How to Choose a Car Model & Make
Aside from purchasing a home, buying a car will likely be one of the biggest financial decisions you make. In addition to price, you also have to consider the make and model. There are several factors you may want to keep in mind as you go through this process.
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Instructions
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Evaluate your family's needs. This can help you narrow down the type of vehicle you'll ultimately buy. Do you have a large family? Then a van or minivan might be right for you. If you do a lot of off-roading, a 4x4 or SUV might be the right choice. If the vehicle will be used mostly for your daily commute, you might want to look into a fuel-efficient model.
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Research different brands. Websites like Consumer Reports and Forbes put out lists annually ranking the top brands and models in different categories. For the 2010 model year, Consumer Reports and Forbes ranked Toyota as the best brand according to consumers. Information such as this can help you learn more about how other drivers and industry analysts feel about the vehicle in question.
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Compare different vehicles. For example, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima are all similar models made by different manufacturers. The website Edmunds.com has a tool that lets you pick multiple vehicles and compare them side by side.
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Decide on a price. Unlike grocery and department stores, the prices listed on a car lot are highly negotiable. Select a top price you are comfortable paying; this may affect your ultimate choice, as it is impossible for dealers to lower the prices of some vehicles (such as a luxury sports car) to the price range of a midsize sedan.
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Consider buying a used car. While you may not get a full manufacturer's warranty with a used vehicle, you will get a lower price than buying new. This can help you get the model you want without paying a price you don't. Keep in mind it may be difficult to find a used car for newer model years.
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Visit a dealership and take a few of your top vehicles for a test drive. You may like the way one model drives, but not another. You should never buy a vehicle without driving it first, as even different models under the same brand name may operate slightly differently.
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Check with a website like Kelley Blue Book to see if you are getting a good deal. Kelley Blue Book lists the recommended prices for new and used vehicles based on make, model and year.
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Follow your heart. Even if all the research says you should go with Model A, but you prefer driving Model B, pick Model B. You are the person who will be driving the vehicle for years to come--not the researchers or other drivers--so it's most important that you like the vehicle.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask about warranty options with your vehicle at the time of purchase. Different brands offer different levels of vehicle warranties. Some brands even will sell you an extended warranty on a used vehicle.
Ask friends and family for their recommendations. While you don't have to take their advice, it can be helpful to hear information on a vehicle from an individual who has driven it for years.
Make sure you know who you are buying from. While you may get a better price from an individual seller, you will have more legal rights in case of a problem when buying from an authorized dealer.
References
- Photo Credit Red cars image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
