AI WORLD HQResearch big purchases using Perplexity's source-backed answers
Make confident decisions on expensive items like cars or appliances by getting quick, reliable pros and cons directly from verifiable sources with Perplexity.
Planning a big purchase, like a new car, a large appliance, or a holiday? It can be overwhelming to sift through endless information. This guide will show you how to use Perplexity, an AI assistant, to quickly gather balanced pros and cons, backed by actual web sources, helping you make smarter choices.
💡 Tip: tap a step’s number when you finish it — a green tick appears and your browser remembers how far you got.
- An internet-connected device (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
- Access to the Perplexity website (perplexity.ai) or the Perplexity app.
- A free Perplexity account (optional, but recommended for saving past searches).
- Rough total time: 5-10 minutes for your first research task.
Open Perplexity
Start by opening Perplexity on your device, which is your gateway to its smart search capabilities. Perplexity is an AI assistant – think of it like a super-smart research assistant that can understand your questions and find information.
WHAT YOU SEE: You'll see a clean interface, usually with a prominent search bar in the centre that says "Ask anything..." or "What do you want to know?". WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The page loads, ready for you to type your question. IF IT LOOKS DIFFERENT: If you're using the app, the layout might be slightly more compact, but the "Ask anything..." search bar will still be the main feature. If you're prompted to create an account, you can usually skip this for now or sign up with your Google or Apple ID. You'll know it worked when you see the main search bar clearly visible and ready for your input.
Ask your research question
Now it's time to tell Perplexity what you want to research about your big purchase. Being specific helps the AI assistant understand your needs better. This instruction you give is called a prompt.
WHAT YOU SEE: The cursor blinking in the "Ask anything..." search bar. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: As you type, the text appears in the search bar. After you've finished typing, you'll press the 'Enter' key on your keyboard or tap the send button (often a paper aeroplane icon) next to the search bar. Perplexity will then start processing your request. IF IT LOOKS DIFFERENT: The send button might be labelled "Search" or just be an arrow icon.
You'll know it worked when the screen changes, showing a loading animation or message as Perplexity begins to generate an answer.
Review the summary and initial sources
Once Perplexity has processed your question, it will present you with a concise summary of the pros and cons, along with numbered sources. Think of these sources as footnotes in a book – they show you exactly where the information came from on the internet, which is key for verifying facts.
WHAT YOU SEE: A clear, organised answer broken down into pros and cons, often with bullet points. Below the main answer, you'll see a section labelled "Sources" or "References," featuring numbered links. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The answer appears quite quickly, giving you an immediate overview. Perplexity automatically tries to provide a balanced perspective. IF IT LOOKS DIFFERENT: Sometimes, if your question is very broad, Perplexity might ask a clarifying question before giving a full answer. Just respond to its question in the chat box to refine your request. You'll know it worked when a written answer appears on your screen, complete with a list of numbered websites it used.
Dive into the details by checking sources
One of Perplexity's greatest strengths is its transparency. You can click on any of the numbered sources to go directly to the original website where the information was found. This is how you can verify facts and get more detailed context.
WHAT YOU SEE: The numbered sources listed below the answer. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: When you click a numbered link, a new tab or window will open in your web browser, taking you to the specific web page Perplexity used. You can then read the original article, blog post, or product review to understand the full context. IF IT LOOKS DIFFERENT: On the mobile app, clicking a source might open an in-app browser window instead of a new tab. Look for an 'X' or 'Done' button to close it and return to Perplexity. You'll know it worked when a new browser tab opens, displaying the full content of the website that Perplexity cited.
Refine your research with follow-up questions
If the first answer wasn't quite what you needed, or if you have more specific questions after checking the sources, you can ask follow-up questions. This helps you dig deeper without starting a whole new search.
WHAT YOU SEE: Below the initial answer, you'll typically find a new input box labelled "Ask a follow-up" or "Continue the conversation," and often a section with "Related Questions" suggested by Perplexity. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Type your next question into the follow-up box. Perplexity will use the context of your previous conversation to provide a more targeted answer. For example, if you asked about electric cars, you could then ask, "What are the common battery warranty periods?" IF IT LOOKS DIFFERENT: The "Related Questions" might not always appear, or their position could vary. Just focus on the new input box to continue your chat.
You'll know it worked when Perplexity provides a new answer that builds on your previous conversation, often referring back to what's already been discussed.
- Asking questions that are too vague: If you just ask "Should I buy a new fridge?", Perplexity won't know what kind of fridge, what your budget is, or what features you need.
- Fix: Add details! Instead, ask
What are the pros and cons of buying a French door fridge versus a top freezer fridge for a family of four?
- Fix: Add details! Instead, ask
- Not checking the sources: While Perplexity is excellent, it's an AI and can sometimes misinterpret information. Relying solely on the summary without looking at the original articles can lead to incomplete understanding.
- Fix: Make it a habit to click on at least one or two sources for each major point in the summary. This helps you build trust and get the full picture.
- Expecting personal advice: Perplexity provides information, but it doesn't know your specific financial situation, preferences, or personal needs. It can't tell you what you should do.
- Fix: Use Perplexity to gather facts and different perspectives, then use that information to make your own informed decision. For example, it can list pros and cons of a solar system, but it can't tell you if it's right for your specific roof or energy usage.
Think of a large purchase you've made recently or are considering. Open Perplexity (perplexity.ai) and type a simple question like What are the pros and cons of owning a [type of item] in [your region]? For example, What are the pros and cons of owning an electric BBQ in Brisbane? See what information it provides and try clicking on one of the sources.
❓ Quick questions
How long does this take?
About 6 minutes — the guide has 5 steps, and you can tick each one off as you go.
Which tool do I need?
This guide uses Perplexity AI Perplexity — but the approach works very similarly in other AI assistants.
Do I need to prepare anything?
- An internet-connected device (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
- Access to the Perplexity website (perplexity.ai) or the Perplexity app.
- A free Perplexity account (optional, but recommended for saving past searches).
- Rough total time: 5-10 minutes for your first research task.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Asking questions that are too vague: If you just ask "Should I buy a new fridge?", Perplexity won't know what kind of fridge, what your budget is, or what features you need.
- Fix: Add details! Instead, ask
What are the pros and cons of buying a French door fridge versus a top freezer fridge for a family of four?
- Fix: Add details! Instead, ask
- Not checking the sources: While Perplexity is excellent, it's an AI and can sometimes misinterpret information. Relying solely on the summary without looking at the original articles can lead to incomplete understanding.
- Fix: Make it a habit to click on at least one or two sources for each major point in the summary. This helps you build trust and get the full picture.
- Expecting personal advice: Perplexity provides information, but it doesn't know your specific financial situation, preferences, or personal needs. It can't tell you what you should do.
- Fix: Use Perplexity to gather facts and different perspectives, then use that information to make your own informed decision. For example, it can list pros and cons of a solar system, but it can't tell you if it's right for your specific roof or energy usage.
Keep reading
📬 The week’s AI, in your inbox
One friendly email every Sunday — the 5 stories that mattered, in plain English. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
✦ Original step-by-step guide by AI World HQ's AI editorial team. Written in plain language, reviewed for accuracy.
← Back to all stories