warranty. Check with the manufacturer to find out how many years/how many kilometres are covered by their warranty. Many car companies now also offer capped-price servicing schemes on new cars, allowing you to work out the cost of maintaining your vehicle in the years to come.
Its reputation. Check with friends and family and have a look online to find out about any issues other owners have had with the same model. Have other owners experienced any major problems? Have any issues been fixed under warranty without hassle? Checking average resale values is also a good idea.
Mistakes people make when picking a car
Be careful not to fall into these common traps when buying a new car:
Focusing too much on price. Many buyers have a tendency to focus too much on “getting a good deal” or avoiding getting ripped off when shopping for a new car. Rather than obsessing about the price, the most important factor to consider is whether or not you’re buying a car that’s a perfect fit for your needs.
Getting talked into a bad deal on finance. Bad dealer finance deals are a common trap for car buyers, so it’s important to keep a cool head when assessing your finance options. Don’t feel pressured into accepting anything, make sure to read all terms and conditions closely and shop around for the best deal.
Not test driving multiple cars. The only way to work out whether a car is suited to your personal preferences is to take it for a thorough test drive. The only way to work out whether a particular model is the best choice is to test drive multiple vehicles and see which one you like best. Online research is very useful when buying a car but it will only get you so far.
Being afraid to say no. You’ve finally negotiated the dealer down to a great price on your car, but the haggling is a long way from being over. Now you need to prepare for the dealer to try and sell you a whole lot of extras, from window tinting and fabric care products to insurance, and worn-down buyers often find themselves pressured into accepting. Don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t want any of these extra-cost options.
Being afraid to walk away. Car dealers use all kinds of sales tactics and techniques to pressure you to buy. If anything doesn’t seem right about a deal, be willing to walk away. Not only is this a strong negotiating tool, but it’ll also ensure that you don’t end up with the wrong car.
Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.
Hiccup Car Rental Excess Insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited and offers up to $6,000 cover towards your car rental excess when your rental vehicle is stolen, damaged or involved in an accident.
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