How to Select a New Car

Buying a new car may seem simple at first, but there are many considerations you should make before deciding on a purchase. Buying a new car is a major investment, and with so many new cars on the market each year, trying to choose the correct vehicle for your needs could be quite daunting if you do not take a systematic approach to choosing the correct vehicle. Making a check list before getting to the car lot can help you make an educated decision.

Instructions

1

Consider how much money you have available to spend on a new car. Research how much you will have to pay for insurance, and what the costs for running and servicing the car will be, not just the sticker price.

2

Find the current car-buying guides from the manufacturers you are interested in; think about what kind of driving you will be doing with the car -- whether the car needs to run for long mileage, or you will just use it for short trips. Long and short trips mean different gas mileage requirements, especially if you will do inner-city driving. If the car will be used for long trips, it is important to choose a vehicle that is comfortable to sit in for long periods. Think about storage space in the car: Determine how many passengers you will have in the vehicle, on average. If you have kids, take them with you to see if they fit in the vehicle comfortably.

3

Look for suitable loans and financing for your new car. Approaching a car sale while knowing the financing available can help you get the best deal possible.

4

Look at what options are available with the car (audio players, air conditioning, seats, interiors and color options). When choosing a color, keep the resale value of the vehicle in mind. If you like a color that is quite individual, such as a bright pink or an off-color orange, think about who will want to buy a car in that color. An unpopular color choice can reduce the car's reselling value, and thus your ability to sell it.

5

Take the car for a test drive before choosing a specific model. Look inside the trunk to make sure there is enough room to fit your purposes. Sit in the passenger seats to make sure they are comfortable, if no one is with you. Adjust the seats according to your body and check that all the controls are within comfortable reach. When driving, get a good feel for the handling of the car. Think about the seasonal conditions you will be driving in. Spend as much time as you need driving the car; do not be pressured to buy anything before you are ready.