How to buy a Car?

To make sure you buy a new car that fits your needs, start by answering these 10 questions:

1. Do I prefer a domestic or an import brand? Does it matter?

2. Do I need (or just want) a large new car, a medium-sized new car -- or a small one?

3. Do I need (or just want) a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or some sort of all-wheel-drive/4x4 system?

4. Do I prefer a soft ride, a firm, "sporty" ride -- or something in-between?

5. How important is power/performance? Do I need (or just want) a new car that can do 150 mph?

6. Do I need (or just want) a vehicle that can carry cargo? How much?

7. What kind of gas mileage is acceptable -- and what's not? Is my personal "tipping point" at least 28 mpg -- or is 16 mpg OK if the car otherwise meets my needs?

8. How about safety? Are crash-test scores very important? The presence (or absence) of features like side-curtain air bags, stability control and brake assist?

9. What level of warranty coverage meets my expectations? Is three years/36,000 miles enough? Or is the minimum five years/50,000 miles?

10. Is resale/trade-in value a big consideration? Some brands hold their value much better than others.
Your answers to the above will automatically exclude a number of makes/models, narrowing your pool of possible candidates considerably. Now the biggest question:

11. How much do you want to spend?
Never, ever plan to buy a new car without thoroughly figuring out beforehand the maximum amount of money you're comfortable spending -- and stick to it. This will keep you on budget and help you dodge the "low monthly payment" shuck and jive that often gets unsuspecting new car buyers in way over their heads. Be sure to include everything in the bottom line, too. That means finance charges, interest, taxes, insurance, everything you will need to spend to own and drive the car.