Important Aspects to Choose a New Car

Buying a new car is one of the most expensive purchases most people make. Rising costs combined with an increasing need to commute make choosing the right vehicle important. You have to figure out how much you can spend, what you need to use your car for and what features are necessary. Then, you should research to decide what you want, the amount you will pay and what future resources will be available before you visit a dealership.

Costs

It's important to know how much you can spend before you begin looking at cars. If you fall in love with a car you can't afford, you may be disappointed with those that you can afford. Begin with the amount you can pay, subtract costs for insurance, title, registration, maintenance and financing charges, and research new cars in that price range. Look for car models that you can get parts and service for if necessary. It can be expensive or hard to find parts and services for many exotic, higher-priced or discontinued models. After you have done all your research and narrowed down your choices, check manufacturers' websites for promotions such as rebates, cash bonuses, low finance rates and discounts that can lower the price of your car. Visit dealers with a firm figure in mind.

Needs

To choose a new car, you have to figure out what you need to use your car for. If you have a large family, carry a lot of cargo or need to transport large items, you need a larger vehicle. Powerful engines are needed to tow or haul objects. Drivers who travel on dirt roads and across terrain with deep snow or mud need four-wheel-drive transmissions. Cars with good gas mileage are necessary for regular long commutes; if you can drive a stick shift, a car with standard transmission will get better gas mileage than one with automatic transmission. Advanced safety features are important to many families with children and those who have suffered serious accidents. The National Highway Safety Administration reports crash test results and ratings on new cars to consumer magazines, newspapers, news programs and Internet sites so you can compare the safety of new car models.

Features

Research the reliability of cars you're considering. Problems often show up in models the first year they are released. Engineers and technicians are able to adjust them in time for the following year's release, so you're better off waiting. Choose a body and an interior style that work for you. While you may like the way a sporty two-door looks, you'll find they are not convenient for hauling around small children, especially when the children are still in car seats. Find out what features come standard with the car and what ones you have to pay extra for. Warranties for new cars vary from a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty to a six-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and extended warranties can be purchased.