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Consider Your Needs and Budget
Before you set foot in any dealership, it's smart to have a good idea as to what you really need and want in your new vehicle and how much money you can realistically spend.
So first things first. Here are some things to consider:
1. What's important to you in a vehicle?
Think about which of these buying factors are important to you -- and then which are the most important:
- Styling -- the look and design of the vehicle
- Performance -- acceleration, speed, braking
- Utility -- cargo room, usefulness
- Safety -- structural integrity, crash test results
- Roominess -- driver and passenger seating
- Handling -- cornering, steering, braking
- Economy --- gas mileage, maintenance costs
- Price -- window sticker price, rebates
- Image -- what the car says about you
- Reliability -- reputation for quality
2. What kind of vehicle do you need and want?
Give some thought to these choices:
- Nationality of Origin -- the country where the vehicle is designed and built.
 LEARN MORE!
- Body Size -- sub-compact, compact, midsize, full-size. Also: performance cars, sports cars and light trucks.
- Body Style -- two door, four door, hatchback, station wagon, convertible, mini-van, full-size van, compact pick-up truck, full-size pick-up truck, sport utility vehicle.
- Engine Size -- The larger the engine, the more power you get. But with that, you also get less fuel economy, higher maintenance costs and, possibly, higher insurance rates.
- Drive Train -- two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive. LEARN MORE!
3. What equipment options do you want?
Consider these popular factory-installed options:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Power locks
- Tilt steering
- Cruise control
- Sunroof
- Sound system
Most options are sold in groups called "equipment packages". If you're buying or leasing a brand new vehicle, look for these packages listed on the vehicles' window stickers when you visit the dealerships. They're a much better buy than purchasing options separately.
And don't be concerned, at this point, if you can't yet decide all of the choices and considerations listed above. Merely giving them some thought puts you on the right road.
4. How much money can you realistically afford to spend?
Give some thought now as to how much you can afford to spend each month for your vehicle. In figuring your monthly payment budget, don't forget that you'll have additional expenses such as insurance, gas and maintenance -- so don't max out your budget on car payments. For example, if you can manage $250 each month for your car, consider buying a car in a somewhat lower price range so that you'll have that extra money available for those added expenses.
If you find yourself confused about monthly payments, down payments and other financing details, then be sure to talk with the Car Loan Officer at your local bank (you don't have to have an account to get this valuable free information) or credit union. They'll give you the straight answers you really need in a friendly, no-pressure environment.
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